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When you think of an animal café, Tokyo is probably one of the first places to come to mind for such an establishment, right? Originally getting their start in Taiwan, Japan took the idea of an animal café and ran with it. If you want to experience a slice of Japanese culture through an animal café, which are the best ones in Tokyo?
The following animal cafés are some of the most beloved and renowned in Tokyo:
- Cat Café Calico
- Cats Café Asakusa Nekoen
- Neko no Mise
- Micro Tea Cup Café
- Mame Shiba Inu Café
- Dog Heart
- Tokyo Snake Centre
- Hachu Café
- Kotori Café Kichijoji
- Castle of Owls
- Tori no Iru Café
- Bunny Café Moff Rell
- Mipig Café
- Sakuragaoka Café
- Hedgehog Café & Pet Store HARRY Harajuku
In this article, I will guide you through more than a dozen amazing animal cafés. Sure, you’ve got your standard cat cafés, but this list is going to go a whole lot deeper than that. Throughout Tokyo, you’ll also find animal cafés where you can interact with dogs, reptiles, hedgehogs, and plenty of other fun, four-legged creatures.
Cats
Cat Café Calico
Of course, I had to start with cat cafés, one of the most popular type of themed cafés in all of Tokyo. While I could write a whole article or two about the myriad of cat cafés in Tokyo alone, I won’t. Instead, I’ll keep it to just a couple.
The first one I recommend is Cat Café Calico. If you’re passing through Shinjuku, you’ll want to venture into this place. From the moment you enter the clean, appealing, brightly-lit café, you’ll see plenty of feline friends of all species. They sit and lounge just about anywhere, from the countless cat houses and towers to benches and tables.
While you’re free to pet the cats while you sip from the menu of beverages at Cat Café Calico, you do have to pay extra if you want to feed the kitties. You can choose the can of cat food you offer them and then watch them nosh. Just don’t get too attached!
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week
Contact info: 160-0021, Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome-16-2 | 81-3-6457-6387
Cats Café Asakusa Nekoen
In the Umamichi Myokenya Building, you’ll spot the Cats Café Asakusa Nekoen. The light-up sign advertising this cat café makes it hard to miss if you’re heading in the right direction. Once you head inside, you’ll see a small but cozy space dedicated to cats, cats, cats!
The felines have plenty of space to roam freely, which they very often do. When they’re not playing, eating, or getting petted, then they’re napping in one of many plush cat beds. Some of the felines here even wear little jackets or collars to make spending time around them that much more whimsical.
Like with the Cat Café Calico, you can also buy cat food to give to the kitties at Cat Café Asakusa Nekoen. This costs 150 yen each, and the establishment mentions the cans are available in limited quantities. Otherwise, you can get a can of beer with snacks for 400 yen or a bottled drink for 100 yen to whet your appetite during your visit.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week
Cost: 1,600 yen for three hours on weekdays; otherwise, the entrance fee is 800 yen for children and 900 yen for adults for the first hour, then 300 yen for every 30 minutes after that
Contact info: 111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 3 Chome-1-1, 6F | 81-3-3876-3813
Neko no Mise
Cat cafés began appearing throughout Japan in 2004, so Neko No Mise is considered an older establishment, having been around since 2005. Beside the cute animals, then, you also get the opportunity to take in a bit of Tokyo history when you visit this cat café.
There are as many as 14 felines in the café, although not all at once. You must have clean hands and wear no shoes (but do have socks on) when you arrive, which is standard for most Japanese animal cafés.
Admittedly, not all the cats are young bucks, but these cats, like Neko no Mise itself, have a history of more than 10 years at this point. Don’t worry though, as you’ll find younger kitties, too. While the cats will sleep or play while you visit, you can still pet most of them (although leave the sleeping ones alone). If you want to get some cat food to attract more kitties, that’s 300 yen. You can get drinks at the bar as desired for 350 yen.
Hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: 1,500 yen for two hours and 1,800 yen for three hours
Contact info: 194-0013 Tokyo, Machida, Haramachida, 1 Chome-2-9 | 81-42-722-0544
Dogs
Micro Tea Cup Café
Moving on to dogs now, one of the most renowned doggy cafés in Tokyo is undoubtedly the Micro Tea Cup Café. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t I talking about dogs here, not teacup pigs? Yes, I sure am.
