Can I visit if I'm not comfortable with animals?

Yes. You don't have to touch anyone. Tell staff “I’ll just watch today” when you arrive and they can guide you with that in mind.

Do I have to touch the meerkats?

No. You can spend your whole time simply watching.

I'm afraid of being bitten. What can I do?

You can choose to watch without touching, and staff are nearby if you need help.

Not an Animal Person? You don't have to touch anyone

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

"My friend really wants to go, but animals make me a little nervous." We sometimes hear this before a visit. The short answer: you don't have to touch anyone. You can spend your whole time simply watching, and that is perfectly fine.

Decide beforehand that you won't touch

The most common worry is feeling that you have to touch the animals. You don't. If you tell staff "I'll just watch today" when you arrive, they can guide you with that in mind. If that feels awkward, your companion can tell them for you.

What exactly makes you nervous?

Sudden movements — watching from a distance first helps.
Being bitten — you can choose to watch without touching, and staff are nearby if you need help.
A bad experience in the past — please don't push yourself. Watching is enough.

Letting staff know which one it is helps them guide you.

For the person bringing them

Tell your friend "you don't have to touch them" before you go. It makes a big difference. "We came all this way, so you should…" tends to make people tense up.

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

Book in English — no LINE or app needed. More: Your first visit ／ Visiting with children ／ Our welfare policy

Questions

Can I visit if I'm not comfortable with animals?: Yes. You don't have to touch anyone. Tell staff “I’ll just watch today” when you arrive and they can guide you with that in mind.
Do I have to touch the meerkats?: No. You can spend your whole time simply watching.
I'm afraid of being bitten. What can I do?: You can choose to watch without touching, and staff are nearby if you need help.
How do I bring a friend who is nervous?: Tell them “you don’t have to touch them” before you go. It makes a big difference.