Aoneko Adoption Cat Cafe

Sanjo, Niigata · 6.1 mi / 9.8 km

Rakkuraya is a rescue cat cafe tucked into a street of bars and restaurants in Ijima, central Sanjo. Its name comes from a Niigata dialect word for feeling at ease, and it describes itself as a shelter where rescued cats can live calmly while visitors get a feel for life with cats. Around a dozen cats live here, including resident staff cats, and the cafe looks for adopters for its rescues; adoption involves screening, conditions and a fee, and kittens under two months are not shown. It runs as a simple self-service cafe with packaged drinks and snacks rather than a kitchen. Opening days and hours change each month and are announced on its website and social media, and bookings are given priority, so reserving by phone or direct message is advisable. There is no dedicated parking; use the paid car parks nearby.

• Adoptable cats
• Booking recommended

Gosen, Niigata · 9 mi / 14 km

TOM'N CHI is a cat cafe in Sanbongi, Gosen and was the first cat cafe in the city when it opened in December 2019. Around 22 cats live here, led by the signature cat Tom, and many belong to a family of short-legged Munchkins, alongside breeds such as Russian Blues and Maine Coons. The pale blue room is clean and bright, and visits are charged by the hour with one drink included, with a slightly higher rate at weekends; cat treats can be bought, and the cafe also serves crepes and sweets. Children of any age are welcome, though those of elementary school age and under need a guardian of high school age or older, and socks must be worn. It is closed on Tuesdays and on some other days announced on Instagram, and last entry is an hour before closing.

Mitsuke, Niigata · 13 mi / 20 km

Nekomachi is a rescue cat cafe on the second floor of a building in Imamachi, Mitsuke, recognisable by the large cat illustration on its shutter. It takes in cats from the Niigata Prefecture animal protection centre and other rescues and looks for adopters for them, and visitors who cannot adopt support the cats simply by coming. The room is quiet and calm, with some shy cats as well as friendly ones, so it is not suited to children looking for a play space; children of elementary school age and under must come with a guardian. Visits are charged for 60 minutes, 90 minutes or free time, with drinks extra, and visitors are asked to wear socks. Closing days are irregular and shown on the cafe's online calendar, and it may close for vet visits. Free parking for three cars is opposite the shop.

• Adoptable cats

Niigata · 14 mi / 22 km

Nekomeikan is a small cat cafe in Kamedamidoricho, Konan Ward, Niigata, about 12 minutes on foot from Kameda Station on the JR Shin'etsu Line. The retro, quiet interior is home to around a dozen pedigree cats, including a Persian, a Ragdoll, a Sphynx, a Norwegian Forest Cat, an Abyssinian, a British Shorthair, a Minuet, a Scottish Fold and several Munchkins. Entry is charged by the hour with lower weekday rates and post-payment by time, and drinks are ordered separately or as a free-drink option. The cafe holds up to eight visitors, so there can be a wait at busy times. Children below junior high school age are not admitted during normal hours, but they can visit with a weekday private booking. Holding the cats is not allowed. It is closed on Wednesdays and on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Niigata · 15 mi / 24 km

Cat Cafe Chigura is a cat cafe on the ground floor of the Orange House building in Kobari, Nishi Ward, Niigata, about five minutes on foot from Hirashima Station on the JR Echigo Line, with parking in front of the shop and along the Nishi River. It describes itself as a cat-first cafe: visitors register before touching the cats, and children below the fourth grade of elementary school are not admitted. Cats have included a Russian Blue and a Somali. Visits are charged by time and paid on leaving, with one- and two-hour courses that include a self-service drink, plus weekday-only four-hour and free-time courses. Cat treats are sold for feeding while seated, and the shop sells badges and charms featuring its cats. It is open every day except Friday, opening an hour earlier at weekends and on holidays, with last entry at 7 PM.

Niigata · 16 mi / 25 km

Cat Cafe Coorikuya Niigata Nishi is a branch of the Coorikuya cat cafe chain attached to the Coo&RIKU pet shop in Aoyama, Nishi Ward, Niigata, right next to AEON Niigata Aoyama and about nine minutes on foot from Aoyama Station on the JR Echigo Line. The cat room is small, with space for about six visitors, and is home to six to eight cats of different breeds and temperaments; some come over for treats and toys while others prefer to watch. Visits are charged per 30 minutes with unlimited drinks included, cat treats are sold for feeding, and the pet shop next door sells kittens and puppies. It is rarely crowded, and visitors waiting for a place can look around the pet shop. The cafe is open every day, opening an hour earlier at weekends and on holidays, and last entry is 30 minutes before closing.