Popular Animal Cafes in Kobe

Sep 27, 2018

Popular Animal Cafes in Kobe

Themed cafes have been a huge hit in Japan these past few years. The themes include movies, cartoons, and just about anything else an owner could be a fan of. One of the most popular themes, though, is the animal café. These are more like petting zoos than cafés — and it’s often animals that aren’t generally kept as pets that have been causing the cuteness overload phenomenon.

Animal cafés where you can sip a coffee and play with the furry staff are all over the world. Japan has several popular ones, especially in Tokyo and large other cities. One city that has joined the bandwagon is Kobe.

Of course, regular cafés are still popular in Kobe, but animal-themed shops have gained a lot of attention — especially from animal lovers. More often than not, it’s the cute and friendly factor that gets locals and tourists alike to check them out and stay awhile. The following cafés stand out as the best because the animals are so adorable you’ll want to bring them home.

Cat Cafe Nyanny

Nyanny has thirteen cats living in a spacious play area. It has plexiglass walkways just below the ceiling, meaning you can see the underbellies and paws of the felines who are taking a stroll up there. There are also a number of bookshelves that, rather than having books, have been turned into perches. Prices are reasonable, especially considering you’ll enjoy playing with these lovable kitties.

Where: 3-6-11 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward (map)

Website: www.nyanny.com
Open Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (last entry 8:00 p.m.) Monday to Thursday (closed the third Tuesday of the month); 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (last entry 8:00 p.m.) Saturdays and Sundays

Kitanozaka Kawauso Otter Cafe

You’d think they’d be hanging out around rivers and streams, but who says otters can’t serve you cuteness in a cafe? Although the otters at Kitanozaka Kawauso are the highlights, there are other animals that are equally as charming, including hedgehogs, ferrets, and degus. There are also bunnies and sparrows, all helping customers have a grand time relaxing in this one-of-a-kind café. Patrons have the option to sit at a table with one of the animals in a cage or pay extra for three minutes of petting in a dedicated room — time is limited to avoid stressing the animals.

Where: 1-24-13 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward (map)
Website: www.kawausocafe.com
Open Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (last entry 1:30 p.m.) and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last entry 6:30 p.m.) every day

Miacis

Miacis is quite a busy café, with more than 20 felines in residence — ranging from adults to kittens. Many customers say the cats are friendlier and livelier than in other cat cafés, perhaps because there are more of them in the spacious play area. Whether you visit to enjoy the ambience while sipping a coffee or just drop by for a quick play session with the bunch, you’ll feel welcomed.

Where: 5-4-8 Motomachidori, Chuo Ward (map)

Website: www2.hp-ez.com/hp/miacis-m
Open Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday

Dog Cafe 789

If you want to meet the most adorable, furriest canines ever, head to Dog Cafe 789 for a quick meet and greet with drinks. The café is squeaky clean. There’s a variety of dogs, mostly miniature and toy breeds, all of which are well groomed and friendly to cameras and guests.

Where: 3-1-16 Wadasakicho, Hyogo Ward (map)

Open Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day

Ashiya Get

In addition to the two-story rabbit café, Ashiya Get has a hotel for your pet rabbits and a pet shop where you can adopt a bunny. The rabbits in the café are the furriest and most charming you can find. Since it’s not as lively as other animal cafes, Ashiya Get is the perfect place if you want to relax and have a bunny to pet on your lap.

Where: 5-5-14 Uozaki Kitamachi, Higashinada Ward
Open Hours: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m.) every day

Cat Cafe Mocha Aeon Mall Kobe Kita

If you’re paying Aeon Mall visit, make sure to stop by Cat Cafe Mocha. It’s more stylish than your typical cat cafés and, although the 20 felines have free rein, it’s exceptionally clean. The best times to visit are 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for “rice time” when more than 10 cats line up.

Where: Floor 2, Aeon Mall Kobe Kita, 8-1-1 Kozudai, Hyogo Ward (map)

Website: catmocha.jp/shop/aeonkobekita/

Open Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day

Spending time with animals, especially when they’re tame and friendly, can be therapeutic. Their calm nature puts you into a positive frame of mind and helps you forget about your daily stress. Visiting an animal café is an ideal way to gain a boost of furry therapy.

By akaitori from London, GB (Cat’s cafe) [CC BY-SA 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons