Animal cafes are extremely popular in Tokyo, as many of the city’s apartments are too small or have strict rules in their lease against pets. Animal cafes provide the best compromise, as places where locals and tourists alike can play with animals for a short time, shower them with love, and have a drink or a cake on the side.
Of course, the safety of the animals always comes first. These cafes often have rules that customers are obliged to follow. These include rules about how to handle the animals, not feeding the animals food intended for customers or disturbing the animals whilst they’re sleeping or eating. Cafes also usually maintain a certain level of hygiene, and customers may be asked to sanitize their hands or change their shoes before entering the cafe area.
The cafes also have a right to impose age restrictions. Animal cafes in Tokyo aren’t exactly marketed as a kids activity. Rather, it’s about relaxing and having a good time petting cute animals. Some cafes may refuse entry to younger children, acting in the best interest of the animals. If you’re ready to meet these cuddly critters, here’s where you can find some of Tokyo’s best animal cafes.
mipig Cafe
Micro Pigs or teacup pigs are the smaller, miniature-sized cousin of what we know as farm pigs. mipig is the first and only cafe where you can meet and interact with adorable micro pigs. The entrance of the cafe is eye-catching, featuring a giant log which you must walkthrough. A staff member will direct you to disinfect your hands, and you’ll be given a menu to choose from a variety of juices, teas and cakes.
As for the animals themselves, they wander freely across the floor. There are three little alcoves in the cafe area, the straw house, the wooden house and the brick house, inspired by the fable of the three little pigs. These are perfect if you’re looking for a little privacy. You’re not allowed to pick up the pigs and hold them, but the micro pigs are known for being smart and curious, so you’re bound to spot them scurrying around. You can purchase snacks to feed the micro pigs. You are also required to make a reservation before your visit.
Owl Village
Owls are fascinating creatures. Often assumed to be frightening due to their steely gaze, they’re actually affectionate birds. They’re also known for being able to turn their head three-hundred and sixty degrees, and for being skilled predators. Far from a conventional pet, seize your chance to greet these majestic creatures at Cafe and Bar Owl Village.
Cafe and Bar Owl Village has two branches, one in Kichijoji and one in Harajuku. The location in Harajuku is arguably more central and it also recently received an award from TripAdvisor in 2017. There are a total of ten owls to play with. You are allowed to pet the owls gently and feed them, as long as you don’t ruffle any feathers. You can also relax at the cafe portion with coffee or a hot drink. During your visit, you’ll also be gifted with a complimentary glass souvenir to commemorate the occasion. Either way, the experience is bound to be an unforgettable one.
Hapineko
Amongst all the animals, cats are the only ones that managed to take the internet by storm. No doubt you have your own favourite Youtube video of the cute and fuzzy pet. If you’re looking for some cat comfort, you can find the felines at Hapineko, reminiscent of the hit mobile game that revolves around cat collecting, Neko Atsume.
The space belonging to Hapineko is well-lit, filled with pastel coloured couches and with tatami flooring. Entering the cafe is reminiscent of entering someone’s home to play with their cats. Except your friend happens to have a total of sixteen cats. Watch these lethargic furballs and even sneak in a pet or two. Each of the cats are known for having their own personality. Some are noticeably shyer, whilst others are energetic and friendly. Feel free to ask the staff more during your visit and get to know these feline friends.
Kotori Cafe Ueno
Brightly coloured birds fly around in this animal cafe. Kotori means small birds, and this cafe certainly has many of those. The entrance of the cafe is picturesque and looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Step into this bird paradise and show some love for our feathered friends. There are a total of eight varieties of different birds, which make for the thirty birds that “staff” Kotori Cafe.
The birds are eager and bright-eyed, and you are encouraged to watch them from behind the glass. Their aviary is kept away from the main cafe area, but if you’re dying to get up close and personal with the birds, you can pay a little extra for the mofu-mofu experience, where you can enter the bird room and interact with the birds, assisted by a trained member of staff. You can choose from the cafe’s Umbrella Cockatoo or Cockatiel, or even the adorable Rosy-faced Lovebird and you can interact with a total of two birds for 500 yen. As for food, the cafe serves adorable, bird-themed cupcakes that are positively too cute to eat.
Ra.a.g.f Cafe
Ra.a.g.f Cafe stands for Rabbit and Grow Fat Cafe, and it’s just like it says on the tin. After all, who doesn’t love a chubby bunny? This particular Animal Cafe specialises in Rabbits of every shape, size and colour. The cafe is located in the heart of the busy shopping district, so it’s the perfect place for a quick break before you shop until you drop.
Ra.a.g.f’s decor is simple. You’ll be led into a small room where you can find all the cafe’s half a dozen or so rabbits hopping around as they please. You’re allowed to touch, pet and stroke the rabbits, as well as take photographs and videos. You can also purchase drinks and small bites on the side to recharge during your visit. If there’s a particular furry friend that has won your heart, you can even consider adopting them. This cafe is a great alternative to the busier animal cafes because it is located along the backstreets and is generally quieter.
