Candy and Crystal (who grew up in Japan) share their favorite animal cafes in Japan.
There are so many cute animal cafes in Japan from cat cafes to Totoro cafes to hedgehog cafes. It’s so hard to choose between all these awesome cafes with limited time (and cash), which is why I’ve asked Candy and Crystal of Travel Pockets to share with us their favorite animal cafes in Japan.
About Our Guest Bloggers
Candy and Crystal grew up as military brats and spent the first half of their lives in Japan. The majority of their family resides in Japan, but they ventured out and spent the second half of their lives mainly in the United States.
They go back to Japan every year to spend time with family and explore something new and exciting, which is why they’re my favorite go-to bloggers for all things Japan such as cute cafes!
If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, then check out one or two of these adorable character themed and animal cafes in Japan recommended by Candy and Crystal.
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Cat Cafes in Japan
Cat cafes in Japan, but if it’s your first time visiting an animal cafe, starting with cats might be more ideal.
Since there are hundreds of cat cafes to choose from nowadays, Japan started creating more artsy, designer cat cafes like Cat Cafe MoCHA, which is a cat cafe in Tokyo.
Get the Google Maps location here.
Hedgehog Cafe
Most people enjoyed this hedgehog cafe in Tokyo and we were really excited about this cafe too, but once we got there and had the opportunity to hold a hedgehog, we got scared.
We were too afraid that the hedgehog would poke us with its sharp spines. BUT everyone else was having a wonderful time holding their cute little hedgehogs as they sipped on some tea and snacks at the tiny tables. We were just scaredy cats.
It’s such a fun cafe to visit though so highly recommend this as one of the animal cafes in Japan to go to!
Read the Travel Pocket’s Hedgehog Cafe post here or get the Google Maps location here.
Owl Cafe in Japan
Owl cafe was much more calm and we were not as afraid of holding the animals. We were scared to hold the bigger owls, but the little owls were really cute and relaxed.
One of the owls pooped on my head, so make sure you’re careful when an owl starts climbing up your arm and onto your head.
To meet the owls at this owl cafe in Japan, book a visit here.
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory
This was our favorite character cafe in Japan as we love Totoro and Ghibli films. Their specialty is the cream puffs in the shape of a Totoro and they are so cute and tasty– so cute that you almost feel bad cutting into it.
You can eat at their cafe upstairs or order takeout from downstairs. If you would like to sit at a table, make sure you arrive first thing in the morning as their tables fill up fast.
Read the Travel Pocket’s Totoro Cafe post here or get the Google Maps location here.
Pompompurin Cafe
We’re not sure if a cafe in Tokyo can get any cuter than this. Everything about this cafe explodes cuteness. As soon as we walked in, we felt like we were little kids again giddy with all the cuteness surrounding us.
All the dishes are adorable and presented in the shape of Pompompurin.
The only downside about this cafe is that the service is not so great and the food is average. That part didn’t bother us too much as we were obsessed with how cute our dishes were.
Get the Google Maps location here.
Other Animal Cafes in Japan
As we mentioned earlier, there are so many more animal cafes in Japan to choose from, but we simply didn’t have the time to visit all of them. Here are a few more that might be of interest to you if you are on a hunt for more cute themed cafes:
Bunny Cafe – This bunny cafe is located right next to Hedgehog Cafe, so if you’re wanting to fit in two animal cafes at once, Roppongi is the place to go.
Kawaii Monster Cafe – This cafe looks crazy awesome with all the vibrant colors and wacky sculptures. It reminds me of the movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Cafe de Miki – A little Hello Kitty cafe with sweets and drinks.
Sanrio Puroland – If you want the ultimate cuteness overload experience, you must visit Sanrio Puroland. It’s a little out of the way from Tokyo, but worth visiting if you’re a huge Sanrio fan and cute character-themed cafes.
Hope this list helps you find those cute themed and/or animal cafes in Japan!
XO, Travel Pockets (Candy & Crystal)
Related Japan Posts
- First timer’s guide to Japan
- Cutest character-themed and animal cafes in Japan
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan
- Tipping in Japan
All photos belong to Candy & Crystal. They may not be used or distributed without their express permission. Please ask them for permission if you love them so!
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Animal Cafes in Japan
Jolene Ejmont
Thursday 27th of April 2017
Ah wow, so many interesting types of cafes! We went to a Bengal Cat Cafe in Japan and our girls absolutely loved the experience!
Sarah
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
I love Bengal cats. So beautiful.
mark wyld
Wednesday 26th of April 2017
Is this sort thing happening worldwide? or is it only Japan where this animal themed cafe and restaurants exist. Do animal liberationists have anything to say about these places. Either way, my kids think they are quite cool and would love to visit
Sarah
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
Oh that would be a great place to visit with your kids. I know there is a cat cafe in Amsterdam but it seems like Korea and Japan are the best spots for this. I heard it's because apartments are so small, people don't feel like they can own a pet so they go to these cafes instead!
Claire
Tuesday 25th of April 2017
Awwww all of these cafes are sooo cute! I think the hedgehog one would be my favourite, they are one of my favourite animals. But I'd still prefer to see these cuties in the wild - I hope they are well looked after in their cafe homes.
Iuliana Marchian
Tuesday 25th of April 2017
My cat Sheba would definitely like to go to a cat cafe. I've heard so many times about places where you can go with your cat, but unfortunately Romania is not very familiar with that. Maybe this inspiring post will bring some changes in the cat lover world. :)
Candy
Monday 24th of April 2017
Thank you so much for featuring and collaborating with Travel Pockets! Japan has so many unique cafes and we love sharing our experiences. Next time we go to Japan, we can't wait to see what new and exciting cafes are out there :)
Sarah
Wednesday 17th of May 2017
I can't wait to see where you go too! Thank you so much for writing a guest post.