Ekoneko: Tokyo Nerima-ku

This local rescue-cat cafe has a roomful of friendly cats and a very proactive staff who spend a lot of energy keeping them entertained. We were lucky enough to be there when the staff gave out cat treats for the visitors to dispense. Rather than ordinary kibble, these were a lobster-flavored paste that proved to be extremely popular, and even previously aloof cats managed to overcome their shyness.

The mid-size, L-shaped playroom has mostly floor seating for visitors, although there are also a couple of benches. At the far end of the playroom is a cats-only zone where resident cats can retreat if they want a break from human visitors, and this area seems to be especially popular with some of the younger kittens.

There were twenty cats and three staff members present when we visited, although the number of both can vary. Bouncy, idol-focused J-pop plays nonstop in the background. Two vending machines dispense a variety of sodas, coffee and tea, which are included with your admission fee.

Children are allowed, but those in elementary school and junior high school must be accompanied by an adult guardian. The admission fee covers the first hour, and you'll need to keep track of the time yourself.

Note that the cafe doesn't have outdoor signage - it's located in a building with a number of adult entertainment establishments, and a popular ramen shop on the ground floor. Use the entrance around the corner from the ramen shop and take the elevator up to the fourth floor. [NOTE: Some photos are from Ekoneko's previous location, in Ekoda.]










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Ekoneko
03-6914-4818
Tokyo Nerima-ku / Cat cafe
Open 11am-9pm (last entry 8:30pm; weekends 11-8). Closed Wednesdays.
Admission Y1100 for the first half hour, Y500 for each additional 30 minutes
Average visit time: 60 minutes
Nerima-ku, Nerima 1-2-13, Seibu Kaikan 401.
1 minute from Nerima station (Seibu-Ikebukuro line, Oedo line)