Cat Cafe Calico Shinjuku: Tokyo, Japan

Contact Information

Address: 〒160-0021 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku-ku, Kabukichō, 1 Chome−16−2, 富士ビルディング

Phone:  +81 3-6457-6387

Hours: M-S 10:00 - 22:00

Entrance Fee:Y1000/1 hr M-F, Y1200 S/S

Ratings

Website / Social Media

Website: catcafe.jp

Facebook: catcafe-calico

Instagram: 

Twitter: 

Cat vs Cafe (75/25)

Great Expectations:  Review of Cat Cafe Calico

My visit to Cat Cafe Calico was highly anticipated.

It has more reviews and mentions that any other cat cafe in the Tokyo area, and much of it effusive. Which might explain why I found myself underwhelmed as sometimes high expectations just can't be met.

Generally, the cafe is ok, but I was troubled by a few aspects.  First, the facility, while large (two levels) is pretty run-down and had a strong cat urine odor the day I visited which is a big no-no any time food and drink are served.  Even with funky orchestra music playing, the atmosphere just felt sad.  The staff were not particularly friendly, as though they have spent one too many days in the churn of tourists.  Can't say I blame them, but there are plenty of cat cafes in Tokyo where the staff are genuinely happy to see you.  

On the plus side, drinks are only Y200 and my cafe latte was tasty and nicely presented.  Cake and savory rice dishes are also available for purchase. 

But not even the cats could save this cafe, even though there are some cuties, like the gorgeous Somali cat with a big personality.  With 30 kitties, there is certainly a good ratio of cats to visitors, but the day I visited, I found many of them skittish and antisocial.  

Regrettably, a visit to Cat Cafe Calico is barely an average experience, but with so many fine choices in the Tokyo area, especially if you are visiting on vacation, why settle for middle of the road when you could have something much more memorable?

Date Visited:  6/6/17