Unusual Tokyo tourist destination - Cat Cafe

Cat cafes are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, with close to 40 establishments in Tokyo alone. At a cat café people can come and indulge their love of felines without having the responsibility of keeping one at home, also many Japanese apartments do not allow pets. Cat Cafes are a popular date destination, as well as for the lonely or elderly people, of course there are also the trendy set who come in for a laugh. I recommend that tourists seek out a cat café, as a great way to meet and interact with the locals.

Cat Cafe Calico, is often packed with people - but they are locals - wanting to spend some quality time with cats. The owner has brought together 17 cats and kittens, all pedigrees, to lounge around and be petted in this purrfect cat lovers' environment. They include Russian Blues and Persians.

The room is large and furnished with comfy sofas and cat climbing trees. The place does have some strict rules though, to make sure the cats are treated with respect. The place is spotless, with cleaning assistants at the ready. On arrival you remove your shoes and are provided with a locker for your things. Then you wash and disinfect your hands and settle down to play.

 In Tokyo many apartments don't allow pets, so people can indulge themselves here. Sadly only children over 10 years are allowed in, as younger ones tend to play too roughly with the cats. There are other cafes like this in Tokyo but this was the first. So you can sip on your tea and maybe share a saucer of milk with a feline friend.

Address:

Kichijoji District

West Tokyo

Near station

Tel:

0422-29-8353　

Cost:

$8/800Yen an hour or $20 for three. Plus the cost of your drink.

Open hours:

1100-2300

Web site:

Only in Japanese.http://cafecalico.com/index0.html