Cat cafés in Japan are popular tourist spots. Learn about the cultural background, the do’s and don’ts, and 8 popular spots in Tokyo.
Summary
Cat cafés in Japan are popular tourist spots. Learn about the cultural background, the do’s and don’ts, and 8 popular spots in Tokyo. Picking the cat café you want to visit beforehand is highly recommended.
Cats and Japanese People
A cat café is a place where visitors can interact with cats. It originated in Taiwan in 1998, and the business instantly flourished in Japan after the first cat café in the country opened in Osaka in 2004. Today the estimated number of cat cafés nationwide is 200, with roughly 40-50 of them in Tokyo.
Japanese people and cats have a long history together. Cats have signified good fortune in Japanese folklore, and Japanese people have been living with them for more than a thousand years. There are famous cat-related landmarks throughout the country from the cat shrine that looks out for fishers in Tashirojima island near Sendai city, the cat island called Aoshima where the cat population is said to be larger than people, to the cat town called Yanaka in Tokyo where many stray cats roam around. Many Japanese people have a soft spot in their heart for cats.
With this cultural background, it is no surprise that cat cafés became popular in Japan immediately after the concept was introduced. Many individuals want to own a cat but for whatever reason cannot have them as pets. For example, many single Tokyo residents live in rental apartments, where tenants are often not allowed to own cats or other pets. Tokyo residents, therefore, go to cat cafés as a way of relieving stress from the hustle and bustle of every-day city life.
Japanese people and cats have a long history together. Cats have signified good fortune in Japanese folklore, and Japanese people have been living with them for more than a thousand years. There are famous cat-related landmarks throughout the country from the cat shrine that looks out for fishers in Tashirojima island near Sendai city, the cat island called Aoshima where the cat population is said to be larger than people, to the cat town called Yanaka in Tokyo where many stray cats roam around. Many Japanese people have a soft spot in their heart for cats.
With this cultural background, it is no surprise that cat cafés became popular in Japan immediately after the concept was introduced. Many individuals want to own a cat but for whatever reason cannot have them as pets. For example, many single Tokyo residents live in rental apartments, where tenants are often not allowed to own cats or other pets. Tokyo residents, therefore, go to cat cafés as a way of relieving stress from the hustle and bustle of every-day city life.
Cat Cafés In Japan
In recent years, cat cafés have become popular among international tourists too. Although there are cat cafés in different parts of the world, Japan’s cat cafés are one of the most unique and popular. What makes them different from the ones in the United States, for example, is the layout of the cafés. In the U.S, cat playpens and coffee bars must be separated due to the country’s food service regulations. Visitors in the U.S mingle with cats before or after their cup of coffee. In Japan, however, cats are allowed in the same space where food and drinks are served, making mingling with cats while drinking coffee possible. This may sound unhygienic, but the cat cafés in Japan are usually well maintained and clean.
Japan’s popular cat cafés have a home-like setting with great playpens for the cats and comfy seats for the people. After paying an entrance fee, visitors can buy treats to feed the cats, or try to play with them by using the cat toys in the room. Do note that for cat cafés to keep a safe and good environment for the cats, all cat cafés have certain rules, most of which are similar. Many don’t allow children under the age of 13 to enter. Many don’t allow cats to be picked up, as it could cause injury. Many ask visitors to wash and sanitize their hands before entering. Many ask visitors to take their shoes off before entering (wear socks- some cafés do not allow bare feet). Many also ask visitors not to feed the cats with food bought outside of the café, and many ask visitors not to take pictures with flash. Also remember that some places don’t take credit cards so bring cash with you.
Depending on the cat café, the price, rules, and atmosphere are all different so picking a place to visit beforehand is a good idea. Here we introduce 8 popular cat cafés in Tokyo.
