No trip to Tokyo is complete without stopping by in Harajuku, the capital of kawaii! Located just five minutes from Harajuku Station on the famous Takeshita-dori, the Mame Shiba Cafe offers a chance to say hello to these incredibly cute mini Shiba dogs in a cozy, traditional setting.
Getting Your Ticket to Cuteness
The cafe typically opens at 11:00 AM, but even in 2026, it remains so popular that you’ll often find a small crowd waiting before the doors open. Since there are no advance reservations, you must buy your ticket at the counter upon arrival. Once you have your ticket, you’ll be given a specific time slot, and each session lasts for 30 minutes.
A Traditional Tatami Experience
As soon as you take your shoes off and step inside, you are transported into a retro Japanese-style space. The cafe is surprisingly spacious, featuring tatami flooring, low tables, and a television, making it feel like a nostalgic Japanese living room. Usually, there are about twelve Mame Shiba roaming around, each wearing a charming Japanese-style karakusa (arabesque) patterned bandana!
Rules for a Happy Mame Shiba
Before you get to play with the dogs, you are provided instructions by the extremely kind staff.
Please note that it is prohibited to lift or hug the dogs and using your flash for photography.
After hearing the explanation, you can grab a drink from the vending machine.
Now all you have to do is hang out with these adorable doggies!
The cafe itself is surprisingly spacious with a tatami floor, tables, a telly and twelve Mameshiba wearing this Japanese-style bandana!
The dogs are very friendly and usually buys playing among themselves.
Check out this video to see yourself!
Mamishiba is a small-sized Shiba dog, its not a breed.
The Harajuku Mameshiba Cafe has twelve dogs.
We tried to compare their behaviours but it was impossible as they were so energetic.
Some of the dogs preferred snoozing in the sun while others looked out from the window onto the street.
There was also one mameshiba sleeping under the table.
Souvenirs and Memories
You can also buy various Mameshiba-inspired goods here.
How about picking a souvenir? 🙂
Before you know it, your 30 minutes will be up! We had this cutie say “sayonara.”
If you’re a dog or animal lover, how about adding this to your itinerary?
Harajuku no Mame Shiba Cafe
Address: 3F, 1-6-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening hrs: Weekdays 11:00 – 18:00 / Weekends & public holidays 11:00 – 18:40
Price: 1,300 yen (Children under 5 years old are not allowed to enter)
Official website: http://owls-cats-forest.com/
*No advance reservations.
A Paw-sitively Great Addition
If you are an animal lover looking for a quick, heartwarming break from the neon lights and fashion boutiques of Harajuku, the Mame Shiba Cafe is a must-visit. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with Japan’s most iconic dog breed in a miniature, extra-adorable form. Just be prepared—thirty minutes flies by when you’re surrounded by wagging tails!