The reason this establishment is called the Micro Tea Cup Café is because it’s dedicated to teeny-tiny dog breeds. From the mame Shiba Inu to toy poodles and every other mini pup in between, you’ll find them here. They’re handheld and adorable and yours to pet and play with when you come into the café.
Oh, and did I mention the most loved dog gets a distinction at the Micro Tea Cup Café? Yep, the café regularly does a poll known as the ADK118. It’s named after the AKB48, an idol group from nearby Akihabara. I mean, you’ll pick your favorite and that’ll be the winner in your eyes, but you can always officially vote for a puppy as well.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. six days a week, Tuesdays excluded
Cost: 1,300 yen for 30 minutes; if you want to stay longer, for every 30 minutes, you’ll pay 1,000 yen
Contact info: 101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda, Sotokanda 3-2-11
Mame Shiba Inu Café
Harajuku, one of the trendiest cities in the world, of course had to get in on the animal café trend. Theirs is dedicated to the Shiba Inu, a breed of dog from Japan. You can find this café on Takeshita Street, one of the busier streets in Harajuku, as it attracts a lot of tourists. Therefore, sometimes you can expect to have to wait around for a while to get in.
I promise it’ll be worth it once you finally are inside. Here, you’ll find smaller-than-usual Shibas, hence where the mame part of the café’s name comes in. The word translates to bean. These tiny dogs are easy enough to pet and maybe pick up and snuggle if you’re lucky.
When you pay your 880 yen (as an adult) to get in, you get a free drink for the cover charge. Given that you can get to this café from the Meiji Jingumae or Harajuku stations, it’s incredibly convenient to get here. Even if you only stay the 30 minutes (although you might want to extend that time if you can), you’re sure to have a great time.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Cost: 580 yen for children six to 12 years old, 880 yen for adults
Contact info: 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae 1-6-10 3F
Dog Heart
The third dog café in Tokyo I’d recommend is Dog Heart. If you’re familiar with Yoyogi Park (and you should be if you’ve read this blog), you’ll discover Dog Heart is minutes away by foot. If you roll into the area through Yoyogi Hachiman Station, you have to walk a bit further, but not enough to dissuade you from stopping in.
You might spend 30 minutes up to an hour here. Unlike the other dog cafés on this list thus far, Dog Heart does not specialize in any one type of breed specifically. Instead, you can find a range of dogs here, among them a golden retriever (who’s quite fuzzy and fluffy), beagles, toy poodles, and so much more. You’ll have to come by yourself to see all the dog breeds at Dog Heart!
If you have 300 yen, you can get 15 extra minutes and a drink for the money. You may keep adding on to your time, but it can get quite costly to do so. However, it’s easily understandable how you can lose track of an afternoon here. After all, Dog Heart lets you spend an hour with your favorite dog, “renting” them as you walk the pup around town.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week
Cost: 950 yen for a 30-minute stay, 1150 yen to stay for an hour, and 300 yen for every 15 minutes you add on
Contact info: 151-0063 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Tomigaya, 1 Chome-45-2 | 81-3-3469-4115
Reptiles
Tokyo Snake Centre
From adorable dogs to cold-blooded reptiles, it’s time to change tact yet again with this next group of animal cafés. Now, I’m focusing on reptile cafes, with Tokyo Snake Centre coming up first. Yes, this sounds more like a museum or zoo, but I promise you, it’s a café.
Established in 2015, the Tokyo Snake Centre admittedly is not for the faint of heart. Sure, you don’t ever have to touch a snake if you don’t want to, but they will be everywhere. For the most part, they’re behind glass, but other patrons will probably let the creatures slither and wrap around them.
Don’t worry, as none of the snakes are venomous (c’mon, this place does want to stay in business). Also, you’re taught exactly what to do and not to do when handling a snake. You’re not left unattended either. If you’re hungry or thirsty after your one-on-one snake experience, you can try the Tokyo Snake Centre’s cheese-curry bread, quiche, cakes, and drinks. They all come highly recommended.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. all seven days a week
Cost: 1,000 yen to get in and enjoy a drink; 540 yen if you want to hold the snakes
Contact info: 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 6 Chome-5-6 8F | 81-3-6427-9912
Hachu Café
If you like other reptiles besides snakes, the Hachu Café is the place to go. Here, you can enjoy the presence of a slew of creatures, among them lizards, turtles, chameleons, and iguanas. Yes, there are snakes, too, but they’re not the star of the show.
