Should You Visit Animal Cafes or Zoos in Japan?
Visiting a cat cafe in Japan is a popular tourist activity, but the treatment of animals behind the scenes raises concerns.
By Aaron Baggett, Oct 17, 2025, 11 min read.
The appeal of animal cafes in Japan is understandable, with owl lovers seeking close-up experiences and capybaras appearing unbothered by the attention.
You’re confined, under bright lights, handled by a stream of strangers for hours.
However, considering the animals' perspective reveals a different story, with issues including horrible conditions, neglect, disease, stress, and even connections to organized crime.
Author's summary: Animal cafes in Japan pose ethical concerns.
- Horrible conditions
- Neglect
- Disease
- Stress
- Connections to organized crime
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