- Japan Tips
17 Guilt-Free Animal Cafés In Tokyo & Japan
Whether you’re planning an upcoming visit to Japan – or have recently moved to the country – we’re sure you’ve heard about Japan’s abundance of incredible animal cafés!
Japanese animal cafés transform a simple lunch or coffee break into an exciting and immersive experience, allowing you to play with a range of cute animals and sample some excellent local food and drink.
However – if you’ve never been to an animal café in Japan – it can be difficult to know which ones to visit, as well as the proper etiquette to follow.
In this article, our team have put together this all-encompassing list of 18 guilt-free animal cafés in Japan and Tokyo, as well as the required etiquette, opening hours and other important information for each café!
Our Top 18 Animal Cafés In Japan & Tokyo
1. Dog Heart
Location: Tokyo
Animals: Dogs
Based in the popular district of Tomigaya, Dog Heart is perfect for dog lovers looking for a lively afternoon. The café consists of a large playroom – which houses the dogs – and a small café offering tea, juice and fizzy drinks.
The café features a wide variety of dog breeds, but mainly consists of toy poodles and beagles. The dogs at Dog Heart certainly aren’t shy, enthusiastically bounding up to visitors to be petted and played with. You’ll be provided with an apron by a member of staff upon your arrival, which is used to protect your clothing from the over-enthusiastic pups.
If you’d like to take one of the dogs for a walk around Yoyogi Park (based a few minutes away from the café), just let a member of staff know and they’ll let you rent a dog of your choice for an hour. Dog Heart offers 30 and 60-minute booking slots for the café, with dog rental carrying a minimum booking time of 1 hour.
Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00 Daily
Address: Tomigaya 1-45-2, Y’s Park Bldg 2F
Cost:
- ¥1,300 for 30 minutes playtime
- ¥3,600 for 1 hour walk/playtime
- ¥200 for a small bag of dog treats (optional)
Website: http://dog-heart.ico.bz/
2. Petton Café
Location: Kyoto
Animals: Dogs & Cats
Based on the second floor of the MOMO Terrace mall in Fushimi-ku, Petton Café serves as a perfect pit-stop for a busy day in Kyoto! The café features separate rooms for both cats and dogs, with separate booking slots applying for the respective rooms. Cat room booking slots start at 30 minutes, while dog room booking slots start at 120 minutes.
The dogs at Petton Café are renowned for being friendly and playful, while the cats are known for their sharp personality traits and intellectual demeanour. The café also boasts a fantastic menu, including a range of hot drinks, snacks, desserts and main courses.
It’s important to note that the food and drink menus differ slightly between the dog and cat rooms. For example; the dog room does not include a drink with your booking, whereas the cat room includes a drink with each booking. Therefore, it’s well-worth checking in advance of booking to ensure you bring enough cash.
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 Daily
Address: 32 Yamanoshita, Momoyamacho, Fushimi-Ku Kintetsu Department Momoyama Bekkan Petton 2F, Kyoto 612-8002 Kyoto Prefecture
Cost: Admission ¥650 for dogs (120 min, visitors will need to order a drink) and ¥550 for cats (30 min, includes a drink for visitors)
3. Mipig Café Meguro
Location: Tokyo
Animals: Micro Pigs
Based across four different floors, Mipig’s Meguro-based Café is filled with friendly micro piglets. While the piglets are enthusiastic and attention-loving, they’re also a little more laid back in nature. This makes for a great middle-ground between the typical cat and dog cafés across Japan.
A visit to Mipig is a lot more formal and structured than your average visit to a Japanese animal café. Upon entering, you’ll be issued with a specific seating location and required to order at least one drink per person. Reservations are made online, with a minimum of 2 people being required to secure a booking. You’ll be sent a confirmation email upon booking, which you can show to a member of staff upon your arrival.
Reception is based on the first floor, where you’re sure to be welcomed warmly by both the staff and a micro pig or two. The main playroom is located on the second floor, housing sofas and floor cushions for you to enjoy your time at the café. The third floor is an office, which is mainly reserved for the café’s management staff. The fourth floor serves as the loft room, housing a second playroom as well as a balcony with outdoor seating.
Booking times start at a minimum of 30 minutes, with the ability to extend your stay by additional 30-minute intervals.
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 Daily
Address: Meguro 4-11-3, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Cost: (First 30 minutes) Adults ¥1,100, elementary school child ¥550
Website: https://mipig.cafe/en/locations/meguro/
4. America-mura Snake Café
Location: Osaka
Animals: Snakes
If you’re a snake lover, look no further than the America-mura Snake Café!
