Should You Visit Animal Cafes or Zoos in Japan?
Visiting a cat cafe in Japan is a bucket list item for many tourists, but the animal cruelty that goes on behind closed doors should make you think twice.
By Aaron Baggett, Oct 17, 2025, 11 min read.
It is not hard to see why people visit animal cafes in Japan. Owl lovers want a close-up experience. Capybaras look so unbothered that you can imagine they’re enjoying the attention.
But put yourself in the animal’s place. You’re confined, under bright lights, handled by a stream of strangers for hours.
I can barely stand five minutes of small talk with one stranger, let alone being grabbed and posed by dozens.
The reality is, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t visit an animal cafe in Japan—horrible conditions, neglect, disease, stress and even connections with organized crime.
It gets to a point where you either don’t know how bad it really is or just don’t care about the suffering of animals.
Author summary: Animal cafes in Japan can be harmful to animals due to poor conditions and handling.
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