Japan’s popular cat cafés have a home-like setting with great playpens for the cats and comfy seats for the people. After paying an entrance fee, visitors can buy treats to feed the cats, or try to play with them by using the cat toys in the room. Do note that for cat cafés to keep a safe and good environment for the cats, all cat cafés have certain rules, most of which are similar. Many don’t allow children under the age of 13 to enter. Many don’t allow cats to be picked up, as it could cause injury. Many ask visitors to wash and sanitize their hands before entering. Many ask visitors to take their shoes off before entering (wear socks- some cafés do not allow bare feet). Many also ask visitors not to feed the cats with food bought outside of the café, and many ask visitors not to take pictures with flash. Also remember that some places don’t take credit cards so bring cash with you.
Depending on the cat café, the price, rules, and atmosphere are all different so picking a place to visit beforehand is a good idea. Here we introduce 8 popular cat cafés in Tokyo.
The 8 Popular Cat Cafés of Tokyo
Here are 8 popular cat cafés in major areas of Tokyo. Details about every café (access, open hours etc) are under “Information” at the bottom of the article.
1. Cat Café MoCHA (Shibuya)
Cat Café MoCHA is a stylish cat café chain known for their chic interior. Cat Café MoCHA Shibuya is a spacious two-floor café, with a large selection of manga (Japanese comics) on the first floor. All the cats line up in one line during feeding time at 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM. Otherwise they are scattered about. Visitors are not allowed to pick up the cats, and children under the age of 13 are also not allowed. This is one of the most popular cat cafés in the city, and an easy place to stop by after watching the Shibuya Crossing.
2. Neko JaLaLa (Akihabara)
Located in the mecca of electronics, Neko JaLaLa’s has unique breeds such as Abyssinians and Maine Coons. It’s among the very few cat cafés that allow visitors to pick up the cats as long as they tell staff members beforehand. They also allow children younger than 4th grade to enter, but only for 30 minutes. It’s a small and cozy cat café that offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
3. Cat Café MoCHA (Harajuku)
Cat Café MoCHA Harajuku is located in the trendy streets of Tokyo, and their interior is designed to match the fancy atmosphere of the area. The system is the same as the café in Shibuya, and feeding times are also the same. Visitors are not allowed to pick up the cats, and children under the age of 13 are also not allowed.
1. Cat Café MoCHA (Shibuya)
Cat Café MoCHA is a stylish cat café chain known for their chic interior. Cat Café MoCHA Shibuya is a spacious two-floor café, with a large selection of manga (Japanese comics) on the first floor. All the cats line up in one line during feeding time at 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM. Otherwise they are scattered about. Visitors are not allowed to pick up the cats, and children under the age of 13 are also not allowed. This is one of the most popular cat cafés in the city, and an easy place to stop by after watching the Shibuya Crossing.
2. Neko JaLaLa (Akihabara)
Located in the mecca of electronics, Neko JaLaLa’s has unique breeds such as Abyssinians and Maine Coons. It’s among the very few cat cafés that allow visitors to pick up the cats as long as they tell staff members beforehand. They also allow children younger than 4th grade to enter, but only for 30 minutes. It’s a small and cozy cat café that offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
3. Cat Café MoCHA (Harajuku)
Cat Café MoCHA Harajuku is located in the trendy streets of Tokyo, and their interior is designed to match the fancy atmosphere of the area. The system is the same as the café in Shibuya, and feeding times are also the same. Visitors are not allowed to pick up the cats, and children under the age of 13 are also not allowed.
4. Cat Café Nyafe Melange (Ebisu)
Situated in the classy area of Tokyo is the Nyafe Melange, a cat café that offers free Wifi for all visitors. You therefore find some visitors typing away on their laptops. All visitors can walk in with their shoes, which is unusual for cat cafés. Sometimes this café holds workshops like “how to take photos of cats” and even has matchmaking events for cat lovers. It’s one of the rare places where visitors are allowed to pick up the cats. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed, and a guardian must accompany children over 13.
5. Cat Café Temari No Uchi (Kichijoji)
Located in the friendly suburbs of Tokyo, Cat Café Temari’s visitors say they felt like they walked into a picture book at this forest-themed cat café. Due to its popularity, it’s common for groups to make reservations beforehand for weekends (they are not too crowded in the mornings of weekdays). The cats are fed between 6PM and 7PM in a circle. Order a café latte and they’ll serve it with a cute latte art of a cat’s paw. Visitors are not allowed to pick up the cats. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed.
