Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist destinations, home to famous spots such as Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street. Many visitors come here to enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and local food while exploring the historic streets.
But did you know that Asakusa is also home to some unique animal cafes where you can take a break from the crowds and spend time with adorable animals?
In this article, I’ll introduce two animal cafes in Asakusa: a cozy cat cafe where you can relax with adorable cats, and a micro pig cafe where you can interact with cute and playful pigs.
You might be wondering:
"What is an animal cafe like?"
"How do I make a reservation?"
"How Much Does It Cost and How Long Can I Stay?"
If you've been wondering about any of these questions, you're not alone.
In this article, I'll walk you through the atmosphere of each cafe, how to make a reservation, and what you can expect from your visit.
Whether you're an animal lover, curious about Japan’s unique animal cafe culture, or simply looking for a peaceful place to unwind during your trip, these cafes are well worth a visit.
Get ready for a heartwarming experience with some of Asakusa’s cutest residents!
1. What is an animal cafe like?
Animal cafes are popular places where you can relax and spend time with adorable animals while taking a break from sightseeing.
There are many different types of animal cafes in Japan, but in this article, we'll introduce two popular options in Asakusa: a classic cat cafe and a unique micro pig cafe.
First is Cat Cafe Calaugh, a cozy hidden gem located just a 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station and a 3-minute walk from Kaminarimon Gate. You can relax with many cats while enjoying drinks, meals, or even alcoholic beverages in the evening.
The cafe also offers free Wi-Fi and power outlets, making it a convenient place to work on your laptop or charge your phone. With around 400 manga books available, it's also a great spot to unwind between sightseeing activities.
Next is mipig cafe, Japan’s first cafe where visitors can interact with micro pigs. One of its most unique features is the opportunity to have the pigs sit on your lap, allowing you to experience their warmth and gentle nature up close.
The pigs are calm and friendly, making the experience enjoyable even for first-time visitors. If you have any questions, the staff are always happy to help. With locations across Japan, mipig cafe has become one of the country's most popular animal cafe brands.
2. How Do I Make a Reservation?
Both cafes accept advance reservations. Since they can get busy on weekends, public holidays, and during peak tourist seasons, it's a good idea to book your visit in advance.
Please note that reservations are required for mipig cafe, so be sure to book your visit before arriving. Cat Cafe Calaugh, on the other hand, may accept walk-in visitors if seats are available, but making a reservation is still recommended to secure your spot.
Reservations can be made through the booking form on each cafe's official website. English-language pages are also available, making the process easy for international visitors.
Before making a reservation, be sure to review the cafe's guidelines and policies. These may include age restrictions, house rules, and cancellation policies. The rules are designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of the animals, so checking them beforehand will help your visit go smoothly.
To avoid arriving only to find the cafe fully booked, I recommend making a reservation in advance whenever possible.
3. How Much Does It Cost and How Long Can I Stay?
At Cat Cafe Calaugh, the admission fee is ¥1,400, which includes one hour of stay and one complimentary drink. If you'd like to spend more time with the cats, you can extend your visit for ¥200 (tax included) per 10 minutes after the initial hour.
The cafe also offers value packages that include one drink, such as a 90-minute plan (¥1,700), 2-hour plan (¥2,000), and 3-hour plan (¥2,800). These options are perfect for visitors who want to relax with the cats or spend some time reading manga at a leisurely pace.
At mipig cafe, you can choose between a 25-minute or 55-minute experience. The 25-minute course costs ¥2,200 for guests aged 4 and above and ¥1,100 for children aged 3 and under. The 55-minute course costs ¥3,300 for guests aged 4 and above and ¥1,100 for children aged 3 and under.
Please note that visitors to mipig cafe are required to arrive 10 minutes before their reservation time. This allows time for check-in and a brief explanation of the cafe's rules and how to interact with the pigs.
Both cafes offer flexible options, making them easy to fit into your sightseeing plans in Asakusa. Whether you have just a short break or want to spend a relaxing afternoon with the animals, you can choose the plan that best suits your schedule and budget.
My Experience
I had the chance to visit both Cat Cafe Calaugh and mipig cafe during my time in Asakusa, and each offered a completely different but equally memorable experience.
I started with Cat Cafe Calaugh and chose the one-hour plan since it was my first visit. After sanitizing my hands, I stepped inside and was immediately greeted by cats relaxing all around the cafe.
Some were sleeping peacefully on top of a printer, others were perched high above the room watching everything below, and one cat was even licking a staff member's head. Each cat seemed to have its own personality, and it was fun simply watching them go about their day.
I was also lucky enough to see the cats during feeding time. Visitors can gently pet the cats and play with them using toys, making the experience especially enjoyable for animal lovers.
The cafe also offers a variety of food and drinks, so I ordered the French toast (¥1,000) with an ice cream topping (¥100). The warm French toast, cold ice cream, and generous amount of maple syrup made for a delicious treat. Enjoying dessert while surrounded by relaxed cats was the perfect way to unwind.
Basic information
🏠 Cat cafe Calaugh （ねこカフェ きゃらふ）
📍 2F, 2-19-13 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo
🕘 11:00~ (Please check the official website for the latest business hours and schedule.)
💤 Closed on irregular days
🚶 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
💴 Cash, credit card, and QR code payments accepted.
Next, I visited mipig cafe. Since I was fitting it into my sightseeing schedule, I chose the 25-minute course.
The experience was simple: sit down, stretch out your legs, place a towel over your lap, and wait. Before long, the micro pigs began approaching visitors and settling onto their laps. Their friendly and affectionate nature was incredibly charming, and it was easy to see why so many people fall in love with them.
One of the most interesting parts of the visit was observing how the pigs interacted with one another. Occasionally, they would squabble over a spot, and I learned that pigs have a surprisingly strong social hierarchy. Whenever an older or more dominant pig approached, the younger pigs would quickly move aside.
The staff also shared fascinating facts about micro pigs, including that they can learn commands such as “sit” and “stay” with proper training. It was a great opportunity not only to interact with the animals but also to learn more about their behavior and intelligence.
Basic information
🏠 mipig cafe Asakusa
📍 Chateau Amour 2F Asakusa 3-1-1, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🕘 9:00-18:30
💤 Open every day
🚶 3-minute walk from Kaminarimon
💴 Cash, credit card, and QR code payments accepted.
Whether you prefer relaxing with cats or cuddling with friendly micro pigs, both cafes offer a unique and heartwarming experience in Asakusa.
They're easy to fit into a sightseeing itinerary and provide a welcome break from the busy streets and crowded attractions. They're also great for solo travelers, as both cafes have a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
If you're looking for a memorable animal cafe experience in Tokyo, be sure to add these two spots to your Asakusa itinerary.
If you want to see more delicious food in Asakusa, be sure to check out my Instagram too📸✨Just click the icon below!
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