Japan is known for its food, culture, and scenery, but have you heard about the many unique animal cafes here too? Imagine a Ghibli-esque fairyland full of cats and a cosy cafe of micropigs all in Tokyo’s many districts!
From Harajuku to Ikebukuro, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the range of animal cafes to spend the day at. Choose the animals you'd most love to cuddle up with from these 20 animal cafes in Tokyo and fully enjoy your time!
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What makes an animal café ethical?
Before visiting any animal café in Tokyo, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what “ethical” really means. Not all animal cafés operate the same way, so choosing the right one helps make sure your visit supports animal welfare.
Here are a few simple things to look out for:
Animals come first, not entertainment
Ethical cafés prioritise the animals’ wellbeing over customer experience. This means animals are not forced to interact and can rest, hide, or move away whenever they want.
Clean, safe, and spacious environments
Look for cafés that are well-maintained, odour-free, and provide enough space for animals to roam comfortably. Overcrowded or stressful environments are a red flag.
Proper care and regular breaks
Animals should have access to fresh water, proper food, and designated rest times away from visitors. Cafés that limit interaction time are usually a good sign.
No forced handling or performances
Avoid places where animals are constantly being held, dressed up, or made to perform. Ethical cafés encourage gentle interaction and clear boundaries.
Support for adoption or rescue
Many of the most responsible cafés partner with rescue groups or offer animals for adoption. Visiting these places means your money goes toward a meaningful cause.
Clear rules for visitors
Good cafés will guide you on how to interact respectfully, like not waking sleeping animals, using flash photography, or picking them up without permission.
Taking a few minutes to choose an ethical animal café can make a big difference. Not only will you have a more meaningful experience, but you’ll also be supporting places that truly care for their animals.
Ethical animal cafes in Tokyo to add to your Japan itinerary
1. Mipig Cafe
Have you ever heard of micropigs? They’re tiny and cuddly, and you can snuggle up with them at Mipig Cafe, a cosy establishment in scenic Meguro and Harajuku!
Slide on some comfy slippers and get cosy with a blanket as you pet the friendly pigs. You can also grab a drink here and unwind with a tiny pig or two by your side.
- Opening hours: 10am to 6pm (Mon-Fri), 10am to 8pm (Sat-Sun)
2. Cat Cafe MOFF Yodobashi Akiba
Located in Yodobashi Akiba, Cat Cafe MOFF is a peaceful hideout right in the heart of Tokyo’s lively Akihabara district. This cat cafe is a cosy break between sightseeing and lets you relax and with over a dozen friendly felines in a bright, spacious setting.
The atmosphere is calm, clean, and surprisingly family-friendly, making this place perfect for solo travellers, couples, or even families. With no time limit on weekdays, you can stay as long as you like and cuddle up with some furry companions!
- Address: 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0028, Yodobashi Akiba 1F, Block 104
- Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 8pm
3. Necoma
Necoma is a haven for rescued cats looking for their furever homes. Partnered with the animal welfare group Little Cats in Yamanashi, this cosy spot lets you spend time with cats that have been saved from difficult pasts, all while sipping coffee in a relaxed setting.
Come and visit Necoma to support animal rescue in Japan!
- Address: Japan, 〒153-0065 Tokyo, Meguro City, Nakacho, 1 Chome−33−3 ３Ｆ(Map)
- Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (Sat - Sun), 1pm - 8pm (Mon-Wed and Fri), Closed on Thurs
4. Cat Cafe Asakusa Neko-en
Cat Cafe Asakusa Neko-en feels more like visiting a friend’s cosy home than a typical animal cafe. Home to a lovable crew of rescue cats, each with their own story, this humble space offers a rare chance to connect deeply with these animals.
The cafe has no fancy decor or themed costumes, but it’s heartfelt and genuine, so it makes you want to stay a little longer.
- Address: Japan, 〒111-0033 Tokyo, Taito City, Hanakawado, 2 Chome−7−6 池田ビル 3階 (Map)
- Opening hours: 12pm to 8pm (Wed-Mon), Closed on Tues
5. Harajuku Kawaii Land Kyun-Kyun
Play with adorable creatures in Harajuku Kawaii Land Kyun-Kyun
Play with adorable creatures in Harajuku Kawaii Land Kyun-Kyun
Always dreamed of spending time with adorable animals in the heart of Harajuku? Head over to Harajuku Kawaii Land Kyun-Kyun, a colourful, family-friendly spot just steps away from Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street. This playful café lets you interact with a variety of cute animals in a bright, themed space designed to feel like a kawaii wonderland.
You can gently pet and observe the animals while enjoying a fun break from the busy streets outside. It’s especially great for kids and first-time visitors looking for a light, wholesome animal experience.
- Address: Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae (near Takeshita Street)
- Opening hours: Daily (hours may vary, check before visiting)
6. Mameshiba Cafe
Shiba Inus are absolutely the cutest, and here's where you can now get up close with tiny Shiba Inus (or Mameshiba) in person at the Mameshiba Cafe.
