Cat Cafe Nekogra Kyoto -- Exploring Cat Cafes in Japan--
Located just a 6-minute walk from Saiin Station in Kyoto, quietly tucked away in a charming residential neighborhood, you will find "Nekogura"—a cat cafe with a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. Established in 2018, the cafe is currently celebrating its 8th year.
Operating on a 100% reservation-only, private rental basis, Nekogura offers a peaceful environment where you can relax and spend quality time with the cats without worrying about other guests around you.
The Unique Charm of an Exotic Shorthair-Only Cafe
The most distinctive feature of this cafe is that it is exclusively home to Exotic Shorthairs. Famous for their uniquely expressive, slightly grumpy-looking yet utterly lovable faces, Exotic Shorthairs have a dedicated fan base—making this cafe an irresistible haven for cat lovers.
The interior features Japanese-style decor with a rustic log table, clean tatami mats, and antique wooden chests, creating a serene, traditional atmosphere that feels distinctly "Kyoto".
In addition, guest logbooks are placed inside, filled with warm messages and adorable drawings left by past visitors, showing just how deeply loved this café is.
Relaxing Hours with Laid-Back Cats
Around 7 to 8 Exotic Shorthairs live at the cafe. Perhaps due to the time of our visit, many of them were feeling sleepy and lounging around.
Even when offered toys, they reacted at their own easygoing pace. Yet, that calm, effortless charm is precisely what makes Exotic Shorthairs so endearing.
Staff Interview: The Story and Passion Behind Nekogura
We had the opportunity to speak with a staff member to learn more about the cafe's background.
― Why focus exclusively on Exotic Shorthairs?
"Our owner is actually a professional cat breeder. While they originally bred Chinchilla Persians, they later transitioned to specializing in Exotic Shorthairs. All the cats here were raised with love by our owner; we didn't bring in cats from outside just to open a cafe. That's why every cat here is a pride of our breeding program."
― Do you get many international visitors?
"Yes, we welcome a lot of international guests! Most of them seem to discover us through posts on Instagram. While I don't speak fluent English, I do my best to communicate warmly using broken English and gestures!"
Unlike typical rescue cat cafes, the felines at Nekogura possess a gentle, friendly demeanor that comes from being lovingly raised by a breeder from birth.
If you are looking for a special, relaxing experience in Saiin, Kyoto, be sure to book a private session in advance and pay them a visit!
Shop Information (Cat Café Nekogura)
Name: Cat Café Nekogura (猫café 猫蔵)
Address: 4-3 Mibu Doinouchicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8854
Access: Approx. 6–7 minutes on foot from Hankyu Saiin Station
Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (By reservation only / Private rental format)
Closed: Mondays, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays (If falling on a holiday, open with alternative day off)
Price: ¥1,500 per hour (Includes free drinks)
Phone: +81 75-200-6821
Official Social Media: Instagram (@nekogura_kyoto)