Micro pigs, owls, hedgehogs, and even reptiles!
Beyond just cat and dog cafes, a growing number of cafes in Japan now let you interact with all sorts of unique animals.
These entertaining animal-themed cafes have become popular not only among locals but also tourists visiting from overseas.
In the case of “cafe capyba,” a capybara cafe near Hikifune Station on the Tobu Skytree Line, more than half of the visitors are international tourists.
Pisuke, a capybara at cafe capyba
Easy access from Asakusa! cafe capyba in Hikifune
At this cafe, where you can interact with capybaras Kohaku and Pisuke, is about a five minute walk from Hikifune Station, which is roughly a five minute train ride from Asakusa Station. It’s also about a 20-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage. The cafe is tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood.
You can feed them vegetables (purchased at the cafe), pet them, and take photos. The rare chance to interact with capybaras is a major draw, and daily reservations are always full.
cafe capyba’s exterior
Advance reservations are required, and although bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance, the slots fill up almost immediately after they open—showing just how popular the cafe is.
In this article, we’ll introduce what makes cafe capyba so special, as well as the key points to making the most of your visit, along with comments from Ms. Yoshida, the owner of the cafe!
Tips for interacting with capybaras at cafe capyba
Kohaku and Pisuke are well cared for by the staff and used to people, so they remain calm and relaxed around guests.
Always putting the health of the two capybaras first, the staff goes so far as to close the cafe if either Kohaku or Pisuke shows any signs of being unwell.
Kohaku, a capybara at cafe capyba
Because they are so loved and cared for, they don’t run away when visitors approach.
On the contrary, they are completely at ease as they relax freely inside the cafe. What makes cafe capyba truly special is the uniquely close interaction you can have with them.
When Kohaku is relaxing on the sofa, try gently petting his back. The key is to not overdo it. When Pisuke is lying on the floor, he enjoys having his lower back or belly rubbed.
As you can see, even when touched while they’re resting, the capybaras show no signs of irritation.
Being able to interact this closely—enough to get a sense of their unexpectedly large bodies, the texture of their fur, and even their warmth—is an experience only a capybara cafe like cafe capyba can offer!
However, that doesn’t mean you can touch them anywhere. Like humans, there are spots on the two capybaras that are better left untouched.
Also, it’s out of the question to try to forcibly pick them up or grab them.
If you follow the rules when interacting with them, in addition to their back, lower back, and belly as previously mentioned, depending on the timing, they’ll also enjoy being petted behind the ears or on their cheeks.
Kohaku and Pisuke are very used to people, but they’re still animals. Occasionally, they might move unpredictably. Their teeth are long and sharp, so please avoid touching near their mouths.
Tips and cautions for taking the best capybara photos
Not only can you interact with them, but taking photos with Kohaku and Pisuke is also one of the great pleasures of cafe capyba.
Since it’s such a rare opportunity, try taking photos from a variety of angles — I especially recommend frontal shots, which you don’t see very often. If they’re sitting, you can get a great upward angle from below their faces.
The angle recommended by Mr. Yoshida can be relatively easily captured by using the vegetable sticks sold in the store.
If one of them eats a vegetable stick straight from your hand, you’ll definitely have a prime photo opportunity. While they’re focused on eating, try capturing them from different angles.
Vegetables for capybara treats can be purchased for 330 JPY (tax included)
That said, they’re so cute while chewing that you might forget to actually snap a picture!
To get the perfect shot while also admiring their cuteness in real time will truly test your multitasking skills and focus.
In the mornings, after their bath, they’re usually relaxed. After early evening, they perk up and if you catch them eating fresh grass, you’ll get a great video of them having their meal.
A note of caution when taking photos or videos: avoid using flash or excessive lighting.
Strong lights can startle animals, not just capybaras. Keep safety in mind and enjoy your photo time respectfully.
Exceptional hospitality perfect for tourists
As mentioned above, most of cafe capyba’s guests are international tourists.
It’s not just that you can relax with adorable capybaras or enjoy the rare chance to interact with them—there are more reasons as to why this cafe is so popular with international visitors.
cafe capyba’s interior
One of these reasons is how accessible the cafe is language-wise.
Instructions on how to use the cafe, signs, notices, and other information posted throughout the space are written in both Japanese and English. Depending on the day, staff who are proficient in English are also available, so guests rarely face language-related issues from arrival to departure.
Furthermore, on the second floor of the cafe, there are free lockers with keys provided where you can store small-sized luggage such as shoulder bags and handbags.
This is a thoughtful touch, especially since many tourists stop by between sightseeing destinations and may be carrying souvenirs or shopping bags.
Everything is set up to help visitors fully enjoy their time with the capybaras.
Don’t forget to grab souvenirs before you leave!
Original goods at cafe capyba
The cafe also sells original capybara-themed merchandise, which is very popular.
The capybara-themed plush toys and coasters are so cute, you might buy them as souvenirs—but end up wanting to keep them for yourself.
“ぬいぐるみ,” Stuffed Toy 2,800 JPY (tax included)
The cups and mugs feature cafe capyba’s logo and have a clean, simple design — perfect as a gift.
They’re also used in the cafe for drinks, so you can try them out before deciding!
(left) Glass 2,400 JPY (tax included), (right) Mug 2,400 JPY (tax included)
The cafe allows admission from age 6 and up, and usage starts from 1,250 JPY (tax included) for 30 minutes. Note that each person must order a minimum of one beverage.
After the first 30 minutes, you can extend your visit for 330 JPY (tax included) per 10 minutes. However, extension may not be possible depending on how crowded the cafe is at the time.
Whether visiting with friends or family, cafe capyba offers a uniquely Japanese cafe experience and a truly special time.
cafe capyba Information
| Store name | cafe capyba |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-31-3 Higashimukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Hikifune Station 5-minute walk from Hikifune Station West Exit
Keisei Hikifune Station 9-minute walk from West Ticket Gate
|
| Phone number | 03-6657-0748 |
| Reservations | Accepted Official website |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Mon-Tues. & Fri 11:00-17:30 Sat-Sun. & nat’l holidays 10:00-17:30 |
| Closed | Wednesday & Thursday |
| Seating | 13-15 seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://cspace.co.jp/ |
| Other information |
|
※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of April 2025.