The extra-friendly Mameshibas are always happy to snuggle up to you for some cuddles, and you can also watch them get up to their hilarious antics. Apart from the cute Japanese doggos, the cafe is decorated in tatami style, which adds to the Japanese charm of the place.
- Address: 3f, 1 Chome-6-10 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan (Map)
- Opening hours: 11am to 6pm (Mon-Fri), 11am to 6.40pm (Sat-Sun)
7. Dog Cafe Rio Harajuku
Interact with the cutest dogs in Dog Cafe Rio Harajuku
Missing your furry friend while travelling? Spend some time at Dog Cafe Rio Harajuku, a cosy spot in Harajuku where you can relax and play with friendly dogs of different breeds. The café provides a comfortable indoor space where the dogs are free to roam, so you can sit back, interact, and enjoy their company at your own pace. It’s a great way to unwind after exploring Takeshita Street, especially if you’re a dog lover looking for a wholesome, low-key activity.
- Address: Harajuku, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan (near Takeshita Street)
- Opening hours: 11am to 8pm daily
8. Cat Cafe Mocha
Relax with a cat in the cafe library in Cat Cafe Mocha
While most cafes on this list charge for long periods of time, Cat Cafe Mocha allows more flexibility. You just have to pay in ten-minute blocks, and you can pet the kawaii kitties.
The playful cats are sure to captivate you with their hilarious antics, and cat treats are available at an additional fee so you can feed them too!
- Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−14−25 クロスアベニュー原宿 4F (Map)
- Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 8pm
9. Temari No Oshiro Cat Café
Tokyo Cat Cafe in Kichijoji
Our first stop is Kichijōji Petit Mura, a cat-themed park that looks like something out of a Ghibli movie with whimsical larger-than-life buildings and a cat fountain! Located within the park is Temari No Oshiro Cat Cafe, where you can play with kawaii kitties that will snuggle up to you.
The unique cafe is also themed like a fairyland, with cats resting on curved alcoves and rustic trees for the cats to jump on. As you enjoy your time with the cats, feel free to tuck into their hearty signature beef stew along with snacks and drinks!
- Address: Kichijōji Petit Mura, 2 Chome-33-2 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0004, Japan (Map)
- Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (Mon-Fri), 10am to 8pm (Sat-Sun)
10. Dog Heart from Aquamarine
Did you know that Tokyo has dog cafes too, apart from its many cat cafes? At Dog Heart from Aquamarine, you’ll meet a bunch of furry friends, from toy poodles to golden retrievers.
After you sit down and cuddle with them, you can also walk the dogs for a fee in Yoyogi Park, one of Tokyo’s largest and most scenic spots!
- Address: Japan, 〒151-0063 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Tomigaya, 1 Chome−45−2 Ｙ’ｓパークビル2F (Map)
- Opening hours: Daily from 11am to 7pm
11. Nekomaru
A pretty scenic cat cafe by Ueno Park, Nekomaru is home to a variety of bubbly cats. Not only will you get to enjoy the pretty scenery, you'll also get to engage with the cute cats in a large, spacious playroom! There’s also a manga library you can check out and wholesome cat buns and souvenirs.
- Address: Japan, 〒110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 7 Chome−2−2 東叡堂ビル (Map)
- Opening hours: 12pm to 8pm (Mon-Fri), 11am to 8pm (Sat), 11am to 7pm (Sun)
12. Samoyed Cafe Moffu
Play with adorable Samoyed puppies in the cafe
If you want to visit a pack of fluffy, cloud-like dogs, you'd find them at Samoyed Cafe Moffu. This dreamy cafe is home to snow-white Samoyeds known for their teddy bear looks and signature "Sammie smiles". This breed of dogs is joyful, so you'll be guaranteed to have a wagging good time.
As the cafe has limited daily slots and a reservation-only system, be sure to book a reservation before coming!
- Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 3 Chome−21−21 Aristo, 地下1F (Map)
- Opening hours: 11am to 8pm (Mon-Fri), 10am to 8pm (Sat-Sun and PH)
13. Bunny Cafe Moff Rell
Hop into the world of Bunny Cafe Moff Rell, where gentle bunnies steal the spotlight with their twitchy noses and velvety ears. This cosy cafe lets you interact with a variety of rabbits in a clean, open space designed with their comfort in mind.
The bunnies here are affectionate and fun to play with! It’s a peaceful and heartwarming escape after a day of sightseeing in the city.
- Address: Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 5 Chome−2−3 アソルティ末広町 B1 (Map)
- Opening hours: Open daily from 12pm to 7pm
14. Husky Cafe Tokyo
Step into the high-energy world of Husky Cafe Tokyo, where playful howls and tail wags greet you at the door. Unlike your typical animal cafe, this spot is home to an energetic pack of majestic Siberian Huskies. They're big, beautiful and brimming with personality.
These huskies are ready to run, play, and maybe even sit on your lap! With a structured booking system and attentive staff, the experience is as smooth as it is unforgettable.
- Address: Shirokane Label 1F/B1, 3-11-8 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0072 (Map)
- Opening hours: Open daily from 11am to 8pm
15. Ginza Cottage & M
Ginza Cottage & M is home to poodles, Pomeranians, Yorkies, and other impeccably groomed pups. This dog cafe is guaranteed to melt your hearts with fluffy companions dressed in adorable outfits.
