Cat cafes have become a huge deal over the past 20 years. The idea of grabbing a coffee and just hanging out with a bunch of fluffy fur babies sounds like a marvelous afternoon. Well, assuming you're not allergic to the coffee and/or the cats.
Japan has roughly 150 cat cafes with approximately 40% of them in Tokyo. It's not hard to find one. But Tokyo also has a huge selection of similar-style cafes that feature other animals, some of which are can't-miss opportunities if you're there on vacation.
Cafe Hoot Hoot
When it comes to predatory bird species, it's hard to top owls. Yes, they are fierce hunters that mercilessly stalk their prey but they are also incredibly inquisitive and cute. And they apparently make reasonably good drinking buddies.
Cafe Hoot Hoot is an owl cafe in Shibuya featuring several species of owl. And if you're there at the right time, you might even be able to help feed them. Reservations are not required at Cafe Hoot Hoot but they are recommended.
Capy Neko Cafe
It's hard to imagine an animal the internet is more obsessed with than the capybara. This easy-going and gigantic South American rodent always seems super chill, even around predators. They also make pretty good pets, assuming you live in an area where that's legal.
The next best thing to having a capybara at home is heading to Capy Neko Cafe near Kichijoji Station. You need reservations but it's well worth it. The cafe has a mix of capybaras and cats, all waiting for some attention. Just as an FYI, the cats are up for adoption but the capybaras are not.
Harry Harajuku Terrace
Sometimes you don't know exactly which type of animal you want to share a coffee with. In a place like Tokyo with so many choices, that decision gets much more complicated. There are really no wrong answers. In this situation, consider Harry Harajuku Terrace.
Located on fashion street in Omotesando, Harajuku, this is the place to spend time with chinchillas, hedgehogs, and otters. While you don't get to be as hands-on with the otters as the other residents, you still have unique experiences with them.
Hachu Cafe
Making a new animal friend doesn't necessarily mean making a super fluffy animal friend. Reptiles need love, too. Just be careful with the really big snakes. Their hugs have been known to get a little...let's just say intense.
Fortunately, Hachu Cafe, which is also near Kichijoji Station, has a wide array of non-venomous or super squeezy reptile friends. That includes a range of iguanas, geckos, lizards, snakes, tortoises, and more. And you can handle them under the supervision of trained, certified professionals.
mipig + cafe
If you find tiny pigs running around you to be highly adorable, then mipig + cafe is definitely for you. The cafe is filled with micropigs looking for love, attention, and probably some food. Even a precious little piggy needs a bite to eat.
What's interesting is that mipig is a chain. Their site lists 14 locations across Japan with four of them in Tokyo, but that may be out of date. The Harajuku and Meguro spots are up and running, though. Just keep in mind that you have to book in advance. No walk-ins.