A bad experience for me and a couple of reasons why:
Incentive for 5 Star Rating: Free snack only if you give a 5 star rating and put photos for this place on Google Maps. A common tactic that aids their rating.
Staff unevenly trained: The staff are well trained to tell you more about the available packages and treats for sale. For example, 1,000 yen to hold a baby pug for 30 mins. They are very quick to highlight that everything has to be paid for in cash immediately. They did not show the same amount of training or urgency for dog handling nor customer welfare.
Unsubstantiated Allegations: The manager effectively alleged that I manhandled a dog. That is untrue. I bought an extra serving of dog food because Ainosuke was lovely. When they pass the dog snack cups, the dogs climb all over you. It appears to be a well rehearsed photo opportunity as staff will readily ask for your phone beforehand, to take a video. However, the dogs climbed over me and they clawed into my gums and my face. The staff completely did not realise anything was wrong until I had to signal the staff to stop filming as I needed help. All they did was tell me to stand up, which I had difficulty in doing. Despite me being very uncomfortable and overwhelmed, they did nothing else. Instead, I had to get the dogs off on my own without hurting myself or the dogs. While still recovering from the incident, the manager came straight to me with a translation on his phone telling me to not throw the dogs. I denied doing so and he motioned that I had launched a dog. So not only did the staff not help me, the manager was making unsubstantiated allegations against me. Next they told me to stand up if the dogs are on me. They also offered me a chair if I am uncomfortable with dogs getting on me. They did not ask about what happened to me nor about my health.
Substandard Service: Despite these claims, they let me stay about an hour for the rest of my 2 hour course that I bought. If I really had manhandled the dogs, it is unlikely they would have let me stayed, let alone for another hour. Nonetheless, the staff did not interact with me from then on. They did not offer to take a photo nor get another drink, which I am entitled to with the unlimited drinks under my 4300 yen course. Instead, they interacted with other guests and it was from those interactions I learnt more about the dogs and how one was the claimed sales manager. Of course, they were also quick to introduce the 1,000 yen package to hold a baby pug for 30 minutes. I contemplated leaving but instead spent the time there to write this review and see if the staff attempted any service recovery. They did not.
Overall I was not pleased with the experience. Customer safety and welfare are important. However, I felt this was severely lacking. Staff should be able to go beyond telling a customer to stand up. They must be able to tell when a customer is not alright. I would not trust the staff to be able to handle an unsafe or emergency situation. I felt they were more keen to sell you more add ons or give incentives to ensure that this place continues to have a high rating on...
   Read moreThe Living Room was an amazing place to visit. When planning the trip, I read the reviews and knew that this was one of the places I wanted to visit while in Japan, and it did not disappoint.
From the previous low rated reviews, it seems there was some problem finding the place in the past. However, that wasnât an issue for me this time. The Hankyu railway station is nearby, and it is only a 10 minute walk to the place itself. The google maps address is accurate.
I stayed for 1 hour, and it was good value for money. Included in the cost was a drink, some snacks, and lots of snacks for the pugs - pugs love their food, and give you a lot of attention when you feed them!
What made this visit worth it for me is that the owners clearly care for the pugs and ensure everyone is having a good time. The layout is exactly like a living room, with the pugs roaming around all the visitors. I counted four owners, and there is always at least one owner present in the room with everyone making sure that everyone always has a pug to play with them. They also have many pictures of the pugâs adventures, and a family tree for all of them! The owners also regularly take pictures of you with the pugs on your phone. I was fortunate when I visited In that three pugs had only just been born a month ago, and I therefore got to play with three very tiny puppies. All the pugs have their own personalities.
I would highly recommend that anyone on a trip in Japan and in the area visit the...
   Read morePug Cafe Living Room Kyoto, or ăă°ă«ăă§ LivingRoom äșŹéœ, is an absolute delight for pug lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. This charming cafe offers a unique and heartwarming experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
First and foremost, the star attractions of the cafe are, of course, the adorable pugs! These furry companions roam freely throughout the cafe, spreading joy and cheer to all visitors. Whether you're sipping on a delicious cup of coffee or enjoying a sweet treat, the company of these playful pugs adds an extra layer of warmth and happiness to your visit.
The cafe itself is cozy and inviting, with comfortable seating areas and a relaxed ambiance. It's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some quality time with both human and furry friends.
In addition to the pugs, the cafe serves a variety of delicious drinks and snacks, including specialty coffees, teas, and desserts. Each item is expertly prepared and served with a smile by the friendly staff.
The attention to detail and genuine hospitality at Pug Cafe Living Room Kyoto truly sets it apart. The staff members are passionate about their furry residents and go above and beyond to ensure that every visitor has a memorable experience.
Overall, Pug Cafe Living Room Kyoto is a must-visit destination for anyone who adores pugs and enjoys a good cup of coffee. With its charming atmosphere, delightful companions, and excellent service, it's no wonder this cafe earns a solid...
   Read more