Last Updated on 19 May 2026 by Vanessa
If you’re searching for the best cat cafes in Japan, you’re in for something truly special.
Japan is home to more than 150 cat cafes — more than any other country in the world — and each one offers its own unique mix of atmosphere, cats, and relaxing escape from the fast pace of city life.
The rise of cat cafes in Japan makes a lot of sense when you look at modern urban living. In many Japanese cities, especially places like Tokyo and Kyoto, strict housing rules and limited space often make pet ownership difficult. Cat cafes filled that gap perfectly, offering people a way to unwind and enjoy feline company without the long-term commitment.
Tokyo, in particular, helped turn the concept into a global phenomenon. What started as a niche idea quickly became a must-do experience for travelers, spreading from Japan to cities all around the world.
But with so many options, which cat cafes are actually worth visiting?
To help answer that, we asked several well-known travel and pet bloggers to share their favorite picks. The result is a curated list of the most memorable, charming, and genuinely worthwhile cat cafes in Japan.
Cat Moon Cherry Blossom Mountain (猫の月さくらやま) in Takayama
Chosen by Audrey of the travel blog That Backpacker.
I recently visited a cat cafe in Takayama, Japan, that quickly became one of my favorite cat cafes that I’ve ever been to. The place is called 猫の月さくらやま, which translates to ‘Cat Moon Cherry Blossom Mountain’.
What makes this particular cat cafe unique is that it’s a cat rescue center where all the cats you meet are available for adoption.
The cats in this cafe are strays and rescues from across the Hida region, and living in a cafe lets them get comfortable with humans while they await their forever homes.
The cat cafe is set in a beautiful 130-year-old traditional Japanese house that has been completely renovated and turned into an oasis for cats with catwalks, cat climbing trees, sofas and beds where the cats can live their best lives. This is one of the more unusual things to do in Takayama.
Visitors are asked to order one beverage per person while visiting the cat cafe — coffee, latte, herbal tea, and apple juice with cinnamon are available. Aside from the beverage, visitors are asked for a ¥700 donation that goes towards the cost of caring for the cats while they await adoption.
Address: Cat Moon Cherry Blossom Mountain 猫の月さくらやま, 〒506-0851 Gifu, Takayama, Oshinmachi, 1 Chome−４４−2.
Cat Cafe Asakusa-Nekoen (保護猫カフェ浅草ねこ園) in Tokyo
Chosen by Aaron from the travel blog BIG Tiny World Travel.
Our favorite cat cafe in Japan was Cat Cafe Asakusa-Nekoen, located in a small room on the sixth floor with a view of Tokyo Tower, giving it the feel of a personally-owned business.
The owner spoke English very well, and most of the patrons also spoke English.
Many of the cats had bent or much-shortened tails, a sight I had never seen before. Although their tails looked sad, the cats appeared quite content.
I feared these cats had been abused, but my post-trip research revealed that this is apparently a common genetic defect in Asian feral cats. They certainly seemed well-loved in that little room.
The cafe housed about 18 cats and didn’t offer any food or beverages.
However, the focus of the cafe was to help rescues get adopted, so we definitely supported the mission of the cafe.
I would recommend it if you are visiting the Asakusa area of Tokyo.
Address: Cat Cafe Asakusa-Nekoen 保護猫カフェ浅草ねこ園, Japan, 〒111-0033 Tokyo, Taito City, Hanakawado, 2 Chome−7−6 池田ビル 3階.
📍 Read author Carla Francis’ review of Cat Cafe Asakusa-Nekoen in Tokyo.
Cat Cafe Neco Republic (ネコリパブリック) in Hiroshima
Chosen by Brandon from the travel blog Zimmin Around the World.
It’s no secret that Japan loves cats. From cat-themed shrines and mascots to shop cats and cat cafes. Cat cafes are found in almost all major cities in Japan and are all unique in their own ways.
One cat cafe that stands out is Cat Cafe Neco Republic in the city of Hiroshima.
Cat Cafe Neco Republic promotes rescuing cats and helps in any way possible, whether it be hosting rescue events or spreading awareness. Their goal is to make sure their cats are as happy and healthy as possible and to spread awareness about rescuing cats.
