Cat Cafes in Chofu, Tokyo

Chofu, Tokyo

Rafu Space is an open-style rescue cat shelter in Fuda, Chofu, on the third floor of a building on Tenjin-dori, about five minutes on foot from the Central Exit of Keio Chofu Station. Run as an information centre for rescued dogs and cats, it houses only cats on site, many of them former breeding cats, cats abandoned as unsellable or cats retired from animal testing, with pedigree breeds such as Somalis and Abyssinians among them. Anyone may visit, whether or not they plan to adopt. Instead of a fixed fee, visitors are asked for a donation per hour, which goes to the animals' care. Because staff are not always present, visits are by reservation through LINE, phone or social media, and about five people can use the room at once. Socks are required. Prospective adopters meet the cats on site before applying. The group also runs a pet food bank.

• Adoptable cats

Chofu, Tokyo

Cat Space Faz is an adoption-focused rescue cat cafe in Shimoishiwara, Chofu, on the ground floor of the Nagata Green Building beside the old Koshu Kaido road. Opened in October 2017, it takes in ownerless cats, including kittens, and looks for new homes for them, working towards a goal of no unhappy cats. Any cat in the room can be adopted, but visitors who simply want to spend time with cats are also welcome, and regulars often come back to see the same cats. Visits are charged per 30 minutes or per hour with a drink included, and extensions are charged in 10-minute units. Socks are required. It opens in the late afternoon on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and from midday to early evening on weekends and public holidays, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, including holidays. Free parking is available on request at reception.

• Adoptable cats