Cateriam Cat Cafe

Feline fun in Shimokitazawa

Kim Bergström   - 2 min read

Japan is home to a host of cat cafes, where you can interact with furry feline friends in a relaxed setting. The first one I ever visited was Cat Café Cateriam in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, and it still remains my favorite.

The café is easily accessible via public transport, and it's also easy to select how long you want to hang out with the cats for. They have trial sessions for 15 minutes or 30 minutes (¥ 300 and ¥ 500 respectively), or longer sessions for one, two, three, or five hours. There's even a full-day pass if you decide you really like the atmosphere.

There are thirteen cats who call the café home at present (you can see them all on the official website), and on my visits here I really felt like the staff took good care of them. They were mindful of any cats who seemed overstimulated which I think is very important, and they would give them quiet time away from patrons.

You're able to interact with the cats in various ways, from entertaining them with cat toys to even dressing them up. There was a very calm, tolerant cat on one of my visits who let me dress her up in these adorable hats – I think she looks beautiful!

My own experience playing dress up with an extremely tolerant cat
My own experience playing dress up with an extremely tolerant cat (Photo: Kim)

For those who end up sticking around for a while, the café has a variety of snacks, light meals, and drinks available for purchase including muffins, scones, cat-shaped toast, coffees, teas, and juices. Many of the admission plans include one drink in the entry fee.

For anyone who intends to visit with children, please note that they won't allow entry to anyone under 5 years of age.

Getting there

Cat Cafe Cateriam is located just five minutes on foot from Shimokitazawa Station's Central Ticket Gate. There is a 7-11 on the first floor of the building, but head up to the second floor and that's where you'll find the cat cafe.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