Have you ever seen the many “animal cafés” lined up along Takeshita Street in Harajuku? In Japan, there are numerous animal cafés where you can interact not only with cats and owls, but also with rare animals from around the world such as Samoyeds, micro pigs, hedgehogs, and marmots. These cafés are popular because they offer a relaxing experience that can be easily enjoyed by tourists and people who cannot keep pets at home. In this article, we will introduce the appeal of recommended animal cafés in Japan, along with information on prices, access, and how to make reservations.
*All prices include tax.
The Appeal and Popularity of Animal Cafés in Japan
It is believed that the popularity of animal cafés in Japan is related to the unique living environments found in urban areas.
In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it is not uncommon for people to find it difficult to keep pets due to restrictions in rental housing or limited space at home. In this context, animal cafés where you can easily interact with animals have become attractive and relaxing spots for many people.
Animal cafés have also attracted attention from international tourists. Since these kinds of cafés are rarely seen overseas, they are popular as a “uniquely Japanese experience.” The appeal is not just cats and dogs, but also the chance to spend time with animals you rarely encounter, such as hedgehogs, owls, and micro pigs.
In addition to interacting with animals, some cafés allow you to enjoy soft drinks, read manga, or play games at your leisure, making them great places to take a break.
Introducing 9 Popular Animal Cafés! Access, Prices, and Reservation Methods for Cat, Shiba Inu, and Owl Cafés
Cat Café MOCHA
MOCHA is a popular cat café chain with multiple locations across Japan. It also has four locations overseas, mainly in Asia. The cafés feature spacious, clean interiors and comfortable sofas, creating a relaxing atmosphere where guests can spend time with about 20 adorable cats. Twice a day, during breakfast and dinner, you can watch the cats line up and eat together in a charming and popular event.
The cafés are equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets, and guests can enjoy manga, magazines, and board games for free. The comfortable café style allows you to spend time with cats while working or studying.
Cat Café MOCHA
- Locations: Various areas in Kanto, Kansai, and Kyushu
- Prices: Vary by location. Please check each store’s page for details.
For example, at “MOCHA Lounge Shibuya Koen-dori”: Weekdays 30 minutes from 1,188 yen, weekends 30 minutes from 1,518 yen (maximum charge applies, drink bar included) - Reservations: Advance reservations not available (same-day entry in order of arrival)
- Official website: https://catmocha.jp/
Mameshiba Café Harajuku no Mameshiba Café
Located on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo’s first Mameshiba Café, “Harajuku no Mameshiba Café.” When you think of Japanese dogs, many people probably picture the Shiba Inu. Among Shiba Inu, the smaller variety is called “Mameshiba.” At this café, you can interact with energetic Mameshiba dogs in a nostalgic Japanese-style interior, complete with tatami mats and a low chabudai table, creating a retro atmosphere.
Children can enter from age 6 when accompanied by a guardian, making it a great spot for families. In addition to Harajuku, there are also locations in Asakusa, Kamakura, Kyoto, and Osaka, so be sure to check them out.
Harajuku no Mameshiba Café
- Address: 3rd Floor, 1-6-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station or Meiji-Jingumae Station
- Hours: [Weekdays] 11:00–18:00 [Weekends & Holidays] 11:00–18:40 (Last entry is 40 minutes before closing. Hours may vary.)
- Price: 1,300 yen for 30 minutes (includes one drink)
- Reservations: Not available (same-day entry only, first-come, first-served)
- Official Website: https://owls-cats-forest.com/free/mameshiba-harajuku
*There are also locations in Asakusa, Kamakura, Kyoto, and Osaka. Prices and details may vary by location.
Samoyed Café moffu
At “moffu,” a Samoyed café, you can interact with Samoyed dogs, known for their fluffy white fur and smiling expressions. With the concept of being a “second home,” the Samoyeds warmly greet you with a “welcome home.” You can give them treats or, as an option, hold them, so be sure to let these adorable Samoyeds heal your heart.
There are three locations: Harajuku, Takeshita Street, and Osaka Shinsaibashi, all with convenient access. Same-day reservations are possible, but since it is a popular café, advance reservations through the official website are recommended.
Samoyed Café moffu Harajuku
- Address: B1 Floor, Aristo Harajuku, 3-21-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from Harajuku Station
- Hours: [Weekdays] 11:00–20:00 [Weekends & Holidays] 10:00–20:00 (Last entry at 19:00)
- Price: [Weekdays] 3,995 yen [Weekends & Holidays] 4,665 yen (1-hour ticket + all-you-can-drink, advance reservation price. Same-day reservation prices may vary.)
- Reservations: Advance reservations recommended via the official website (same-day entry possible if there are open spots)
- Official Website: https://samoyedmoffu.com/
*There are also locations on Takeshita Street and in Osaka Shinsaibashi. Prices and details may vary by location.
EN: https://samoyedmoffu.com/en
Hedgehog Café HARRY
HARRY is a small animal café where you can enjoy interacting with hedgehogs, with locations in Harajuku, Asakusa, and Yokohama. You can take your time getting to know the “Four-toed Hedgehog,” a species known for having four toes on its hind feet.
Depending on the location, you can interact not only with hedgehogs but also with other small animals such as fennec foxes, chinchillas, and otters. Some staff members speak English, so international visitors can enjoy their time with peace of mind. If you find an animal you like, you can even purchase it on the spot, so if you are considering getting a pet, be sure to check it out.
HARRY
- Locations: Harajuku, Asakusa, various places in Yokohama
- Price: Varies by location. Please check each store’s page for details.
For "HARRY HARAJUKU STATION FRONT STORE": 45 minutes Adults 2,310 yen and up, Children (ages 4–12) 2,090 yen and up - Reservations: Walk-ins accepted, advance reservations recommended
- Official website: https://harinezumi-cafe.com/
EN: https://harinezumi-cafe.com/en/
Capybara Cafe cafe capyba
At "cafe capyba," a capybara cafe, you can interact with two capybaras. These friendly capybaras love being petted, and their laid-back personalities are sure to soothe your heart.
You can also feed them snacks and watch their adorable eating habits. There are also capybara-themed plush toys, T-shirts, and original goods for sale, so be sure to check them out. The cafe is conveniently located with easy access from Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree, making it a great stop during sightseeing. Please note that reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance.
cafe capyba
- Locations: Asakusa, Hikifune
- Price: First 30 minutes 1,450 yen and up (one drink required, snacks sold separately), 440 yen for each additional 10 minutes
- Reservations: Advance reservation required (can be made up to two weeks in advance on the official website)
- Official website: https://cspace.co.jp/
EN: https://cspace.co.jp/en/home_english/
Micro Pig Cafe mipig cafe
"mipig cafe" is Japan’s first micro pig cafe, with locations all over the country. Micro pigs, which are even smaller than mini pigs, originated in the UK and are intelligent, clean, and adorable animals.
They are very friendly, and some can even "sit" or "jump" on command. You are sure to be soothed by the sight of them climbing onto your lap and taking a nap.
mipig cafe
- Locations: Harajuku, Asakusa, and other locations nationwide (see official website for details)
- Price: Varies by location. Please check each store’s page for details.
For "Asakusa" location: 25 minutes/2,200 yen for ages 4 and up, 1,100 yen for ages 3 and under; 55 minutes/3,300 yen for ages 4 and up, 1,100 yen for ages 3 and under - Reservations: Advance reservation required (via reservation website)
- Official website: https://mipig.cafe/
Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou
Akiba Fukurou is an owl café located just a 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station. You can interact with around 40 fluffy owls, including rare species such as the world’s smallest owl, the Eurasian Pygmy Owl, and the world’s largest owl, the Eurasian Eagle Owl. You can also experience having an owl perch on your arm, so be sure to visit.
Akiba Fukurou
- Address: Akiba Fukurou Building 1F, 67 Kanda Neribeicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station
- Business hours: 12:00–18:00
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Price: From 3,300 yen
- Reservation: Advance reservation required (reservation website)
- Official website: https://akiba2960.com/jp/
Bird Café Kotori Café
Kotori Café in Ueno is a place where you can enjoy sweets and tea while watching small birds such as parakeets and parrots. Their delicious and cute donuts and manju, inspired by birds, are especially popular, and the café also offers a variety of food menu items such as omurice.
In addition to the café, there is also a section selling bird-themed goods, with a wide selection of bird merchandise available. In the “Mofumofu Room,” you can directly interact and play with the birds.
Kotori Café
- Address: 1-8-6 Uenosakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 8-minute walk from Nezu Station, 15-minute walk from Ueno Station
- Business hours: 11:00–18:00
- Closed: Irregular (please check the official website)
- Price: 550 yen for 5 minutes of interaction in the “Mofumofu Room”
- Reservation: Advance reservation available (reservation website)
- Official website: https://kotoricafe-ueno.owst.jp/
EN: https://kotoricafe-ueno.owst.jp/en/
KO: https://kotoricafe-ueno.owst.jp/ko/
TW,HK: https://kotoricafe-ueno.owst.jp/zh-tw/
Marmot Café Marmot Village
Marmot Village is Japan’s first animal café specializing in marmots, and it just opened this year. This rare café, even by global standards, lets you relax with chubby, fluffy marmots known for their somewhat human-like gestures.
Inside the café, you’ll find various types of marmots, including Himalayan marmots, Alpine marmots, and woodchucks. You can enjoy experiences such as feeding them snacks and watching their mealtime routines.
You might even get to see the adorable play fighting between marmots that has become popular on social media. A second location opened in Osaka in November 2025, so be sure to check that out as well.
Marmot Village
- Address: 4-46-10 Nogata, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from Nogata Station,
4 minutes from Koenji Station, 7 minutes from Nakano Station - Business hours: 10:00–18:00 (12:00–13:00 is marmot break time)
- Price: Casual Plan 20 minutes 1,500 yen
- Full Experience Plan 60 minutes 2,800 yen (includes one drink and a souvenir)
- Reservation: Advance reservation required (reservation website)
- Official website: https://mamomura.com/
Etiquette for Enjoying Animal Cafés Safely
Many animal cafés have their own unique rules depending on the types and personalities of the animals. Please follow the rules to enjoy animal cafés safely. For example, the following rules are common:
- Wash your hands and use alcohol sanitizer when entering the café
- No outside food or drinks allowed
- Interact with the animals in a way that does not cause them stress
- No flash photography
Did any animal café catch your interest? Be sure to create wonderful memories by spending time with these adorable animals.
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