Like you can at any cat or dog café, you can pet these animals, pick them up, and hold them close. Sure, maybe the reptiles aren’t quite as cuddly, but that’s not their fault. They still appreciate warmth and affection, so don’t be shy!
When else will you have a chance to get up close and personal with unique reptiles? For that reason alone, I’d recommend you carve out some time in your itinerary to check out the Hachu Café for yourself. It’s a refreshing breath of air from the multitude of cat cafés around Tokyo.
Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. all seven days a week
Cost: 500+ yen
Contact Info: 180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 4 Chome-6-3 | 81-422-27-6798
Birds
Kotori Café Kichijoji
If you’re more of a bird lover, fret not, for there’s a café in Tokyo just for you. Actually, there are several, with one of the better ones Kotori Café Kichijoji. This café is actually located inside Kotori Café in Omotesando. If you’ve got the Ghibli Museum on your to-do list (yes, Ghibli as in Studio Ghibli), then you only have to venture across the street to get to Kotori Café Kichijoji.
Once you’re inside, you’ll be greeted by a cacophony of bird sounds. The creatures come in a rainbow of colors, as here you can find parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels, and finches. Now admittedly, unlike the other more hands-on cafés on this list, you cannot pet or touch the birds at Kotori Café Kichijoji. They’re behind glass watching you enjoy your coffee and maybe even a slice of cake.
The bird-themed décor and desserts (seriously, there’s a chocolate bird atop the cake served here…oh, and it’s presented in a wicker “cage” as well) plus the impressive array of bird-themed items you can buy won’t leave you missing the feathered friends much.
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. all seven days a week
Cost: 1620 yen or more
Contact info: 181-0013 Tokyo, Mitaka, Shimorenjaku, 1 Chome-14-7 | 81-422-29-9224
Castle of Owls
Of course, you’re not limited to parakeets and cockatiels if you want to see some birds in Tokyo. You will have to go elsewhere though, such as to the aptly-named Castle of Owls. You won’t be disappointed by how many owls you see here, and yes, this café is much more interactive! Score.
Founded in Harajuku in 2015, Bolt is the star owl at the Castle of Owls. He eats such things as quail meat (raw, might I add) and loves to sleep in a faux grass bed. That makes him quite unlike your average owl. He has a few other friends, such as Moggly the tawny owl and Burt the Aplomado falcon.
While it’s a bit of a steeper fee to get in compared to some other animal cafés throughout Tokyo, these are owls and other birds we’re talking about here, and some quite uncommon, too. Plus, for your money, you can touch or hold the birds and take pictures of them (or with them). You could even feed the owls if you don’t mind touching raw quail meat.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week
Cost: 1,500 yen for an hour
Contact info: Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 6-5-6, Sanbo Sogo Building 503 | 080-3732-0532
Tori no Iru Café
If you still can’t get enough of birds, then allow me to point you in the direction of the Tori no Iru Café. Located in Asakusa, the concept is the same as Kotori Café Kichijoji in that smaller birds abound. The main difference? This time, you can handle and pet them! Hooray. Oh, and there are owls, too.
Like many of the other animal cafés, you must have clean hands before you can get anywhere near the animals. At Tori no Iru Café, things are taken one step further, as you’re asked to wear a poncho. It’s not mandatory, but it will keep your clothes clean and dry, so I suggest you do it. Make sure you tread carefully as well so you don’t disturb any sleeping birdies.
A parrot room holds sun parakeets, gorgeous and expensive milky eagle-owls, eclectus parrots, toucans, hornbills, and a kookaburra. The birds will land all over you, including on your head, so prepare for that. You could even get some tiny bird bites, but hey, that’s all part of the experience, right?
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. all seven days a week
Cost: 1,500 yen for an hour and 300 yen for any 15-minute period after that
Contact info: 111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 1 Chome-12-8 B1F | 81-3-6802-8572
Rabbits
Bunny Café Moff Rell
If fluffy bunnies are your fave, then boy, do I have the café for you. It’s the Bunny Café Moff Rell. Located on the second floor of Saison Akihabara, this precious little café gives you the perfect opportunity to snuggle up with some sweet bunnies. You can even hang out with them in a playroom, of which there’s two to choose from. Up to three customers can get into a playroom at any given time, so make a beeline straight there if you want to be one of them.
