Shinjuku 3D Giant Cat Billboard

Tokyo · Cultural Experience

15–60 min

🚶 5 5 min walk from Shinjuku Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway)

Free

Insider Tip

Beyond its captivating animations, observe the intricate details: the cat is a rare male calico, and one of its black patches is subtly shaped like Shinjuku Ward, a design choice by Omnibus Japan. Additionally, its collar, crafted from braided cords, pays homage to traditional Japanese handicrafts, a detail easily overlooked amidst the vibrant Shinjuku streetscape.

JEMS Tip

For optimal viewing, target arrival at the Cross Shinjuku Vision a few minutes before the quarter-hour mark (e.g., 10:12, 10:27) to catch the full, longer animation sequence that runs every 15 minutes. JEMS recommends using the Central East Exit and turning left, which often provides a slightly less congested path directly to the base of the green stairs leading to the best viewing intersection.

About

Since its installation in 2021, the Shinjuku 3D Cat Billboard has become an internet sensation and an iconic urban landmark. This award-winning digital display features a hyper-realistic, rare male calico cat performing various lifelike animations, including pupil dilation and stretching, atop the Cross Shinjuku Vision screen. It's often seen as Shinjuku's playful answer to Shibuya's Hachikō, embodying the ward's unique character.

Crowd Avoidance

To avoid the densest crowds, visit on a weekday morning, ideally before 10:00 AM, or during the late evening after 9:00 PM when foot traffic around Shinjuku East Exit subsides considerably. Weekends and national holidays, especially in the afternoon, see peak crowds, making it difficult to secure an unobstructed view. Position yourself slightly across the intersection from the billboard for a full, clear perspective without being directly in the flow of pedestrian traffic.

Getting There

From Shinjuku Station's East Exit ticket gates, turn right and locate the green stairs leading towards Kabukichō; ascend these stairs and continue straight to the first intersection where the billboard is visible. Alternatively, exit from the Central East Exit, turn left, and follow the path to the same green stairs and intersection. The billboard is part of the Cross Shinjuku Vision.