Some things you only find in Japan. A few years ago we visited a hedgehog cafe in Akihabara. This trip our friend’s daughter really really really wanted to visit a Shiba Inu cafe. Shiba inu is a Japanese hunting dog that has become quite popular due to social media in recent years. Mame shiba inu is a smaller breed of the same dog.
Harakuju Mame Shiba Inu Cafe is located in a very, very popular neighborhood of Harajuku. It’s right on Takeshita-dori (the street that is always packed with young people, often dressed in crazy outfits).
You can’t make reservations in advance. You can only show up that day, put your name on a queue, and then come back later during that time window. If you come too late, they may be sold out.
There’s me on the right, waiting in line on the narrow stairwell leading up to this cafe.
The Dogs!
For JPY1000 (USD$6.60), you get a drink (from a vending machine), and about 30 minutes with the dogs. The whole area is covered with tatami mats, and they require that you take your shoes off.
It feels like you are inside someone’s Japanese home and hanging out with their dogs. It’s a very nice atmosphere.
They do control the numbers very well, not allowing too many people at once to be in the room with the dogs.
That means the time you do spend with the dogs is pretty good. However, it also means the line can take a loooooong time, especially during peak seasons.
The dogs are really cute, and they’re pretty used to people (since that’s their full time job!).
Our friend’s daughter loved it, and the adults had fun too. 30 minutes goes by fast. And then they need to ask you to leave in order to let the next (patiently waiting) party come in.
Mame Shiba Inu Cafe Harajuku
3F, 1-6-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-kuTokyo