Today, visitors can stop in the cafe and interact with the cats anywhere from a half hour to two hours or more. Cat Cafe Neco Republic offers small beverages like tea and coffee.
Once you have a drink, feel free to sit anywhere inside and pet the cats, play with them, or socialize. However, please remember to respect the cats. Avoid disturbing them while they sleep, and refrain from interacting with them if they seem agitated.
All the cats are adoptable. If interested, Cat Cafe Neco Republic also allows foster families.
When visiting Hiroshima City in Japan, why not take a break from exploring the city and visit Cat Cafe Neco Republic to pet and socialize with the adorable cats.
Address: Cat Cafe Neco Republic (ネコリパブリック), 〒730-0051 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Otemachi, 5 Chome−5−10-2F 栗原ビル, Japan.
Cat’s Cafe Gallery Cat’s Eye (キャッツカフェギャラリー キャッツアイ) in Kyoto
Chosen by Pippa from That Cat Site.
Up a narrow stairway in Kamigyō-ku, I found Cat’s Eye, a cat cafe that doubles as an art gallery.
The third-floor space opens into bright afternoon light pouring through wide south-facing windows.
Every cat here is a rescue, and their portraits line the walls (watercolor sketches painted by the owner herself). None of them are available for adoption; this is their permanent home, a sanctuary as much as a café.
The result feels half like a home, half like a small Kyoto art studio, where every brushstroke carries a bit of fur and affection.
I ordered the standard drink included with the visit: a cup of coffee served in a hand-painted mug.
The cats drifted lazily between tables, more interested in the sunlight than the guests.
Address: Cat’s Cafe Gallery Cat’s Eye (キャッツカフェギャラリー キャッツアイ), 〒602-0875 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Shintomicho, 325-2 吉成ビル 3F, Japan.
Coorikuya (猫カフェ 空陸家) in Funabashi, Chiba
Chosen by Kay A. from the travel blog Tiny Tot in Tokyo.
This is a chain of cat cafes located across Japan. I visited the branch in Funabashi, Chiba, located a few train stops outside of Tokyo, and really enjoyed my time there.
Their concept is that they design their cafe to seem like a home so that both customers and cats feel relaxed. Instead of cafe tables, they have couches where customers can sit and play with the cats. The animals are well cared for, too, and the cafe itself is clean.
I particularly like this cat cafe because they allow young children inside, and children ages three and under are free.
Of course, it’s important that they are gentle with the cats and don’t scare or stress them out.
My child had a lot of fun playing with the different cats using the toys the cafe provided and giving them treats.
Address: Coorikuya (猫カフェ 空陸家), 1 Chome-13-1 Maebaranishi, Funabashi, Chiba 274-0825, Japan.
📍 Read next: Misao & Fukumaru: this grandma and cat duo from Chiba will melt your heart!
Temari No Ouchi (てまりのおうち＆てまりのおしろ) in Tokyo
Chosen by Marc from the cat blog Katzenworld.
This fantastic cat cafe is hidden away in one of the districts of Tokyo, and while not the oldest cafe in the country, it should certainly be seen as the top cafe of Japan.
The staff in the cat cafe was welcoming from start to finish, and at no point do you feel like they are trying to rush you out of the place.
This was definitely the largest cat cafe we have ever visited. There is ample space for the cats and human visitors alike.
What was the best part of the cafe was the entrance and the interior design. For those into anime, it can only be described as something out of Studio Ghibli, somewhere in between Princess Mononoke and My Neighbour Totoro. They even painted the ceiling to make it look like a magical forest.
Address: Temari No Ouchi (てまりのおうち＆てまりのおしろ), Japan, 〒180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 2 Chome−13−14 ３F.
📍 Read Marc’s review of Temari No Ouchi.
Railroad Diorama Cat Cafe (ジオラマ食堂 てつどうかん) in Osaka
Chosen by Franklin the Woman.
Railroad Diorama Cat Cafe in Osaka is the best cat cafe I have been to.
The place wasn’t intended to be a cat cafe, though. The owner of Diorama restaurant is a train enthusiast and hes been in the restaurant business since the early 2000s.
Diorama opened in 2018, but just like other businesses, they suffered a great loss with the lack of tourism.