Based just a 15-minute walk from Sakuragawa Station, this reptile respite boasts dozens of snakes housed in well-maintained terrariums. However, it employs a strict set of rules to ensure the welfare of the snakes, including no loud noises and a complete ban on flash photography.
The café features a dedicated team of snake handlers, who will let you hold a snake of your choice during the course of your visit. Many of the snakes are also available for purchase, making it a perfect destination if you’re looking to keep reptiles as pets.
The menu boasts a fun mix of novelty, jungle-themed items, including fermented drinks made from queen bees, scorpions and snakes. If you’re looking for a highly entertaining and unusual animal café, the America-mura Snake Café definitely isn’t to be missed.
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 Daily
Address: 1-8-11 Nishishinsaibashi 4F Yajima Bldg., Chuo, Osaka 542-0086 Osaka Prefecture
Cost: ¥1,000 entry per person, plus ¥1,000 service fee per person
Website: https://americamura.snakecafe.xyz/
5. Small Animal Café Rock Star
Location: Osaka
Animals: Multi-Species
If you’re looking for an animal café with a diverse range of small animals, then Small Animal Café Rock Star should be at the top of your list!
Based in the busy ward of Chuo, this café features hedgehogs, hamsters, gophers, rabbits, meerkats and more. If you spot an animal you’d like to pet, just let a member of staff know and they’ll be able to bring the animal over to you. The animals are very used to human interaction and enjoy being petted – especially the bunnies!
This café takes a much more liberal approach than many other animal cafés in Japan, allowing you to spend a few hours in the café and being able to swap animals as often as you’d like.
The café charges an entrance fee of approximately ¥1000 and requires customers to order a minimum of one drink. However, the menu features a diverse range of reasonably-priced snacks and drinks, making for an entertaining and enriching afternoon in Chuo.
Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00 Daily
Address: 6-7 Nambasennichimae 5F Tsuji Bldg., Chuo, Osaka 542-0075 Osaka Prefecture
Cost: ¥1,000 entry per person
Website: http://smallanimal.rock-star.xyz/
6. Loutre
Location: Kyoto
Animals: Otters
If you’re up for visiting a truly unique animal café in Japan, look no further than Loutre! Based in Kyoto, this spacious café is home to a group of lively otters, whom the owner takes home each night.
The café is made up of a spacious main seating room, with a large tank that houses the otters. There’s also a small playroom full of toys and bedding, which is primarily used by the otters.
Time at the café is charged by the hour, with a minimum booking time of one hour. Each hourly slot includes a complimentary drink, ensuring excellent value for money.
While you can pet the otters, feed them from a bottle and play with them using the toys provided, picking them up is discouraged. As otters are a very active and energetic breed of animal, Loutre is perfect if you’re looking for a more immersive animal café experience.
In order to keep the otters safe, the café features limited seating and retains an open plan feel, so we’d recommend booking in advance to ensure you secure seating during your visit.
Opening Hours: 12:00-20:00 Daily
Address: 259-1 Shikibucho Teramachidori Rokkaku Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku Funaki Bldg. 2F, Kyoto 604-8061 Kyoto Prefecture
Cost:
- Normal course — ¥2,500 entry per person for 15 minutes of play.
- Private course — ¥20,000 per person for an hour of play, reservations must be booked and paid for at least one week in advance.
- Walking course — ¥30,000 per person for a walk and play by the river. Bookings must be made in advance.
Website: https://www.loutre-kyoto.com/english/
7. Moff
Location: Tokyo
Animals: Multi-Species
This large café is home to a wide range of different animals, including cats, bunnies, squirrels, hedgehogs and various species of bird and reptile.
Entry stands at approximately ¥1000, with the café operating a self-service soft drinks bar in which you can help yourself to unlimited drinks for an additional ¥200 charge. This works particularly well if you’re on a budget or simply looking to get maximum value for money! There’s plenty of seating available inside the café – including chairs and stools – while still retaining an open plan feel to allow guests to interact with the animals freely.
If you’d like to feed the animals, there’s also a chow counter where you can purchase treats. Simply let a member of staff know which animal you’d like to feed and they’ll recommend the most suitable chow, while also walking you through how to feed each animal.
There’s no time limit in place, though we’d recommend setting aside at least an hour to ensure you’re able to spend time with each species of animal the café has to offer.
