Maneki Machiya Cat Cafe (reservation required) — Attraction in Kyoto

This is the best cat cafe I’ve ever been to because it’s not just a cafe, it’s a real rescue shelter run by the Japan Cat Network. You visit by appointment only, so the cats don’t get overwhelmed like at other cat cafes. They care about the cats’ mental and physical health, which makes the cats happy, playful, and more adoptable.

The space is super clean (they clean 3 time a day and have daily health checks), and surprisingly —no smell. We visited during playtime and had so much fun! Cats were jumping, chasing toys, and even eating treats from our hands. They’re the friendliest, cutest cats — it’s hard not to fall in love with them all.

It’s also educational. All the cats are spayed and neutered. And most were rescues of their Trap Neuter Return projects across Japan. You can ask questions and learn about cat rescue, fostering, and care.

Highly recommend for animal lovers and anyone thinking about adopting! I ended up adopting 3 kittens from here! I fell in love with them! So, it’s a good way to see if you and a cat are the right personality...

This is one of the best places in Kyoto! An absolute gem that you cannot miss. If you want a fun, relaxing, heartwarming day with beautiful, easygoing and entertaining cats, then this is the place for you. You get to spend 2 hours inside a traditional Japanese home / cat paradise. You will get to enjoy coffee/tea and treats, while playing and cuddling with the cute cats. There is also a treat giving session for the cats which they all go crazy for - you don't want to miss the excitement!

Attending an experience here also supports crucial support services for other street cats and helps to get them better lives, find them homes, and helps the community through trap neuter release programs.

I cannot recommend this place enough. The owner and staff/volunteers involved are some of the warmest and most kind hearted people you will meet. I will always keep coming back here, it is the most healing...

I visited Maneki Machiya ethical cat cafe in Kyoto this afternoon and was very impressed with the work that the delightful lady in charge is doing to help rescue cats and kittens. If you are a cat lover who wishes to help a small charity caring for strays and ferals, while enjoying some quality time with friendly felines, do stop by. It's quite the experience and your donation helps cats in need of food, shelter and...