When walking around cities in Japan, have you ever noticed signs or billboards for “cat cafés”? A cat café is a spot where you can relax while spending time with adorable cats.
Maybe you love cats but don’t have many chances to interact with them, or perhaps you’re wondering, “What exactly is a cat café?” or “What are the rules and how do you use one?” If so, you’re not alone.
This time, we visited the popular cat café “MOCHA” to give you a detailed firsthand report on the pricing system, how to enjoy your visit, and the important rules you should know!
*All prices listed include tax.
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
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What is a Cat Café? The Ultimate Healing Spot for Cat Lovers
A cat café is a place where you can freely spend your time enjoying tea, reading manga, playing games, and, of course, interacting with cute cats.
Most cat cafés in Japan use a time-based pricing system, and the rates vary by café, but the average is about 500 to 1,000 yen for 30 minutes.
Some cafés also have age restrictions, so if you plan to visit with small children, it’s a good idea to check in advance whether there are any age limits.
Currently, it is said that there are several hundred cat cafés across Japan, and you can enjoy them not only in urban areas but also in rural regions. Just watching the cats go about their lives at their own pace, away from the busyness of daily life, is sure to soothe your heart!
The Uniquely Japanese Culture of "Cat Cafés"!
The origin of cat cafés is actually Taiwan! In Japan, the first cat café opened in Osaka in 2004, and since then, Japan has developed its own unique services and systems for cat cafés.
One reason why cat cafés rapidly became popular in Japan is said to be the restrictions on keeping pets in apartment buildings. Cat cafés became a uniquely Japanese culture, responding to the needs of people who "want to have a cat but can't due to housing circumstances" or "want to interact with cats but find it difficult to take full responsibility for owning one."
Popular Cat Café "MOCHA" Experience Report
This time, a FUN! JAPAN editor visited "MOCHA Lounge Shibuya Koen-dori," located in Shibuya. "MOCHA" is a popular cat café chain with locations throughout Japan.
Cat Café MOCHA Lounge Shibuya Koen-dori Store Information
- Address: 5F, Bull-Var Building, 1-16-3 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Other: Admission for junior high school students and older
Features and Appeal of Cat Café MOCHA
As of October 2025, MOCHA operates 36 stores in Japan and 4 stores overseas, mainly in Asia, for a total of 40 locations.
MOCHA is characterized by its commitment to creating a relaxing space for guests, with spacious sofas and a clean, roomy interior. Each location has its own stylish décor, so visiting different stores is one of the ways to enjoy MOCHA.
Since Wi-Fi, power outlets, and charging cables are available, many people use the café as a place to work or study. It's also perfect for dropping by during a break in your travels! *Please note that the number of charging cables is limited.
From Check-in to Check-out! A Simple Guide to Enjoying Cat Café MOCHA
When you enter, first check in using the touch panel. Be sure to read the information about the pricing system and important notes.
The fee depends on how long you stay, so you pay when you leave.
💡FUN! JAPAN Tip:
The touch panel at "MOCHA" supports six languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. This makes it easy for international visitors who are not confident in Japanese to understand everything smoothly!
After checking in, change into the provided antibacterial slippers and store your belongings in a locker.
You may bring your own drinks as long as they have a lid. However, outside food is not allowed, so if you have any, please be sure to put it in your locker!
Keep your locker key with you at all times. It comes with a strap for convenience.
The receipt you receive at the front desk is needed for purchasing cat treats and other items, so bringing it with you into the room will make things go smoothly.
After washing your hands at the sink, it's finally time to enter the room!
💡FUN! JAPAN Tip:
There are lint rollers and deodorizers available at the sink. This is great for those who have plans after their visit and want to freshen up.
Inside, you'll find spacious chairs and areas where you can stretch out your legs, allowing you to relax and interact naturally with the cats wherever you like. Observing each cat's unique personality and their relationships with each other is also quite interesting.
The café is well-stocked with toys like cat wands, so you can play with the more playful cats. There are also manga and games available for free use.
If you relax, the whimsical cats may just come over to you on their own♪
Services That Delight Both Cats and Humans! MOCHA's Offerings
All-You-Can-Drink Beverages
A wide variety of drinks are available, including coffee, tea, and soft drinks. To avoid spills, always secure the lid on your cup after pouring your drink.
💡FUN! JAPAN Tip:
There are no food items for humans on the menu, so we recommend eating before you visit.
Become Super Popular!? Special Treats for the Cats
Special treats for the cats are also available for purchase, making it the perfect way to get closer to them!
- Neko Ice (550 yen): Cat-shaped ice cream that you can hold in one hand, leaving your other hand free to take photos with your smartphone.
- Neko Cocktail (550 yen): Ice cream that you can eat with a spoon. Since you can feed it slowly, it's perfect for those who want to enjoy the experience a little longer.
- Neko Manma (550 yen): Unlike the typical "neko manma" (rice with miso soup), this cute treat features jelly and ice cream shaped like cats and paw pads.
- Nyan Nyan Set (1,100 yen): A value set that includes one cat treat and lets you hold your favorite cat for a photo.
*Please note that the availability times for cat treats may vary by location.
