Cat Cafes in Takayama, Gifu

Takayama, Gifu

Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama is a rescue cat cafe in a 130-year-old townhouse in Takayama's preserved old town, about a minute on foot from the Hachimangu-mae stop of the town loop bus and five minutes by car from Takayama Station. About 20 cats rescued by the local NPO Mofukko Hida live here until they find permanent homes, so every opening day works as an adoption event. The cafe space has no cats and serves drinks only, including lattes made with Hida milk, so visitors who are not comfortable with cats can come in too. No reservation is needed and visitors are seated in order of arrival. Socks are required in the cat rooms, and children must be at least six, with a guardian for elementary school children. The last entry is at 4:30 PM and it is closed on Mondays. Holiday lodging is also offered in the same old house.

• Adoptable cats
• Walk-ins welcome

Takayama, Gifu

Nyan Living is an open rescue cat shelter in Nishinoisshiki, on the western side of Takayama, where visitors can play with cats that are waiting for adoptive families. Run with the cooperation of local animal welfare groups, it is housed in a renovated old home designed to feel like a living room, with catwalks made from reused beams, natural wood cat towers, a cat rope bridge and clear ceiling panels where paws can be seen from below. Kittens and adult cats live here, and more than 140 cats have been adopted so far. Entry is charged per 30 minutes and goes towards the cats' living costs. There is an eating area where visitors may bring their own food, and free Wi-Fi makes it usable as a workspace or a rest stop while travelling. It opens daily with occasional days off.

• Adoptable cats

Takayama, Gifu

Mofu Katze is the rescue cat shelter and dog and cat advice room of the NPO Mofukko Hida in Midorigaoka, Takayama. Many rescued cats waiting for permanent families live here, and the shelter is open to visitors who want to spend relaxed time with them, so every opening day works as an adoption event. Visitors can also see practical examples of how to set up a home for cats, and get advice on keeping and adopting pets, which is easier with a booking. A contribution towards running the shelter is requested. Opening hours may change at short notice because of rescue work, and visits outside the regular hours can be arranged by contacting the group. It is closed on Tuesdays and Fridays, and there is parking. The same NPO supplies the cats at the Neko no Tsuki Sakurayama cafe in the old town.

• Adoptable cats
• Booking recommended