Shinjuku's 3-D Cat Billboard: Tokyo's Cutest Urban Spectacle!

Possibly the cutest landmark in Tokyo! Get ready to be captivated by the 3D cat billboard in Shinjuku.

Get ready for an adorable dose of unexpected joy right in the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku district! The Shinjuku 3D Cat (新宿東口の猫) isn't a temple or a garden; it's a giant, incredibly lifelike calico cat that appears on a massive, curved LED billboard. This charming feline meows, stretches, naps, and bats playfully at passersby, creating a captivating 3D illusion that makes it feel like it's truly living inside the screen. It's a delightful, quirky, and utterly Instagrammable urban spectacle that proves Tokyo always has a surprise up its sleeve!

Getting There: Where is the 3d cat billboard?

Finding Tokyo's favourite feline is incredibly easy – it's practically part of Shinjuku Station itself!

• Nearest station: The billboard is located directly above the East Exit of Shinjuku Station (新宿駅), on the facade of the Cross Shinjuku Vision building. Shinjuku Station is a massive hub for multiple JR lines (Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line) and numerous Tokyo Metro and private subway lines. Just head for the East Exit, and look up!

• By taxi: A taxi can drop you off directly at the Shinjuku East Exit, putting you right where the action (or the cat) is.

• Accessibility: The viewing area is on the street level, making it generally accessible. However, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours, which might make navigating with strollers or wheelchairs a bit challenging.

  
  

Opening hours & best time to visit

Tokyo's 3D cat keeps pretty good hours, ready to entertain you most of the day and night!

• Opening hours: The 3D cat typically appears daily from around 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Its various animations repeat throughout this period, including special hourly segments.

• Best time to visit: 

  • Anytime! The cat performs its antics throughout the day, so you can pop by whenever you're in the Shinjuku area.

  • Evening/Night: Watching the cat against the backdrop of Shinjuku's glittering neon lights is particularly impressive and adds to the futuristic Tokyo vibe.

• Time to avoid: Shinjuku is the world's busiest train station. Peak rush hour (e.g., weekday evenings) can make the area around the station entrance very busy, which might make it harder to stop and watch comfortably.

Reservations & admission

Catching a glimpse of this digital darling is utterly straightforward!

• Reservations: No reservations are needed to watch the Shinjuku 3D Cat.

• Admission price: It's absolutely free to enjoy the show from the street!

• Payment method: No payment required – just bring your eyes and your camera!

What can you see & do at the Shinjuku 3D cat?

The Shinjuku 3D cat is all about enjoying a moment of modern urban art and playful surprise.

• Watch the cat's antics: The main event is simply standing back and watching the giant calico cat. It moves with surprising realism, stretching, blinking, meowing, and occasionally interacting with elements on the screen that create amazing 3D illusions. You might see it bat at a drone, chase a butterfly, or simply wake up from a nap.

• Capture the magic: This is a prime spot for photos and short videos! Record a few minutes to capture its different animations and movements, which often tell a mini-story. Don't forget to get some wide shots that include the surrounding Shinjuku buildings for context.

  
  

Japansophy’s Top Tips!

• Look for the angle: Experiment with your position slightly across the street to find the perfect spot where the 3D effect really pops.

• Take a video! Photos are great, but a short video truly captures the magic of its movements and makes for a more engaging share.

• Wait a minute: The cat has different animations and loops through various scenes. Give it a few minutes to see its full range of playful behaviour.

• Seasonal surprises: Keep an eye out for special seasonal or holiday-themed content – the cat sometimes dresses up or interacts with festive elements!

Facilities:

Since the 3D cat billboard is right at Shinjuku Station's East Exit, you're surrounded by endless amenities.

• Eating & drinking: You'll find countless restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores literally steps away.

• Toilets: Extensive, modern, and clean public restrooms are available within Shinjuku Station itself and in the numerous department stores and shopping complexes surrounding the East Exit.

• Baby-changing facilities: Baby-changing facilities and nursing rooms are widely available within Shinjuku Station and the large department stores in the vicinity.

  
  

Other Attractions Nearby:

The 3D cat is a fun stop within one of Tokyo's most dynamic districts, placing you within easy reach of more iconic sights.

• Kabukicho: Just a short walk away, this famous neon-lit entertainment district comes alive at night with restaurants, bars, arcades, and cinemas.

• Golden Gai: A wonderfully atmospheric district of tiny, quirky bars, perfect for a unique Tokyo nightlife experience.

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: For a complete change of pace, this expansive garden offers tranquil Japanese, French, and English landscapes.

  
  

Ready to experience Tokyo's mix of traditional charm and quirky modern delights? Our 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary guides you through the best of Shinjuku, including a visit to its famous 3D cat!