animal cafe & bar Harinezumiya POTTA — Restaurant in Tokyo

Tokyo's #1 Hedgehog Cafe -- A Hidden Guilt-Free Local Favorite -- Please Visit to Support Sustainable/Responsible Animal Care

Visiting an exotic animal café in Tokyo is an exciting and unique opportunity. This is balanced with a real concern over the animals' well-being. After all, they are nocturnal animals that are solitary in nature without any human interaction. As a hedgehog owner myself I am astutely observing every element of their health and wellbeing.

After my visit here (and subsequently to the other ones in Tokyo) I can confidently assure you that there is no better experience for hedgehogs available. This is due to a combined focus on: an ideal animal environment and maximized interactions with the hogs. Here are some elements that delivered on those two points:

Small space that is owner-operated: there are only two tables for two sets of guests which allows for keen attention to the needs of both the animals and the guests so everyone stays safe. The owner was doing all the work herself, ensuring that safety guidelines are fully explained, even actively collecting poop from their bums before it could hit the table. Strong English speaker as well. I only saw other local groups here, I was the only foreigner. Space is quiet and relatively dim which is ideal for snoozing hogs in the daytime. Hedgehog health: the hogs are taken back-and-forth to the owners' house daily so they have an optimal nighttime environment. Visually they were clean (feet too), no rashes, spots of missing quills, mites, etc. They sand bathe at home for optimal health. They were very active and even ran in the wheel (physical movement is the most direct indication of their wellbeing). Other cafes the hogs may be very lethargic/lazy and not move. Interactions: many other cafes do not allow you to handle the hogs, some require thick gloves. Here you are able to handle them in the enclosure at the table, as well as on your lap (with a provided pee/poop pad). Sanitary items are plenty at each table. It is much easier and safer to handle with bare hands as long as proper methods are used. Also a variety of treats are available to purchase, fun interacting as they each have their own preference for them. Also unusual is being able to interact with many different hogs at will, from mature adults to a small 2 month kid. Selective breeding: the owner breeds the hedgehogs herself which is no small task on top of taking care of them and running a business. She maintains family lines which allow for safe genetics and ideal traits and personalities. Fair Pricing: 30 minute experience (although ended up being significantly longer for no charge, maybe due to no other customers waiting?) was under ¥2000 including a free drink (alcoholic extra charge). Please also buy them some treats because they love it (~¥300).

I wish I had more/better photos to share but I was too immersed in enjoying the experience. Please go visit, buy cute merchandise and have some drinks. It will be a life-long memory that also directly supports the incredible hard work of the owner in supporting these vulnerable animals. She also sells them as pets occasionally (locals only), inquire with her for more...

Love every minute here ! So cute very informative before you start the handling and professional ! Not for inexperience animal handlers , if your anxious around animals in general I would not recommend any animals for you. This place is definitely for animal lovers , respect the animals here and also the establishment! Thank you again for showing me and letting me hold these beautiful...

We were thirsty and stumbled across this cute little bar! First time seeing a BUSH BABY! We fell in love with the atmosphere and vibes. The owner lady was so sweet, patient, and was very informative with all the alcohol questions we had. She taught us many things and we would be definitely coming back in a couple days before we leave Japan. Hightlight of our trip!! 10/10...