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
Address: Chiba, Chiba-shi, Mihama-ku, Toyosuna 1-5, Aeon Mall Family Mall 3F
Cost: ¥1,000 entry per person (no time limit). Optional soft-drink from the bar ¥2,000.
8. Harry Wood
Location: Osaka
Animals: Hedgehogs
If hedgehogs are your thing, you absolutely have to visit Harry Wood Café!
This modern hedgehog café is based in the heart of Osaka and is accessible by major transport links, situated just a six-minute walk away from Namba station.
Harry Wood allows you to stay for either 30 minutes (for around ¥980) or 60 minutes (for around ¥1,880). All visits include a complimentary drink and you will be assigned a hedgehog, who will be in a cage next to your seats. The modern interior is decorated with various hedgehog-themed items, including porcelain models and cuddly toys, making for a truly immersive experience!
If you’d like to feed your hedgehog, bottles of hedgehog food can be purchased from a member of staff, who will also walk you through the feeding process. The café also offers an excellent set menu system, which includes drinks, hedgehog food and instax photography.
Opening Hours: 12:00-19:00 (Mon-Fri), 11:00:20:00 (Sat-Sun)
Address: Namba Kiyomi Bldg 3F 2-8-4 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Cost: ¥980 admission fee per person for 30 minutes. ¥1,880 admission fee fer person for 60 minutes.
Website: http://www.cafeharrywood.com/
9. Falconer’s Café
Location: Tokyo
Animals: Birds of Prey
Falconer’s Café is an unmissable pit stop for bird-lovers. Based on the West side of Tokyo, this wonderful café is dedicated to birds of prey, including hawks, falcons and owls. While there’s no entry fee or time limit in place, it’s common to stay for anywhere between 20 minutes and 60 minutes.
In addition to an excellent selection of drinks, the café also boasts a fantastic food menu, consisting of curries, ginger-friend pork and cinnamon toast. This makes it an excellent choice for breakfast or lunch with an avian twist, ensuring a memorable meal!
The café is popular amongst Tokyo’s bird community, with customers often bringing in their own pet birds. The regulars – as well as the staff – are very knowledgeable and passionate about birds, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’d like to learn more about a particular bird!
The café also operates a popular bird shop, selling frozen bird food as well as maintenance equipment, including swivels, leads and bells.
Opening Hours: 12:00-19:00 (Wed-Sun)
Address: Shimorenjyaku 5-1-8, Mitaka-City, Tokyo
Contact: For bookings and further information, contact [email protected]
Website: http://falconerscafe.web.fc2.com/english.html
10. Owl Café Akiba Fukurou
Location: Tokyo
Animals: Owls
Continuing on with the avian theme, Owl Café Akiba Fukurou serves as one of Japan’s largest owl cafés. The café houses a family of 40 owls, including eagle owls, barn owls and more.
The cosy interior features a modern white and pastel-blue theme, with the owls dotted around the café either on the furniture or dedicated perches. Classical music and crystal chandeliers make for a relaxed and calming atmosphere, making Owl Café Akiba Fukurou one of the more laid-back animal cafés on this list.
If you spot an owl you like, simply let a member of staff know and they’ll be able to perch the owl on your arm. You’re also able to change owls at any point by letting a member of staff know, who will be able to handle the owls for you.
Bookings are offered in hourly slots and include a professional photograph with an owl of your choice. The café is reservation-only and offers limited seating, so we’d recommend booking well in advance of your trip to Japan to ensure you’re able to visit!
Opening Hours: 12:00-19:00 (Daily – closed on Tuesdays)
Address: 67 Kanda Neribeicho Akiba Fukurou Bldg. 1F, Chiyoda 101-0022 Tokyo Prefecture
Visit Duration: 60 minutes
Website: https://akiba2960.com/
11. Kingyozaka
Location: Tokyo
Animals: Goldfish
If you’re a fan of fish and aquariums, Tokyo’s Kingyozaka is the perfect place to visit!
This particular café has a rich history, having started as a goldfish shop during Japan’s Edo period over 350 years ago. The café itself is a more recent addition to the premises – having been opened in 2000 – though the shop has been owned by the same family over the course of its entire existence.
The café hosts over 40 species of goldfish, housed in various aquariums around both the café and the adjacent shop. Visitors can also browse through the adjacent goldfish shop and farm, offering activities such as goldfish scooping and traditional carp fishing.
