A Visit To Mame Shiba Inu Cafe in Tokyo

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Shiba Inu and Mame Shiba Inu

The Japanese love the Shiba Inu. They are a small to medium sized hunting dog that is native to Japan. In fact, they are one of Japan’s most popular breeds, and some of them are actually superstars!

The Mame Shiba Inu is a smaller version of the Shiba Inu. And as has become popular in Japan, you can play with certain animals in cafes. If you want to play with Mame Shiba Inus, you can visit the Mame Shiba Inu Cafe in Tokyo!

Mame Shiba Cafe in Harajuku, Tokyo

Mame Shiba Cafe shiba and person petting shiba

I am a HUGE animal lover. So when I heard about the Mame Shiba Inu Cafe, where I could spend a few precious moments with dogs, my favorite animal, I had to check it out.

Person with Shiba Inus at the Mame Shiba Inu Cafe

At the time of this writing, the cost of entry is 880 yen (for 13 and older), approximately $8.00. Children from 6-12 years old must be accompanied by a guardian, and their entry cost is 680 yen, around $6.00. Please note, children up to 5 years old are NOT admitted, even with parents. Your entry fee includes a drink and 30 minutes of time with the Mame Shiba Inus. 🙂 Please be aware the 30 minutes goes by really quickly!

Drink Bar at the Mame Shiba Inu Cafe — Selecting a drink from the Drink Bar!

These cuties greeted my husband Steve as soon as we walked in.

What To Expect at Mame Shiba Inu Cafe

The staff do provide an orientation as to what is to be expected during the visit. They also advise how we should behave as far as treating the dogs, etc. during our 30 minute stay. For example, there is no flash photography allowed and you are not supposed to pick up the dogs, unless you are a staff member. Occasionally the dogs got too scrappy with each other, and a staff member would have to pick one up to separate them. 🙂

If you watch the video above, you will notice the elegant interior of the Mame Shiba Inu Cafe. You will find tatami mats on the floor, and beautiful Japanese screens. There are no chairs, so you will remove your shoes before entering and sit on the floor. There are some low tables on which you can rest your drink which you will select from the drink bar.

The dogs are very friendly and many of them seemed to just want to take a nap. LOL A few of them, as mentioned earlier, got a little scrappy with each other. All in all, to have the experience of spending time in that beautiful environment with the dogs was such a unique experience, I didn’t mind if they got into it with each other from time to time. 🙂

Tips For Your Visit

We visited at a time when tourist numbers were down, and it was also the off season. Therefore, we just turned up to the Cafe and were able to snag a time slot and purchase tickets. However, I have read that usually there is quite a queue at the Cafe to purchase tickets, and very often they are sold out! Unfortunately there are no reservations. It’s best to arrive early in the day and try to purchase tickets. You may only be able to get a time slot that is several hours away from when arrive to purchase your tickets. If that is the case, you can buy your tickets, go and do some sightseeing, and come back when it’s your time. 🙂

You are not to bring any toys or outside food and drink in. And although it is called a “cafe,” this is not a true cafe in the sense that you can order food and drink. The exception is the one drink that is provided with your ticket that you select at the Drink Bar.

Why Visit The Mame Shiba Inu Cafe?

Why should you take the time to visit the Mame Shiba Inu Cafe in Tokyo?

Such a unique experience! Where else can you spend time with these super cute and friendly dogs in an incredibly beautiful environment?
Enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo! Come in, grab your drink, and just enjoy watching the dogs or petting them.
Dog lover? You just WANT TO BE THERE!