Opening in 2005, The cat café NEKO NO MISE is one of the oldest cat cafes in Tokyo, even in Japan. You also can pick drinks or eat foods of the cafe shop, which is optional because you can even bring your food there to enjoy while enjoying cozy time with 15-18 beautiful cats.
Cat Café Experience in Japan
Recently, in Europe and the US, there have been many cat cafes, but Japan is the origin of the cat cafe. A cat coffee tour can only be experienced in the capital of Japan. Take off your shoes before entering the cafe shop. Clean your hands before and after touching the cat.
Customers are invited to come into the café, have a hot beverage or snack and play with the cat café’s resident cats! Often, cat cafés will have 10-20 cats that roam around the establishment. These cats are usually friendly lap cats or playful kittens, giving patrons the experience of having a cat for an hour or two.
Cat Adoption in Cat Cafes
Opened in 2004, Neko no Jikan is Japan’s first cat cafe located in Osaka. The purpose of cat cafes is relaxation and encouraging cat adoption. Cat cafes provide a place for people to interact with cats, which can help reduce stress. The cafes also allow potential adopters to meet cats needing homes. The number of cats per cafe is limited to prevent overcrowding and stress. Some cafes offer adoption services but have strict requirements for potential owners. Stray cats are a major issue in Japan. Neu Cat & Vegan cafe takes in rescued street cats so visitors can play with them and apply to adopt.
Asakusa Nekoen cafe houses and cares for homeless cats until they are adopted. Visitors can meet sweet cats awaiting new homes. At Capyneko Cafe in Tokyo, you can lounge with curious cats and a chill capybara named Tawashi-kun. Shelters in Japan strictly limit adoptions by foreigners but cat cafes abroad increasingly offer adoption opportunities closer to home.