10 HEARTWARMING CAT CAFES IN OSAKA FOR FELINE FANS
Animal cafes are growing in popularity over the years all over Japan. Especially in the big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka as many Japanese are unable to keep pets in their housing and apartments due to the lack of space and lack of nature nearby compared to western counterparts. Currently there are a wide range of animal cafes such as for dogs, birds, owls and particularly popular are the cat cafes.
Osaka in particular is a special city when it comes to these cozy cat cafes as it is said that the concept was first conceived here. The great variety of cat cafes in Osaka include many types of cat breeds, as well as a great diversity in terms of menus and decorations.
These cafes provide visitors with a relaxing place to chill with a cup of tea or coffee while being surrounded by cute attention loving cats. They usually charge customers for the the time they stay. For some this may be a little expensive. However, many cat cafe fans and regulars find that having a coffee surrounded by cats purring, sleeping and playing around is a soothing and wonderful experience worth every yen.
Furthermore, despite being in a close proximity to animals that are inside all day long, these cat cafes are very clean and really well maintained. The cats are also accustomed to visitors so they are very affectionate, welcoming and love the attention from patrons. If you buy them treats, the cats will definitely love you even more! It will be impossible for you to resist their charms.
Here is a list that includes 10 heartwarming cat cafes that you really have to visit if you are a feline fan in Osaka.
NEKO NO JIKAN CAFE
It all started with the opening of this coffee shop, thus becoming the first cat cafe in Japan. Opened in 2004 and is located at street level. It is a unique cat cafe in Osaka, as one of its two rooms is decorated in the purest traditional Japanese style. The floor is covered with tatami and blankets for visitors to sit on. This room lets visitors enjoy Japanese culture along with the chance to pet 10 cats at the same time. It is like a dream come true!
The second room has a more modern look, with many tables and chairs to sit for tea or coffee. This room has large windows which let the sunlight enter, making the place more cozy. As you can imagine, its atmosphere is very relaxing and calm, almost spiritual. It is an ideal place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Osaka.
HOW TO GET THERE
Neko no Jikan Cafe is located near Nakazakicho station, on the Tanimachi Line. It is also a 10 minute walk accessible from all main Umeda and Osaka stations. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 7pm. The entrance fee is 1200 yen/hour with drinks included, and 1110 yen on weekdays.
SAVE CAT CAFE
This Osaka cat cafe is particularly unique and special cafe as all the cats in the cafe have been rescued. It is one of only a few cat cafes in Japan that hosts and looks after rescued cats that have gone through hardship such as abandonment or street life. This cafe is symbolic and shows how Osaka really is a true pioneer city when it comes to cat welfare.
In contrast to other cat cafes, the interaction with cats in Save Cat Cafe is incredibly close, since there are no tables in the cat room. Visitors can relax comfortably with the cats while sitting on the floor. They will quickly find themselves being jumped on by cute cats wondering the room. This particular room is essentially the play room and the number of guests allowed at one time is limited. The objective of this policy is to ensure a more individual and intimate approach to the cats.
Aside from the cat room, the cafe has another small room where guests can actually sit and and relax with drinks and snacks. Great for when guests prefer to separate the cat fun with drinking coffee.
HOW TO GET THERE
Save Cat Cafe is in the Tenjinbashi area. The nearest station is Tenjimbashisuji rokuchome station, on the Sakaisuji Line. It is located 4 minutes from the station. As for the timetable, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12 to 8 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Entrance fee is 1500/hour.
NECO REPUBLIC CAFE
Just like Save Cat Cafe, Neco Republic Cafe is also a cat cafe that plays host to cats that have been rescued. However, different to the Save Cat Cafe this Osaka cat cafe offers a concept very unique to Japan. In it, one of the most beautiful elements in Japanese culture is combined with cats: onsen, or hot spring.
This cat cafe is divided into two sections. In the first section, there is a cat spa where visitors can take a foot bath and relax their bodies and minds together with cats and to recreate the feeling and atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot spring. A large hand-painted mural of Mount Fuji and other natural images of trees, turtles and a sunset on the wall provides that traditional and natural Japanese feel.
