Overview
Tokyo’s animal cafes are a fun way to take a break and hang out with animals you don’t usually see every day—owls, hedgehogs, even micro pigs or even the usual suspects of cats and dogs. Each café has its own vibe, and it’s a chill way to spend an hour or two, especially if you’re an animal lover exploring the city.
Commentary
Animal cafés in Japan are fun, but not without their fair share of debate. A quick search for "Japan + animal café + ethical" will show you plenty of opinions—some valid, some conflicting. These concerns have merit, but they’re not always black and white.
Some cafés may have questionable practices, which is why I tend to rely on customer reviews to help weed out the not-so-great ones. The spots I included here are mostly those with consistently high ratings.
Interestingly, a few cafés double as animal shelters—rescue first, café second. In those cases, your visit might actually help fund their care and upkeep, so it's not all bad.
That said, these cafés are still homes to real animals with moods and energy levels. While they may be marketed as tourist attractions, don’t expect nonstop cuddles or excitement. Early visits, right after opening hours, are usually the best time—they’re more curious and active then.
And if they ignore the treats you bought? They're probably just full. It happens. So manage your expectations, be kind, and hopefully, you’ll enjoy the experience more than most.
Must-Visit Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
It really depends on the cafe! You might meet cats, dogs, rabbits, hedgehogs, or even more exotic animals like owls and capybaras. Each cafe specializes in different types of animals, so check ahead for what’s on offer.
It’s a good idea, especially for the popular cafes. Some places accept walk-ins, but reservations help avoid waiting and guarantee you a spot, especially on weekends or holidays.
Yes! The staff are usually very careful about ensuring the animals' well-being. They’ll guide you on how to interact with the animals in a way that’s comfortable for them. Just be gentle and follow the cafe’s rules.
Most animal cafes don’t allow you to bring your own pets, as they want to keep a calm environment for their animals. However, it’s always worth checking the cafe’s policies beforehand.
Yes, many animal cafes charge an entrance fee or a time-based fee where you pay for the time you spend there, usually between 1,000 to 2,000 yen per hour. Some places may also charge for food or drinks.
Definitely! Animal cafes in Tokyo are usually very clean, with staff regularly cleaning and caring for the animals. They make sure both the animals and the customers have a pleasant experience.
Most cafes allow photos, but be mindful of the animals. Flash photography can be harmful to them, so always check with the staff if there are any specific rules about taking pictures.
Some animal cafes have age limits, especially for younger children. It’s best to check the cafe’s rules before visiting, as some cafes may have a minimum age requirement to ensure both animal and visitor safety.
Be prepared to respect the animals' space. Follow the rules the cafe sets for handling the animals, and avoid bothering them if they seem uninterested. Also, check the cafe’s hours and whether you need a reservation.
There are several in popular areas like Harajuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara. Some famous ones include Cat Cafe Calico in Shinjuku or the Hedgehog Cafe Harry in Roppongi.