Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama, Takayama Gifu --Exploring Japanese Cat Cafes--
Exploring Cat Cafes in Japan
Takayama: Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama
In Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, famous for its traditional Japanese townscape, there is a charming cat cafe located in a renovated old house. "Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama" is a cat cafe featuring rescued cats, which opened in 2020.
The cafe has a cafe space with counter and table seating, and a separate cat space where you can play with the cats. Both areas are accessible on the second floor.
A distinctive feature is the large antique wooden beams characteristic of the historic building, built in 1904 (Meiji 37). Hammocks are installed between the beams, and the cats can be seen sleeping in them. The high ceilings create a spacious and open atmosphere, and the cats can be seen living comfortably in the calm, antique wooden space.
There are plenty of toys for playing with the cats, and many customers were enjoying interacting with them.
The cats here are rescued cats from the local area, and most of them are available for adoption. Profile boards are displayed in the cafe, showing each cat's name, gender, birth month and year, and personality.
I had the impression that many of the cats were not easily startled and were very friendly. It's clear that they are being carefully raised in a comfortable environment.
The cafe space itself is also a very stylish and comfortable space. There are counter seats where you can enjoy chatting with the staff, sofa seats where you can relax with friends, and a counter space on the second floor where you can relax while looking out at the Takayama townscape.
Drinks are served in stylish containers. In addition to standard drinks such as coffee and tea, you can also enjoy apple juice made with 100% apples from Hida Takayama.
I spoke with the owner, Maya. "The cats at our cafe are rescue cats that were protected here in Takayama City and neighboring Gero City. We take in cats that needed protection for various reasons, such as stray cats, cats that could no longer be cared for due to the death or hospitalization of elderly owners, and cats that lost their homes due to hoarding situations. We are always looking for adoptive families, and we only ask that you cover the adoption fee paid to the rescue organization.
Because my parents were animal lovers, I grew up surrounded by animals such as dogs, cats, and chickens, and I wanted to work in a job that helps animals, so I started this cafe. This year marks the 5th anniversary of our opening, and thanks to the many people who have visited us, we have been able to continue our business. We have many customers from Japan as well as foreign tourists. Foreigners have a strong spirit of animal welfare, and many people visit us and show affection to the cats."
(Left: Owner Maya, Right: Staff Hikaru)
If you are traveling to Takayama, please stop by!
[Prices]
30 minutes: 700 yen/person
60 minutes: 1400 yen/person
Free time (weekdays only): 3000 yen/person
Cafe menu: Coffee, tea, juice, etc.: 550 yen~
*A portion of the sales will be used for the living expenses of the rescue cats.
Store Name : Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama
Address : 1-44-2 Oshinmachi, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Phone number 0577-77-9977
Business hours 11:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Closed Monday
Irregular holidays may occur depending on the cats' health.
URL: https://nekonotsuki.com/