Cat Cafe Asakusa Neko-En: Tokyo, Japan

Contact Information

Address:  〒111-0032 Tōkyō-to, Taitō-ku, Asakusa, 3 Chome−1−1, 馬道妙見屋ビル

Phone:  +81 3-3876-3813

Hours: Wed-Mon 11:00 - 21:00, closed Tuesday

Entrance Fee: Y800/1 hr, drinks extra

Ratings

Website / Social Media

Website: asakusanekoen.com

Facebook: @asakusanekoen

Instagram: asakusanekoen

Twitter: @asakusanekoen

Cat vs Cafe (90/10)

Do It For The Kitties:  Review of Cat Cafe Asakusa Neko-en

My visit to Cat Cafe Asakusa Neko-en was unusual to say the least.

Rather than a cafe, it's set up inside a residential apartment.  I've been to apartment-style cat cafes before (in China), but this was the first where I felt like the owner might actually be living on the premises...and it was a bit odd.  

Located near the Asakusa metro station, I visited at 6 pm on a Monday evening and was greeted in perfect English by the friendly owner who was eager to make me feel welcome.  Inside, I noticed about ten cats in the tiny room, but only a couple sitting on the one couch observing them.  There wasn't much seating, so I grabbed a stool and posted up against the wall. 

Shortly after, a few regulars arrived and I couldn't help but feel as though I was intruding as they plopped down in front of the TV and began chatting in earnest with the owner.  The atmosphere felt intimate.

As far as the cats go, they are all rescues and most are quite happy, healthy and social, including one sweet baby that hopped up on my lap.  Cold bottled drinks are available for purchase, but after a long day drinking multiple beverages from several cat cafes, I didn't partake.  

As a cat lover, I appreciate and value what this owner is doing to help kitties, and as long as you have no greater expectation than to sit on the floor and play with them, then I recommend Asakusa Neko-en to you when visiting Tokyo.

Date Visited:  6/5/17