Kingyozaka has a particularly excellent food menu, including traditional Japanese dishes such as black beef curry as well as Oyakodon. We’d recommend opting for one of their excellent set menus, which feature a selection of platters and a cup of Japanese tea!
Opening Hours: 11:30-21:30 (Daily – closed Mon)
Address: 5-3-15 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo
Website: http://www.kingyozaka.com/
12. Capyneko Cafe
Location: Kichijoji
Animals: Capybara, cats
If you thought you’d seen all the adorable experiences Tokyo has to offer, think again. Enter Capyneko Cafe in Kichijoji, a paradise where capybara Tawashi and his feline friends run the show, and cuteness knows no bounds.
This is the perfect place to cosy down and sip a hot beverage after a busy day exploring. Capybaras, a South American native animal, are notoriously chill, and provide the perfect vibe to help you wind down. Plus, experience unlimited cuddles with the eight or nine cats that keep Tawashi the capybara company.
What’s more, many of the cats are adoptable! So, if you’re interested in giving them a permanent loving home, let the staff know.
Opening Hours: 11.40am-6.30pm, Sat, Sun & hols 9.50am-8.10pm
Address: 2F Platano Bldg., 1-5-10 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino, Tokyo
Cost:
- ¥2,200/hour (primary school students ¥1,100)
- ¥1,100 for additional 30 mins (¥550)
Website: https://capyneko.cafe/
13. Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café
Location: Harajuku
Animals: Dogs
Nestled along the famed Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, you’ll find a charming café that’s a haven for Mame Shiba Inu enthusiasts. These pint-sized counterparts to Japan’s beloved Shiba Inu dogs take centre stage in a setting that exudes homely traditions.
With tatami flooring and low dining tables, stepping into this café feels like stepping into a cosy Japanese home rather than a spot along one of Tokyo’s bustling streets!
The entry fee not only grants you access but also includes a refreshing drink and a 30-minute window to bond with your favourite fluffy companion. It’s not just a café experience; it’s a slice of homey bliss right in the heart of Harajuku’s vibrant energy.
So, whether you’re a Shiba Inu enthusiast or just looking for a unique escape, this café promises a delightful rendezvous with these adorable Mame Shiba Inus.
Opening Hours: 12.15pm-6pm, Sat, Sun & hols 11am-6.40pm
Address: 3F, 1-6-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Cost:
- After free first 30 minutes, ¥900 for an additional 30 minutes
- After free first 30 minutes, primary school students ¥700 for an additional 30 minutes (one drink included)
- Please note that children aged 5 and younger are not allowed to enter
Website: https://owls-cats-forest.com/free/mameshiba-harajuku
14. ChikuChiku Cafe
Location: Shibuya
Animals: Hedgehogs
Indulging in a bit of hedgehog therapy is a Tokyo must-do, and Shibuya’s newest spot has just joined the lineup of cafés where you can make that happen! Welcome to ChikuChiku Cafe, also known as Hedgehog Home & Cafe, where you get the chance to feed, pet, and capture adorable snapshots with these little cuties—all under the watchful guidance of the friendly staff.
Picture this: hedgehogs roaming around in miniature environments that mimic bathrooms, classrooms, and traditional Japanese tatami rooms. It’s like stepping into a collection of doll houses designed just for these prickly friends.
ChikuChiku Cafe is not just a stop for hedgehog enthusiasts; it’s a unique experience where these tiny creatures bring a touch of charm to every corner of their carefully crafted habitats. Check it out and get ready to fall in love with the world of hedgehogs in the heart of Shibuya!
Opening Hours: 1PM-6PM daily (last entry 5.30PM)
Address: Daikyo Shibuya Bldg 2F, 1-13-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-k, Tokyo
Cost: ¥1,430 for 30 minutes, ¥2,640 for 60 minutes
Website: https://hedgehoghome.cafe/en/
15. Temari no Oshiro Cat Café
Location: Kichijoji
Animals: Cats
Get ready — you won’t have seen anything like it…
Step into a realm of enchantment with this delightful cat café that takes cuteness to a whole new level. Nestled within the charming Kichijouji Petit Mura, a themed shopping and food ‘village,’ the café’s exterior resembles the castle of a magical feline kingdom straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by a purr-fect crew of 22 cats, ready to shower you with cuddles and provide highly Instagrammable moments, especially during their feeding sessions. The ambiance is a dreamy blend of whimsy and charm, making every visit a magical experience.
The menu boasts mouthwatering parfaits adorned with adorable cat-shaped cookies. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes, ensuring your entire visit is a picture-perfect adventure.
