So there I was, making my way to the famous Sensō-ji Temple, when I spotted something that made me do a complete 180: Asakusa Nekoen (浅草ねこ園) – a cat café tucked away in the heart of Asakusa. And honestly? Best detour ever.
Now, I’ll be real with you – most cat cafés in Japan give me the ick. They’re basically kitty showrooms filled with Instagram-perfect Persian cats that look like they’ve been through the feline equivalent of a beauty pageant. As someone who’s owned cats, I know these little divas need their space. They come to you when they feel like it, not when you’re ready for that perfect selfie.
The Anti-Instagram Cat Café (And Why That’s Perfect)
But Asakusa Nekoen? Total game-changer. This place is hiding on the third floor of what looks like any random apartment building – no flashy signs or tourist traps here. When I walked in, I literally felt like I’d stumbled into someone’s crazy cat aunt’s living room. And I mean that in the best possible way.
The owner – this super sweet middle-aged Japanese woman with decent English – greeted me like I was dropping by for afternoon tea. The whole vibe was wonderfully weird and completely authentic.
Here’s the kicker: every single cat there is a rescue. We’re talking former street cats, some with battle scars, some getting on in years, but all with more personality than your average influencer. No designer breeds, no fake perfect setup – just real cats being gloriously, messily themselves.
When Garfield Chose Me
I’d barely sat down when this chunky orange and white tabby (who I immediately dubbed Garfield) decided my lap was his new favorite napping spot. Dude camped out there for almost a full hour while I sat there smiling, afraid to move and break the spell.
When he finally moved on, another furry friend took over and gave me what I can only describe as a professional-grade cat bath. After the marathon sightseeing I’d been doing, sitting there listening to purring engines was exactly what my soul needed.
The Real Deal
What really got me was watching the owner give some of the cats their meds during my visit. You could tell she genuinely cared about these little weirdos – this wasn’t just a business, it was a labor of love. Some of the cats were even up for adoption (cue my internal “can I smuggle a cat home?” debate).
They’ve got drinks in the fridge, but don’t expect a full café experience – it’s more like hanging out in someone’s living room who happens to have excellent taste in roommates. You can also buy some cute stuff to support the cause, which feels way better than funding some sketchy breeding operation.
The Bottom Line
Look, if you’re expecting one of those picture-perfect, social media-ready cat cafés, keep walking. But if you want to chill with some genuine characters who’ve got stories to tell (if only they could talk), this is your spot.
The damage? 1000¥ for an hour, which works out to about 6 euros. Some reviews whine about the “outrageous” price, but honestly? For an hour of cat therapy with rescues who actually need the support? Total bargain.
Pro tips: It’s a few minutes from Asakusa Station, closed on Tuesdays, and trust me – that hour flies by way too fast. I left feeling completely zen and already planning my next visit. I’d advise checking the opening hours on their homepage, though, as it was closed on Thursdays.
For real cat people who appreciate authenticity over aesthetics, Asakusa Nekoen is pure gold.
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