If you’re in need of an animal fix, Japan is the place for you. From the cute animal cafés of Tokyo to interactions with wild fox and deer, Japan is home to some unique experiences made for the animal-loving traveller.
HARRY HEDGEHOG CAFÉ
Harry Hedgehog Café in Tokyo is all about cute hedgehogs, which are actually a popular pet in Japan. You can feed them, pet them and play with them! Hedgehogs are champion nappers, so don’t be surprised if your new little friend nods off in the palm of your hand.
MAME SHIBA CAFÉ
Japan’s first mini-Shiba Inu Café has opened its doors in Harajuku. The café’s traditional Japanese home setting is the perfect place to relax with a good coffee whilst being surrounded by these adorable dogs.
MS BUNNY
When you need a break from Tokyo’s streets, relaxing with some cute, fluffy animals is the perfect way to spend your afternoon. At Ms Bunny’s, you can pet and play with adorable bunnies and chinchillas.
IKEFUKURO CAFÉ
Owls are birds of prey, but at Ikefukuro Café you can forget all about that and focus on how cute and adorable they are. The name of the café is a mix between Ikebukuro, the location of the café, and fukurou, the Japanese word for owl. At the café, there are many owls of different shapes and sizes for you to snap some photos with.
ZAO FOX VILLAGE
Escape the city and spend the day with some wild foxes at the Zao Fox Village in Miyagi. At the village, you can play with, pet and even feed these gorgeous animals. Go in winter for an even more magical experience as the fox’s bright fur lights up against the white snow.
BUNNY ISLAND, ŌKUNOSHIMA
Get up close and personal with hundreds of wild rabbits at Ōkunoshima “Rabbit Island”, a small enclave east of Hiroshima. A visit is said to promote good health and fertility because, well, rabbits…
KINGYOSAKA
Things are a bit fishy at Kingyozaka in Tokyo. This Bunkyo café is famous for its traditional Japanese lunches and its obsession with goldfish. Once you’ve stuffed yourself with one of their delicious set meals, head out to their extensive goldfish farm and fish for a friend to take home with you.
NARA DEER PARK
About an hour away from Kyoto is the famous park dedicated entirely to free roaming deer. The deer are incredibly social and love taking photos with visitors. Now that may be because they love you, but we think it might also have something to do with the crackers that many people are carrying with them.
Be sure to tag us in any of your animal adventures in Japan – @anydoko and #ExploreAnywhere!
CREDITS
Writer: Tara Juan & Dean Vowles
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