If you never heard anything about cat cafés it is completely normal. For many people the idea to pay to sit in a room full of cats seems like something straight out of a science fiction movie. But cat cafés are actually quite popular in Japan.
The idea was first developed in Taiwan and eventually became very popular in Japan. This popularity can be explained in part by the fact that many apartments in Japan do not allow pets. Cat lovers can go to those cafés and interact with cats while enjoying their favorite drinks.
The concept is relatively simple. Cat cafés are designed so that visitors and clients can touch and play with cats. Nekokaigi is one famous cat café located in Kyoto. It has been featured in many TV programs and newspapers over the past few years.
Japanese cat cafés are strictly supervised and owners of such establishments must have a permit to run their business. As a reflection of that, Nekokaigi is extremely clean and the cats seem exceptionally happy to live there. To enter the café clients must respect the rules to ensure that cats are not disturbed constantly.
On the Nekokaigi’s website, you can read the rules you need to follow at this café.
- It is forbidden to smoke.
- You cannot let or give cats any drinks including milk.
- You can take pictures but cannot use flash.
- Do not disturb the cats while they are sleeping
- Do not pick up the cats.
- You cannot bring other food or drink inside the café.
- And you must place your belongings into a locker before entering the café.
- And finally, you must be 13 years old or older.
Each cafés has its own rules but make sure to follow them if you decide to go to a cat café. These cat cafés are the home to many cats and owners have to make sure that their cats are happy and not stressed.
From personal experience, going to Nekokaigi cat café was an enjoyable one. The staff is really nice and if you do not speak Japanese, they will try their best to communicate with you. If I remember right, they have a sheet with instructions in English so the rules are clear to everyone.
Nekokaigi is located in the center of Kyoto, close to Horikin gold leaf store. It is a great place to cool off during a hot and humid summer's day. Admission for one hour is 800 yen and 30 minutes extensions are 400 yen. You do not have to buy any drinks but know that each drink cost something extra. The cafe is open from 11 am except Tuesdays when it is closed. It can get crowded in the evenings and weekends, so afternoon tea is an ideal time to visit.
The easiest way to get there is from Kyoto Shiyakushomae Station. Once outside, you have to walk for about 3 minutes West on Oike-dori Street, and it is almost opposite Hiiragiya Ryokan. You can also take the Karasuma Line until Karasumaoike Station and walk for about 5 minutes East on Oike-dori Street. The café is not easy to spot so make sure to check the website if you do not read any Japanese. When I went there, there was only a sign on the street. Me and my friends passed in front of the café multiple times before actually finding it. Once you find the building, you have to take the elevator to the second floor.