This cat café is a must-visit. Capture the magic, indulge in sweet delights, and revel in the fantasy of a feline kingdom right in the heart of Kichijouji. Your Instagram followers will thank you!
Opening Hours: 11AM-8PM, Sat, Sun & holidays, 10AM-9PM (last orders 7.30PM)
Address: Kichijouji Petit Mura, 2-33-2 Kichijoji-Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
Cost:
- ¥1,540 entry per person; from 7pm ¥1,100
- Children aged 10 and younger ¥1,100; from 7pm ¥770
- Sat, Sun & holidays ¥1980 entry per person; from 7pm ¥1,320 (¥1,430; from 7pm ¥990)
Website: https://temarinooshiro.com/
16. Kotori Café Ueno
Location: Ikenohata
Animals: Birds
Prepare to be greeted by a vibrant, fluttering spectacle as you approach the entrance of Kotori Café in Ueno.
Kotori Café gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the symphony of chirping birds as you enjoy your coffee – the avian cast includes a delightful mix of characters. From the slightly larger white cockatoo named Taichi and a mid-sized parrot to rosy-faced lovebirds and technicoloured canaries, the variety is truly astonishing.
For those seeking a more hands-on experience, the café offers short petting sessions lasting five minutes each (¥550). Kotori Café invites you to sip, savour, and share a moment with these feathered companions, creating a world where vibrant plumage and delightful melodies create an unforgettable café experience.
While there’s no cover charge, you’ll be encouraged to order at least one drink, and during peak hours, your visit may be capped at an hour to accommodate everyone.
Opening Hours: 11AM-5PM, Sat, Sun & holidays until 6PM
Address: 1-8-6 Ueno Sakuragi, Taito, Tokyo
Cost: No entry fee, but a drink (all ¥770) has to be ordered
Website: http://ueno.kotoricafe.jp/
17. Neko Cafe MoCHA Shibuya
Location: Shibuya
Animals: Cats
MoCHA is a feline haven that feels like a sanctuary designed exclusively for the well-being of its resident cats. The entire décor exudes a thoughtful consideration for the cats, featuring numerous perches, hideouts, and small alcoves that serve as escape routes to the staffroom for a moment of respite when the attention becomes a tad overwhelming.
The cat cast is diverse, but the majority are on the smaller side, leading to delightful scenes of tail-chasing and playful sprints. For those seeking extra feline camaraderie, cat snacks are on the menu for ¥550, although, let’s be honest, these cats are more than willing to bask in your attention without any food-related bribes!
Priced at ¥220 per 10 minutes, the flow of visitors varies, with office workers dropping in for a quick half-hour during lunch breaks and locals leisurely passing the afternoon. For the ultimate petting experience, snag a seat in one of the hanging chairs or on a cosy couch downstairs.
Opening Hours: 10AM-8PM (last entry 7.30PM) daily
Address: Assorti Shibuya 8F, 32-12 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Cost:
- Weekdays ¥220 per 10 minutes
- Sat, Sun & holidays ¥275 per 10 minutes
- One drink order required ¥385
Website: https://catmocha.jp/shop/shibuya/
18. Tokyo Snake Centre
Location: Harajuku
Animals: Snakes
Elevating Tokyo’s animal café scene, The Snake Center finds its unique abode on the eighth floor of a Harajuku multi-use building. This extraordinary spot introduces patrons to a mesmerising array of serpents, each impeccably trained and completely non-poisonous.
For an entrance fee of ¥1,100, you not only gain access but also enjoy a complimentary drink and the privilege to select a snake companion to share your company. Picture yourself spending leisurely hours, indulging in delectable cake and sipping coffee, all while your slithery friend calmly observes you from the safety of its transparent enclosure.
The Snake Center isn’t just a café; it’s a captivating experience with the serpentine world. Venture to the eighth floor, immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience!
Opening Hours: 11AM-8PM, closed Tuesday (open if Tuesday is a holiday)
Address: Sanpo Sogo Bldg 8F, 6-5-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Cost: ¥1,100 entry per person (includes one drink)
Website: http://snakecenter.jp/
Closing Thoughts on Animal Cafés in Japan
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best animal cafés in Japan and Tokyo! If you’re looking for more food-and-fun recommendations, be sure to check out our upcoming list of the best cat cafés in Japan next!
Alternatively – if you’d like to learn more about dining in Japan – why not check out our all-encompassing guide to dining etiquette in Japan?