The second section is a cat ryokan (traditional Japanese hostel). It is the first hostel in the world that is adjacent to a cat cafe. In this peaceful place, guests can stay the night in close proximity to their furry friends. A rare experience only found at Neco Republic Cafe and a must for cat-lovers that enjoy the soft cuddle of a cat.
In addition, Neco Republic Cafe is a cat cafe in Osaka that belongs to the Neco Republic Organization. The goal of this organization is to eradicate the number of abandoned and stray cats in Japan, by 2022! By visiting this cafe, guests are able to contribute to this organizations cause. Not only would you be helping the organization to achieve its goal, but the cat-love will surely give you a mental and physical healing during your stay.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the Midosuji Line and get off at Shinsaibashi station. Both facilities are open every day of the year. The cat spa opens from 12 to 9pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays it opens from 12 to 8pm. As for the cat ryokan, check-in starts at 3pm and the check-out begins at 10am.
NEU CAT CAFE
Continuing with the cat rescued cafes, Neu Cat Cafe also offers a novelty which is difficult to find somewhere else. How cool does it sound, being able to enjoy cats and eat vegan food at the same place? If you like both concepts, then Neu Cat Cafe is definitely your cat cafe! Although the location is a bit hidden and difficult to find, it is really worth visiting. The cats you will find here are extremely cute and loving and the staff are very friendly who genuinely love cats.
The first floor is the cat room itself. Then, the second floor is the cafe that offers visitors tasty Japanese vegan food. The menu includes salad, rice, corn and other varied vegetables. It is the perfect plan for lunch for those who want to enjoy the company of cats and also eat healthy and natural food.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are several ways to get to Neu Cat Cafe. The fastest route is to take the Nagahori Tsurumi Ryokuchi Line to Matsuyamachi station and walk about 8 minutes. On weekdays (except Wednesdays) it opens from 1pm to 9pm. On weekdays and holidays it opens from 12 to 8pm. It is closed on Wednesdays. The entrance fee of the cat cafe is 1500 yen/hour, with an extra 15 minutes for 300 yen and children under 3 years old are free. The price of the vegan menu ranges between 600 to 1200 yen.
CATTERIA CLOUD NINE CAFE
Catteria Cloud Nine Cafe opened in 2007, a few years after Neko no Jikan Cafe. It is not exactly a cat cafe, but a two-floor restaurant. Therefore, a full food menu is available. What this cafe does have is an area called a cat booth which consists of a classy and cosy room where cats roam freely. With jazz music being played subtly in the background, visitors are provided with an elegant atmosphere, along with some vintage style furniture. The room has leather chairs and two tables to relax on, have a coffee and maybe even read one of the many books about cats that are available.
Since this is a restaurant and not a cat cafe, it does not follow the typical rules of a cat cafe. You do not need to take off your shoes, sterilize your hands or pay an entrance fee. Just enter, take a seat and enjoy it as if it was an ordinary restaurant.
HOW TO GET THERE
Cloud Nine Cafe is located in Shin-Osaka, a quiet neighborhood in the suburbs of Osaka. The nearest station is Higashimikuni station, on the Midosuji Line and is a 4 minute walk from the station. It is open on Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm to 9pm. On Thursday and Friday it is open from 12 to 9pm.
GURUGURUDO NEKO CAFE
Gurugurudo Neko Cafe is on the fourth floor of an old office building in Shinsaibashi. The cafe is a very at-home style cafe with decoration that combines old Japanese furniture, plants, wooden floor and incense. In the cafe, visitors will find more than 10 different types of cats and greeted with a tranquil and calm atmosphere with drinks for all relax-seeking guests such as chai tea and Singha beer.
The cafe is located in a busy neighborhood of Osaka, many partons find that Gurugurudo Neko Cafe is a good place to disconnect and relax.