Oh, and you get bunny food the minute you walk in at no extra cost to you. That’s pretty great. You do have to know how long you want to stay from the very beginning though, as you get no chance to add extra time like at some of the other cafés I’ve talked about. You also have to don a waterproof apron during your 30-minute or 60-minute stay.
If you run out of food, you can get more, but this time it will cost you 200 yen. You also get a soft drink or a coffee for the cover charge, but you’d have to pay more for another beverage. You do sip in another part of the café than the playroom.
Hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays
Cost: 1100 yen for up to 30 minutes, 1500 yen for an hour
Contact info: 101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4 Chome-8-3 | 81-3-3254-2323
Pigs
Mipig Café
Remember before how I talked about the Micro Tea Cup Café, which is a café dedicated to small dogs? Well, if you’ve been hankering for a pig café all this time, your wishes have finally been answered. Mipig Café is it. As of this year, there’s only a single location to enjoy, in the Meguro part of Tokyo. However, the establishment aims to open another café soon.
If you’ve found Takeshita-dori and Ometosando’s shops on your journey through Tokyo, then you’re close to Mipig Café. All the pigs here weigh 88 pounds or less, so while they’re not quite teacup pigs, they’re definitely miniatures. You’ll want to take them all home.
While Mipig Café is one of the cheaper animal cafés on this list, the staff does ask that you buy a drink with your admission. That’s okay, because anything that lets you spend more time petting these adorable mini pigs, you’ll do it. Should you want to feed them, you can buy piggy snacks for an additional fee.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. all seven days a week
Cost: 1,000 yen for 30 minutes
Contact info: 4 Chome-11-3, Meguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0063 | 81-3-6712-2011
Goats
Sakuragaoka Café
At first glance, you might wonder why the Sakuragaoka Café is on this list. Isn’t this just your everyday Tokyo café? Nope, not at all. It’s known for its two goats that entice visitors to come in and eat and drink to their heart’s content.
Now, you don’t get to pet the goats, but if you get a seat by the front, you can watch them, which is almost as good. I can promise that you’ll get a hearty meal here. Such menu offerings include pasta and pizza, red wine-stewed beef tongue for 1200 yen, and four-cheese gnocchi for 1150 yen.
If you’re thirsty, you can enjoy some house wine priced at 1600 yen. There’s great food and amazing animal company, and this café is open incredibly late almost every night of the week. You really can’t go wrong at the Sakuragaoka Café.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Sundays
Cost: 1150 yen to 5500 yen
Contact info: 150-0031 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sakuragaokacho, 23-3, 1F | 81-3-5728-3242
Hedgehogs
Hedgehog Café & Pet Store HARRY Harajuku
Whether you like hedgehogs because you grew up playing Sonic games or you had them as a household pet, you can get your hedgehog fix in Tokyo, too. Just book it to Hedgehog Café & Pet Store HARRY Harajuku.
The too-cute small hedgehogs here will have your heart swelling. They’re pygmy hedgehogs, which means they’re minis. These are the hedgehogs with the pink noses and the white spines. They’re domesticated animals and quite soothing to spend time around. If you’re worried about getting pricked, you’ll wear thick gloves during your whole hands-on experience.
And yes, that’s right, you get to hold the hedgehogs! The café has a wall-sized sign telling you exactly how to handle the adorable animals. From picking them up to holding them, you’ll make the hedgehogs comfortable and happy. In fact, it’s not unheard of for them to doze right off in your hands.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. all seven days a week
Cost: 1200 yen for an hour
Contact info: 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome-13-21 | 81-3-3404-1180
Conclusion
If you’re an animal lover traveling through Tokyo and missing your pets back home, you can still get some love from four-legged friends. In most of the animal cafés I listed in this article, you can pet, snuggle, and feed the creatures that live there.
Plus, sometimes these animals include those you don’t normally own as domesticated pets, such as hedgehogs, goats, and some reptiles. While you maybe can’t visit every café on this list during your trip to Tokyo, you have plenty of options for filling your itinerary with some sweet, wholesome fun.