💡FUN! JAPAN Tip:
The most popular item is the “Neko Ice,” which is easy to hold in one hand and perfect for taking photos, but it seems that what the cats are most interested in is the “Neko Manma”! Trying out various treats is also a lot of fun.
We chose the Neko Ice. The cats immediately gathered around, and we got to see their adorable faces as they eagerly licked the ice cream with their tiny tongues! Being so close, we could really feel the warmth of the cats and the softness of their paw pads when they sat on our laps, making it a truly happy time.
While they’re eating, the cats often let you gently pet them, so it feels like a great deal! (Please be careful not to pet them if the cat seems uncomfortable.)
Capsule Toys
There are also capsule toy machines with cat treats inside the café. There are two types, one for 100 yen and one for 200 yen, and the 200 yen capsules contain rare treats.
This was also very popular. The cats eat directly from your hand, which feels a little ticklish, but watching them eat is just so cute.
Manga & Game Corner
A wide variety of manga and books about cats are available.
There are also board games and TV games, so you can have fun playing your favorite games with friends or family!
Meal Time
You can watch the cats’ mealtime up close. It’s so cute to see them lined up neatly and eating with all their might! (Held twice a day at 10:30 and 19:00)
Each cat has its own way and speed of eating, so you could watch them forever. There’s no extra charge, so be sure to time your visit to see it!
Special Events like Birthday Parties
Special events, such as birthday parties for the cats, are also held regularly.
This year, an event titled "MOCHA Nyan’s General Election 2025" was held, where people voted to decide the most popular cat at MOCHA, including both domestic and overseas locations (the event has now ended). The cat that won first place had original merchandise made in its honor, and Japan's unique "oshi culture" (supporting your favorite) was in full swing at the cat café, making the event a huge success!
MOCHA's Pricing System, Age Restrictions, and Reservations
Prices vary by location, and for the MOCHA Lounge Shibuya Koen-dori branch we visited, the rates are as follows:
| Admission Fee / First 30 Minutes | Extension Fee (per 10 min) | Maximum Fee | |
Weekdays |
1,188 yen | 220 yen |
3,520 yen |
| Weekends/Holidays & Special Days | 1,518 yen | 220 yen |
4,180 yen |
*The admission fee includes the drink bar.
Payment methods include cash, credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, JCB, VISA, Discover, Diners Club), as well as various electronic money and QR code payment options.
If you wish to pay separately within your group, please note that you will need to request receipts for the number of people paying at the time of check-in.
About Age Restrictions
At MOCHA, the following branches with "Lounge" in their names allow entry from junior high school students and older:
- Shibuya Koen-dori
- Ikebukuro East Exit
- Shinjuku
Other branches allow entry from age 3 or 6, but children of elementary school age or younger must be accompanied by a guardian. *One guardian may accompany up to three children.
About Reservations
Reservations are not accepted at any branch; entry is on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.
It can get crowded during the day on weekends and holidays, so if you want to relax, weekday mornings are generally quieter.
For more details, please check the official website.
Summary of Cat Café Rules and Etiquette – Enjoy While Respecting the Rules
To enjoy a cat café, including MOCHA, it is important to know the general rules in advance. Rules may differ depending on the café, so it is best to check the website beforehand.
Basic Rules
The most important thing at a cat café is to prioritize the safety and health of the cats. Depending on their condition, some cats may be resting and unavailable to meet. Also, please be considerate of other customers and enjoy your time quietly.
Rules for Interacting with Cats
• Do not forcefully pick up the cats: Some cafés prohibit holding cats entirely, while others may allow it under special plans.
• Do not wake up sleeping cats: Please respect the cats' pace.
• Do not give anything other than the treats or toys provided by the café: Most cafés do not allow outside items.
• Do not make loud noises or sudden sounds: This can startle both the cats and other customers.
Rules for Taking Photos
• No flash photography: It may have a negative effect on the cats' eyes.
• Obtain permission before posting on social media: Policies vary depending on the establishment.
• Be mindful not to include other customers in your photos: Please respect others' privacy.
Rules Regarding Food and Drinks
• Do not feed human food to the cats: It may be harmful to their health.
• Bringing in outside food and drinks is generally prohibited: Most establishments do not allow outside food or drinks (especially food).
• Be careful not to spill your drink: There is a risk that cats may lick it.
Hygiene Precautions
Washing and disinfecting your hands before and after entering is mandatory. Please take your own allergy precautionary measures, such as wearing a mask or taking medication in advance if necessary.
Clothing Guidelines
• Choose materials that cats' claws won't get caught in: Avoid knits and lace.
• Refrain from using perfume or strong scents: Cats are sensitive to smells.
• Wear clean and comfortable clothing: Outfits that make it easy to move and interact with cats are recommended.
• Keep accessories to a minimum: Cats may be attracted to them, which can be dangerous.
Cat cafés are a wonderful and relaxing space that has developed as a unique part of Japanese culture. Please follow the rules and manners to enjoy a special time with the cats!
Other Animal Cafés Are Also Popular
In Japan, not only cat cafés but also rabbit cafés, owl cafés, hedgehog cafés, and mini pig cafés are gaining popularity.
Each offers its own unique charm, making them irresistible spots for animal lovers. Be sure to visit and interact with a variety of animals!
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