The place is great for afternoon tea, as the warm ambience and cosy interior make you feel at ease. They also offer other services such as grooming and temporary care services as well as a pet hotel!
- Address: Seiko Ginza Building 8F, 12-1 Ginza 8-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
- Opening hours: 10am to 11pm (Mon-Fri), 10am to 8pm (Sat-Sun)
16. Yadorigi Cafe
Yadorigi Café isn't just an Italian café; it's also a heartwarming space where a group of rescued cats, each with their own story and personality, are lovingly cared for while they await adoption. You can try out Italian dishes and sip on coffee while playing with the adorable felines.
Yadorigi (meaning mistletoe) symbolises connection and comfort, and that’s exactly what you’ll feel as you enter the cafe. With a mission rooted in second chances, Yadorigi offers not just cute cat encounters but also a meaningful experience that lingers long after you leave.
- Address: 3 Chome-15-1 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan (Map)
- Opening hours: 11am-9pm (Wed-Fri), 11am-7pm (Sat-Sun and PH)
17. Hogoneko Rafu Space
Looking for a cat café that truly makes a difference? Visit Hogoneko Rafu Space, a rescue-focused space that cares for cats saved from the breeding industry, including sick and disabled felines. Instead of a fixed entrance fee, guests are encouraged to donate around GBP £5 to support the café’s rescue efforts and daily care.
It’s a simple, meaningful way to spend time with cats while contributing to a good cause. Drinks are also available at affordable prices, making it an easy, feel-good stop during your Tokyo trip.
- Address: Tokyo, Japan (exact location varies; check before visiting)
- Opening hours: Varies (check before visiting)
- Entrance fees: No fixed fee; suggested donation of ¥1,000
18. Rescue Cat Cafe Meooow!
Want a more intimate and homey experience? Head to Rescue Cat Café Meooow! , a small, cosy café run by a passionate local owner who provides a safe space for stray and disabled cats. The atmosphere here feels more like a living room than a café, where you can sit on the floor or sofa while interacting with the cats.
The animals are free to approach, or not, so they can hide whenever they feel shy or overwhelmed. It’s a calm, respectful environment, and all cats are available for adoption if you happen to fall in love.
- Address: 1 Chome-12-6 Ebara, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
- Opening hours: Varies
19. Asakusa Nekoen
If you’re exploring Asakusa, don’t miss Asakusa Nekoen, a long-running rescue café just a short walk from Asakusa Station. Founded by a dedicated rescuer, this café shelters cats saved from streets, parks, and even disaster zones like Fukushima. Over the years, more than 200 cats have found new homes here.
Unlike many cafés, senior cats are also cared for long-term, making this a truly compassionate space. You can relax, read, or chat with the friendly owner while spending time with adoptable cats. Just remember to bring or wear socks before entering.
- Address: Near Asakusa Station, Tokyo, Japan
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun (12pm-8pm) except Tuesdays
20. Café Lua
Looking for a café that goes beyond just cats? Check out Café Lua, a multi-purpose space that combines a café, pet hotel, and grooming salon. This spot also rescues and shelters both cats and dogs, helping them find loving homes.
When you visit, you’re directly supporting their care and future rescues. It’s a great option if you want to interact with different animals while knowing your visit contributes to their wellbeing.
- Address: 1-2-7-105, Naruse, Machida-shi, Tokyo
- Opening hours: 10am-7pm daily
FAQs about animal cafes in Tokyo
What is the etiquette for visiting animal cafes?
Most animal cafes in Japan have a short list of rules to keep both guests and animals comfortable, so it's worth reading them before you walk in. Common guidelines include washing your hands before and after touching the animals, avoiding sudden loud noises, and not waking sleeping animals.
What is the most popular animal cafe in Tokyo?
Cat cafes are the most popular type of animal cafe in Tokyo, and among them, Temari no Ouchi in Koenji consistently ranks as a top pick for its cozy, home-like atmosphere. Other well-known spots include Nekobukuro in Ikebukuro, which is located inside a department store and easy to reach from major train lines.
That said, Tokyo has a wide variety of animal cafes beyond cats, from owls and hedgehogs to reptiles, so the most popular one really depends on what you're looking for. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for any of these, especially on weekends.
Are there any ethical cat cafés in Japan?
Yes, and a growing number of cat cafes in Japan are making animal welfare a clear priority. Many ethical cafes source their cats from shelters and actively work to find them permanent homes, so you may spot adoption notices on the walls. These cafes typically limit the number of guests at any one time, give cats access to private rest areas, and enforce strict no-handling rules during nap times.
Are animal cafes popular with tourists?
Animal cafes are hugely popular with tourists visiting Japan, particularly in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. They offer a one-of-a-kind experience that's hard to find back home, and for many visitors, spending an hour with cats, owls, or hedgehogs is a highlight of the trip.
Weekends and public holidays tend to get busy fast, so booking your slot ahead of time is a good idea. First-timers will find the experience straightforward and welcoming, even without speaking Japanese.
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