I started my exploration of « Only in Japan Cafes » by the now famous concept of cat cafes (or « Neko Cafe »). Cats are very popular in Japan, but many landlords prohibit them. So instead of having them at home, the frustrated cat lovers can spend time in… a cat cafe! The concept is simple : it is relaxing place where you can have a drink, read mangas, watch TV or play videogames… surrounded by feline friends.

There are many Neko Cafes around Japan. The one I tested was called Cat Café Calico. It is located in Tokyo, in Shinjuku district. The cafe occupies the 5^th and 6^th floor of a building. There are about 50 cats that are free to wander about, take a nap or play with you. Cats being cats, they do only what they want, but if you buy some cat food (available on spot), you will quickly become the center of attention!

The cats didn’t seem to be disturbed by the people around them and the place was really spotless clean. They register your time of arrival and you pay when you leave, depending on the amount of time you spent there. It will cost you 1000 yen per hour (or 1200 on week ends), a drink is 200 yen and cat food 300 yen. The idea is now spreading around the world, and cat cafes have now also opened in Paris and New York. An unusual and fun experience… if you’re not allergic to cats of course!

Cat Café Calico : http://catcafe.jp/index.php (in Japanese)

所在地：新宿区歌舞伎町1-16-2 Shinjuku Kabukicho 1-16-2
富士ビルディング5/6F（6F入口）Fuji Building 5/6Floor (6F entrance).

Metro : Shinjuku

Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 (last order 21:15 a day, seven days a week)