HOW TO GET THERE
The cafe is located in the central area of Dotonbori, and is a 7 minute walk accessible from Shinsaibashi station on the Midosuji Line. Another option is to walk 6 minutes from Yotsubashi station, on the Yotsubashi Line. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 10pm, and Monday from 11am to 8pm. The entrance fee is 1050 yen/hour, and includes a drink.
CAT CAFE MOCHA CAFE
This cat cafe has branches located in other cities of Japan apart from Osaka. Its signature decoration is a wooden furniture that mimics a tree and has branches, some with supports so that the cats can lay and climb located all around the cafe.
The cafe is a beautiful place full of books with a large sofa with comfortable blankets. If you like to take attractive photos, this cat cafe in Osaka has perfect spaces to take unforgettable pictures. Also, there are several vending machines that offer quality drinks in a homely atmosphere.
HOW TO GET THERE
Osaka’s Cat Mocha Cafe is in Shinsaibashi. It is not too far from Gurugurudo Neko Cafe, so why not do a small cat tour and visit several cat cafes while visiting Osaka. The cafe is accessible from Shinsaibashi station on the Midosuji Line. It opens every day from 10am to 10pm, and the entrance fee is 200 yen/hour.
NEKO CAFE RAGDOLL
Neko Cafe Ragdoll is a cafe completely full of cat toys, boxes and baskets. There are two of these cafes just 5 minutes away from each other. The largest one has about 24 cats, while the other, somewhat smaller, has about 20 cats.
This cafe is focused less on the 'cafe' part and more on the interaction between patrons and cats. Upon entering the cafe, visitors are given a piece of chicken breast meat to feed and get close to the many cats roaming around. The cafe is like a giant play room and is perfect for families with children who want to really engage in fun with cats.
In saying this, there is a menu that includes a wide variety of drinks, like orange and apple juices, coffee, and at least 23 different types of tea!
HOW TO GET THERE
This cat cafe is located in Namba in the Minami area of Osaka. You can take the Midosuji Line or the Yotsubashi Line and get off at Namba station. It is open every day from 12 noon to 10pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays it opens from 11am until 10pm. The entrance fee is 1000 yen/hour and includes a soft drink and a kitty treat. Additional drinks cost 300 yen and additional kitty treats are 100 yen each.
CAT TAIL CAFE
The Cat Tail Cafe is popular for having a large number of cats (at least 20!). Different to other cafes, this cat cafe provides a biography of each cat so visitors get to know each cat.
The atmosphere of the cafe is calm and despite the large number of furry cats, the establishment is very clean and tidy. Also, although there are some benches and tables, its environment encourages the visitor to sit on the floor. In this way, interaction with cats is much more fun.
HOW TO GET THERE
Cat Tail Cafe is located in the incredibly crowded area of Dotonbori. In order to get there, take the Midosuji Like or the Yotsubashi Line to Namba station. Then walk about 7 minutes until you reach the cafe.
CAT CAFE NYANTSUME
* Note: As of March 2024, this store is closed.
What can be better than having a coffee at a large table with cats sleeping in giant cups around you? This cat cafe is a rather newer-style and hip cafe decorated with sober colors, an open-plan kitchen and a long bench. Visitors will be surprised to find cats sitting literally everywhere! The venue itself is larger than some of the other cafes and gives the cats more room to explore and play.
HOW TO GET THERE
Cat Cafe Nyantsume is also in Dotonbori near the Cat Tail Cafe and is about a 4 minute walk from Shinsaibashi station on the Yotsubashi Line or the Midosuji Line.
IN CONCLUSION
Many of the cat cafes in Osaka brought up in this list are concentrated in the areas of Dotonbori, Namba and Shinsaibashi. In such crowded touristic areas, these cafes are a great place to get away and take a break and relax surrounded with the loving affection of cuddly cats.
When you visit a cat cafe make sure to check and follow the rules to avoid disturbing the peaceful environment the cats live in. For example, in most cat cafes in Osaka, entry is prohibited to children under 13. They must always be accompanied by an adult. Also, you can not bring food or drink from outside and by no means offer it to cats. Look after the cats and they will sure to look after you!
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