6. Cat Café Calico (Shinjuku)
Cat Café Calico is a two-floor café situated in the vibrant area of Tokyo, Shinjuku. There are over 50 cats at this café, all roaming around. Visitors can play video games and read manga. Visitors are not allowed to pick up cats and children under the age of 12 are not allowed.
Situated in the classy area of Tokyo is the Nyafe Melange, a cat café that offers free Wifi for all visitors. You therefore find some visitors typing away on their laptops. All visitors can walk in with their shoes, which is unusual for cat cafés. Sometimes this café holds workshops like “how to take photos of cats” and even has matchmaking events for cat lovers. It’s one of the rare places where visitors are allowed to pick up the cats. Children under the age of 13 are not allowed, and a guardian must accompany children over 13.
5. Cat Café Temari No Uchi (Kichijoji)
Located in the friendly suburbs of Tokyo, Cat Café Temari’s visitors say they felt like they walked into a picture book at this forest-themed cat café. Due to its popularity, it’s common for groups to make reservations beforehand for weekends (they are not too crowded in the mornings of weekdays). The cats are fed between 6PM and 7PM in a circle. Order a café latte and they’ll serve it with a cute latte art of a cat’s paw. Visitors are not allowed to pick up the cats. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed.
6. Cat Café Calico (Shinjuku)
Cat Café Calico is a two-floor café situated in the vibrant area of Tokyo, Shinjuku. There are over 50 cats at this café, all roaming around. Visitors can play video games and read manga. Visitors are not allowed to pick up cats and children under the age of 12 are not allowed.
7. Asakusa Nekoen (Asakusa)
Situated in the traditional area of Tokyo is Asakusa Koen, a cat café that’s a little different from others. It can’t really be called a café, because it’s basically a small living room with many cats, with a small selection of drinks available. All the cats there are rescue cats and the main purpose of this place is to find a home for every one of them. People looking to adopt, and visitors willing to support a great cause should visit this site. Call beforehand if you are going with children.
8. Cat Café MoCHA Shibuya Koen-dori (Shibuya)
Another Cat Café MoCHA shop just recently opened in Shibuya in Feb, 2019. The interior is stylish like the others, providing a relaxing environment for both cats and humans. Rules are the same as the other stores- no picking up cats and no children under 13 are allowed.
Cat Cafés are growing popular as a place to visit in Japan. Choose a place that best suits your interests and travel schedule, and enjoy the cat world in front of you.
Situated in the traditional area of Tokyo is Asakusa Koen, a cat café that’s a little different from others. It can’t really be called a café, because it’s basically a small living room with many cats, with a small selection of drinks available. All the cats there are rescue cats and the main purpose of this place is to find a home for every one of them. People looking to adopt, and visitors willing to support a great cause should visit this site. Call beforehand if you are going with children.
8. Cat Café MoCHA Shibuya Koen-dori (Shibuya)
Another Cat Café MoCHA shop just recently opened in Shibuya in Feb, 2019. The interior is stylish like the others, providing a relaxing environment for both cats and humans. Rules are the same as the other stores- no picking up cats and no children under 13 are allowed.
Cat Cafés are growing popular as a place to visit in Japan. Choose a place that best suits your interests and travel schedule, and enjoy the cat world in front of you.
Information
1. Cat Café MoCHA (Shibuya)
Access: 5-min walk from Shibuya Station
Address: Asortie Shibuya 8F 32-12 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-6455-3503
Open Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM (last entry: 9:30 PM )
Admission: 200 yen/ 10 min
URL: http://catmocha.jp/shibuya/
Access: 5-min walk from Shibuya Station
Address: Asortie Shibuya 8F 32-12 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-6455-3503
Open Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM (last entry: 9:30 PM )
Admission: 200 yen/ 10 min
URL: http://catmocha.jp/shibuya/
2. Neko JaLaLa (Akihabara)
Access: 10-min walk from Akihabara station.
