If you are a cat lover and enjoy being around furry friends, visiting a cat café in Kyoto should be on your must-do list. Cat cafes are very popular in Japan, since it is very difficult for Japanese people to own a pet due to strict rental agreements, small apartments and busy lifestyles. But it is not only cat cafes that have gained in popularity recently; you can also find (many) cafes with other animals such as owls, dogs, bunnies or hedgehogs.
Before listing our recommended animal cafes in Kyoto, we first would like to mention something we feel is very important. While many animal cafes have regulations about ‘off time’, touching animals etc., there are far fewer laws concerning animal rights in Asia, and Japan is no exception. Over the last few years, many animal cafes were shut down because of the way they were treating animals. If you notice any animal cruelty we strongly urge you to report this and expose the abuses. Having said this, we would like to introduce you to 5 different animal cafes in Kyoto.
1. Pug Café Living Room
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An all pug dogs café near the Katsura Imperial Village, the Pug Café Living Room has become very popular amongst dog lovers. The cafe started with just 4 pugs but present day you will find three generations of pugs as they have reproduced and grown as a family. This café is well known for treating its dogs well and its relaxed atmosphere. If you are interested, you can check the family tree on their website. Guests are allowed to pet the pugs and play with them, feed them dog snacks and take pictures. If you’re travelling with your own pet, you can take it with you to the Living Room too!
Pug Café Living Room
Admission: ¥1,500 per adult (including a drinks and snacks for you and the dogs)
Hours: 1pm – 6pm
2. Tango
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Located a 5 min walk south from Saiin Station, just off Nishioji Street, Tango cat café opened its doors back in 2012. The café has a total of 10 cats and entry is limited to 15 customers at a time. Therefore we recommend you to make a reservation to avoid disappointment. It’s possible to feed the cats some snacks (for sale at ¥100). You can check Tango’s cats on their Facebook or Twitter account. The café allows visitors to bring their own cat toys but they must be new ones. It is also possible to book the café if you are looking for a part venue.
Tango
Admission: 1 hour ¥1,200 per adult (including one drink)
Hours: 12pm – 9pm, the last entry at 8pm
3. Dogs and Cats Cafe Tsukitotaiyo
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Dogs and Cats Cafe Tsukitotaiyo is located in a shopping mall called MOMO Terrace, approximately 1 mins walk from Kowata stationon Keihan Uji Line. The café is on the second floor, above a pet shop, and is home to 20 dogs and 12 cats. The dogs and cats are in separate rooms and the fees and times are also different. So you need to decide which ones you want to see (first). The café also has an owl!
Dogs and Cats Cafe Tsukitotaiyo
Admission:
1,650 yen for Dogs and Cats (90mins, Need to order a drink)
1,100 yen for Dogs (90 mins on weekdays, 60 mins on weekends)
880 yen for Cats (includes a drink, 30 mins)
4. LOUTRE
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As its name indicates, Loutre (Loutre means otter in French) is a rather new otter café that has only been in operation since 2018. There are a total of five otters that are well looked after by the shop keepers. The café does not take on reservations and does not accept credit cards, so make sure you take cash with you! You can check the otters on their Twitter account or on the café’s website. There is also a YouTube channel available in case you want more information. If you miss the opportunity to visit this café in Kyoto, you can find another Loutre in Osaka!
Loutre
Admission: 3000 yen (cash only) for 50mins
Hours: 2 PM to 7 PM (Last entry 6PM)
5. Kyoto no Fukurou no Mori
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Kyoto no Fukurou no Mori, which means Kyoto Owls’ Forest, is located just a few minutes away from Hankyo Kawaramachi Station, in Shinkyogoku street. The interior looks like a forest and it is inhabited by 15 different types of owls. You are allowed to spend as long as you want inside the cafe, pat the owls and take pictures as you want. The Owls’ Forest is on the second floor of Kyoto Hyoneko no Mori (Kyoto Bengal Cat Forest), so you can not only spend some time with owls but also with cats! If you decide to visit both forests you will get a discount on the entrance fee.
Kyoto no Fukurou no Mori
Admission:
1,000 yen for adults
800 yen for 8-12 yrs old (need to have a ID to verify their age)
0-7 yrs old children cannot enter.
Hours:
12:00PM – 6:00PM(weekdays)
11:30AM – 6:30PM(weekends)
Whether you are a cat lover, a dog lover or an animal lover in general, you will have the opportunity to spend some enjoyable time with them if you decide to visit a pet café in Kyoto. There are many types of pet cafes catering many different tastes, but we urge you to be kind to the animals and adhere to all rules.
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
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▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
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▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
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▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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