Naoki Teraoka, the owner, found an emaciated stray kitten near the restaurant in June 2020. He named her Sada and took her in.
Soon after, Sada’s family showed up, too, and he cared for all of them.
He started posting photos and videos of the cats playing on the model train tracks. It really gained attention on social media and was picked up by some news outlets as well.
And just like that, business was taking off again.
In October 2021, he took the initiative to make it a shelter as well so he could find homes for other stray cats.
Address: Railroad Diorama Cat Cafe ジオラマ食堂 てつどうかん, 2-5-16 Teradacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 543-0045, Japan.
Watch the video about Railroad Diorama Cat Cafe in Osaka!
Cat Cafe Mocha (猫カフェMOCHA) in Harajuku, Tokyo
Chosen by Jade and Deeshen from the travel & lifestyle blog Namaste to Nihao.
Welcome to Cafe Mocha, nestled right next to the bustling Harajuku metro station.
This purrfect cafe cat is home to over 20 adorable felines of all fluffiness levels.
Imagine sipping on your matcha latte while being surrounded by these charming furballs.
And for the ultimate cat lover’s delight, they offer cat-shaped lollipops that you can purchase to treat your new furry friends.
The cafe’s modern ambiance is complemented by unlimited free hot and cold beverages from vending machines, convenient charging stations, and even photo ops with cute cat ear filters.
It’s a must-visit spot for every cat enthusiast exploring Tokyo!
For more, check out my friend Jade’s blog about the best places to visit in Taiwan, including the adorable Houtong Cat Village.
Address: Cat Cafe Mocha (猫カフェMOCHA), Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome−14−25 クロスアベニュー原宿 4F.
📍 Get tickets to Cat Cafe Mocha here! (also includes an entry to the Gotokuji Cat Temple)
Nekorobi (ねころび) in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Chosen by Hayley Harris from the blog Quirky Little Planet.
Being a cat lover and an enthusiast of everything quirky, I knew I wanted to visit a cat cafe in Japan. I chose the Cat Cafe Nekorobi in the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo.
It was a little tricky to find, but after escaping the pouring rain, we received a warm welcome inside.
On our visit, we paid a set price of 1,100 yen for the first hour and 250 yen for every 15 minutes afterwards. That price includes snacks from the basket on the table and drinks from the vending machine.
We were also given a small bag of cat treats each to encourage the cats to interact with us.
The vibe here was calm and cozy. The cats were sprawled out, snoozing all over the beanbags and although, only one cat was interested in us and the treats, it was still lovely to visit and pet the sleepy kitties.
Address: Nekorobi (ねころび), 〒170-0002 Tokyo, Toshima City, Sugamo, 1 Chome−13−4 プラザビル ５F
Capy Neko Cafe Kichijoji in Tokyo
Capyneko Cafe Kichijōji is the first animal-themed café to combine two of my favorite animals: capybaras and cats.
Located just a short walk from Kichijōji Station in Tokyo, the café runs on a timed-entry system of 50 minutes per session. Inside, you can sit close to the animals, pet them, take photos, and watch their slow, friendly interactions up close. A portion of the cafe’s proceeds goes toward cat rescue efforts.
The pairing works surprisingly well: capybaras are famously gentle and relaxed animals, often comfortable around a wide range of other species, which makes their calm presence blend naturally with the cats.
Do yourself a favor and follow the Capy Neko Cafe Kichijoji on Instagram. It’s a true rabbit hole of the cutest videos of cats and capybaras cuddling and being best friends.
Address: Capy Neko Cafe Kichijoji, Japan, 〒180-0003 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Minamicho, 1 Chome−5−10 PLATANO 2階.
📍You can reserve your visit to Capy Neko Cafe Kichijoji here (sells out quickly).
Conclusion: best cat cafes in Japan
There you have it, a list of the best cat cafes of Japan. Which one will you be adding to your Japan itinerary? Or have you already been, and do you have a favorite? We’d love to hear your opinion.
Read next: How to visit Japan’s cat islands: hotels, ferries, and what to know before you go.
Cat cafes beyond Japan
If you want to explore cat cafes beyond Japan, check out our guides to cat cafes across the world. These include but are not limited to:
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