It's my first time at an animal cafe. What should I prepare?

Nothing special. Please avoid loose-knit clothes that snag easily, long strings and large accessories, and strong perfume.

Will the animals come to me?

Not always. Some days they don't, and that is normal. Not chasing them is the best way to see them up close.

What should I not do?

Don't chase, don't reach down from above, and avoid loud voices and sudden movements.

How long should I book for?

For a first visit we recommend 30 minutes (1,650 yen per person, tax included).

Your First Visit to an Animal Cafe What happens on the day, and what to wear

Published 6 October 2026 ／ Meerkat Cafe googoo, Kichijoji, Tokyo

Never been to an animal cafe before? There is nothing difficult about it. Just one thing to know first: the animals will not always come to you. Some days they don't, and that is completely normal.

How the visit goes

Booking — walk-ins are possible when there is space, but booking ahead is more certain.
Arrival — staff explain how to touch the meerkats and what not to do before your time starts.
Wash or sanitise your hands.
Your time with the meerkats — check when your time ends before you start.

What to bring and wear

Bring — nothing special.
Wear — avoid loose-knit clothes that snag easily, long strings and large accessories.
Scent — strong perfume is a burden for the animals.
At googoo, masks and accessories go in a locker before your time with the meerkats.

Three things not to do

Don't chase — where an animal runs to is its safe place.
Don't reach down from above — things coming from above are frightening.
No loud voices or sudden movements — a startled animal may stay hidden for a while.

googoo at a glance

One minute on foot from the Park Exit (South Exit) of Kichijoji Station
Open 11:00–19:00. Last entry: 30 min 18:30 ／ 60 min 18:00 ／ 90 min 17:30 ／ 120 min 17:00
30 minutes 1,650 yen per person (tax included), plus one drink per person from 550 yen
Photos are welcome, but no flash (it startles the meerkats) and no live streaming

For a first visit we recommend 30 minutes. Book in English — no LINE or app needed. More: How to book ／ Visiting alone ／ Not an animal person?

Questions

It's my first time at an animal cafe. What should I prepare?: Nothing special. Please avoid loose-knit clothes that snag easily, long strings and large accessories, and strong perfume.
Will the animals come to me?: Not always. Some days they don't, and that is normal. Not chasing them is the best way to see them up close.
What should I not do?: Don't chase, don't reach down from above, and avoid loud voices and sudden movements.
How long should I book for?: For a first visit we recommend 30 minutes (1,650 yen per person, tax included).