Address: 1st Floor, 3-5-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-3258-2525
Open Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Admission: 550 yen/30 min
URL: http://www.nekojalala.com
Access: 10-min walk from Akihabara station.
Address: 1st Floor, 3-5-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-3258-2525
Open Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Admission: 550 yen/30 min
URL: http://www.nekojalala.com
3. Cat Café MoCHA (Harajuku)
Access: 1-min walk from Harajuku Station
Address: 4F Cross Avenue Harajuku, 1-14-25 Jingu-mae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-6477-2665
Open Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM
Admission: 200 yen/ 10 min
URL: http://www.catmocha.jp
Access: 1-min walk from Harajuku Station
Address: 4F Cross Avenue Harajuku, 1-14-25 Jingu-mae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-6477-2665
Open Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM
Admission: 200 yen/ 10 min
URL: http://www.catmocha.jp
4. Cat Café Nyafe Melange (Ebisu)
Access: 3-min walk from Ebisu station
Address: 3F Hitoshi Building, 1-7-13 Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-5449-4024
Open Hours: 12 PM to 8 PM (until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays)
Admission: 600 yen/ 30 min OR 1,000 yen/ 60 min on weekdays (700 yen/30 min OR 1,200 yen /60 min on weekends) *other plans are also available
URL: http://www.nyafe-melange.com/
Access: 3-min walk from Ebisu station
Address: 3F Hitoshi Building, 1-7-13 Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-5449-4024
Open Hours: 12 PM to 8 PM (until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays)
Admission: 600 yen/ 30 min OR 1,000 yen/ 60 min on weekdays (700 yen/30 min OR 1,200 yen /60 min on weekends) *other plans are also available
URL: http://www.nyafe-melange.com/
5. Cat Café Temari No Uchi (Kichijoji)
Access: 5-min walk from Kichijoji station.
Address: 3F-2-13-14 Honcho, Kichijoji, Musashino, Tokyo
Tel: +81-422-23-5503
Open Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM
Admission:1,200 yen on weekdays/ 1,600 yen on weekends/ 700 yen after 7 PM to enter
URL: http://www.temarinoouchi.com/
Access: 5-min walk from Kichijoji station.
Address: 3F-2-13-14 Honcho, Kichijoji, Musashino, Tokyo
Tel: +81-422-23-5503
Open Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM
Admission:1,200 yen on weekdays/ 1,600 yen on weekends/ 700 yen after 7 PM to enter
URL: http://www.temarinoouchi.com/
6. Cat Café Calico (Shinjuku)
Access: 3-min walk from Shinjuku station
Address: 6F Fuji Bldg, 1-16-2, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3-6457-6387
Open Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Admission: 1,000 yen/ 1 hour
URL: http://catcafe.jp/
Access: 3-min walk from Shinjuku station
Address: 6F Fuji Bldg, 1-16-2, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 3-6457-6387
Open Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Admission: 1,000 yen/ 1 hour
URL: http://catcafe.jp/
7. Asakusa Nekoen (Asakusa)
Access: 6-10 min from Asakusa station.
Address: 6F Umamichi Myoukenya Building, 3-1-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-3876-3813
Open Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM
Admission: 800 yen/ hour *other plans available
URL: http://www.asakusanekoen.com/index_english.html
Access: 6-10 min from Asakusa station.
Address: 6F Umamichi Myoukenya Building, 3-1-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-3876-3813
Open Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM
Admission: 800 yen/ hour *other plans available
URL: http://www.asakusanekoen.com/index_english.html
8. Cat Café MoCHA Shibuya Koen-dori (Shibuya)
Access: 7-min walk from Shibuya station.
Address: 5F-1-16-3 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-6277-5745
Open Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Admission: 200 yen/ 10 min
URL: http://catmocha.jp/shibuyakoendori/
Access: 7-min walk from Shibuya station.
Address: 5F-1-16-3 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-6277-5745
Open Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Admission: 200 yen/ 10 min
URL: http://catmocha.jp/shibuyakoendori/
