As written on the title, we went to one of the most famous districts in Tokyo... Ikebukuro! Our main purpose was to visit Tokyu Hands- a large department store that sells almost everything you could ever need.
But actually, there are other districts in Tokyo where you can find Tokyu Hands, like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ginza.
So, why did we choose the one in Ikebukuro?
You guessed it, it is the only store that also has a CAT's HOUSE inside it!!
Neko means 'Cat' and it's located in Ikebukuro, hence the name: NEKOBUKURO?
If you are following our Instagram accounts (@elleyamada and @jessyamada), you might have seen our posts about cat cafes. We've visited 2 cat cafes so far, and basically, a cat cafe is a place where you can go spend some time with these lovely furry friends while enjoying some snacks.
Nekobukuro is called a cat's house because they don't serve any kind of snacks and you are not allowed to eat or drink there either. That's why the admission fee is also cheaper than the usual cat cafes (1,000 yen for couples with no time limit).
Anyway, once you've arrived at Tokyu Hands (Ikebukuro), you will see this big poster in front of the entrance:
It's on the 8th floor! So let's skip ALL the 7 floors and go straight to the cat's house, shall we?
On the 7th floor, there is a staircase that leads you to a pet shop and Nekobukuro! Yes, the cat's house is placed next to a pet shop, how convenient!
The cute gate!!
It says that:
"Today, the last admission of Nekobukuro is 19:30."
(Thanks Google Translate!)
We hadn't even entered the cat's house yet, and there was already one sleeping cat at the cashier of the pet shop! The pet shop itself was also dominated by cats' stuff, but we still managed to buy some food and snacks for Hyde lah! :)
Look who was ready to greet us inside the entryway! Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service of Studio Ghibli! :D
When we stepped inside the cat's house, there was this 'CATRAIN' with a cat-driver(?) inside, and we thought, "What a cute display!" and turned out, it was not just a train display. See below!
? ? ? ? ?
Each car of the train is a "bedroom" for cats!!
And of course, when you take a look inside, some cats are enjoying their naps there. :3
? There are also papers with the cats' names (and gender) on them, taped on the window of each car! ?
? The complete list of the cats. They all have names! :) ?
? One of the areas where the cats can play. Or sleep. It's like a playground with the colorful paint and all, but personally I don't really like the lighting here; it's a bit dark and dominated with white light which doesn't make the room feel "warm" and cozy. ?
? Cats in every corner! ?
Stopped for a moment to stare at us suspiciously...
...and quickly made a run for it.
? The one who didn't move a bit from the moment we arrived until we left. ?
#ZEN
? Seriously looks like a white fur rug. ?
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| Image credit: www.aliexpress.com |
? A very kawaii Tree House for cats!! Love the green tea color so much??? ?
The second area of the cat's house which was brighter than the first one- Train area.
? S/he just sat there for like 15mins observing us humans. ?
? The second minus point of this place (for me) is the chairs. They are like so rigid and not relaxing, kind of like hospital or airport waiting chairs. ?
? You can borrow some toys from them to attract the cats (like the guy on the far left), but most of the cats don't give a shit lol. ?
? My absolute favorite!!!!!! SCOTTISH FOLD? ?
? Looked even cuter with that cherry charm hanging on his neck! ?
? Finally he was sitting quietly so I could pet-pet-pet all I wanted!! XD ?
BUT, when I tried to pick him up and put him on my lap, a female employee came out and prohibited me to do that! Usually in other cat cafes you are allowed to pick up the cats as long as you're not standing up!! FML :(((
BUT, when I tried to pick him up and put him on my lap, a female employee came out and prohibited me to do that! Usually in other cat cafes you are allowed to pick up the cats as long as you're not standing up!! FML :(((
My overall impression of this cat's house was MEH.
Both cat cafes that I've visited were much cozier and made me don't want to leave, but this one, even without time limit, I only spent like 30mins there.
The "MEH" points:
1. The place was not that cozy or pretty (as I've mentioned above).
2. No food or drink allowed.
3. Cannot pick up the cats.
The WIN points:
1. Relatively cheap compared to other places.
2. Many cats were active, not just sleeping.
3. You got to visit Tokyu Hands too! Two birds, one stone! :D
Location: Tokyu Hands, Ikebukuro (8th Floor)
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
Admission: ?600 (?1,000 for couples or pair ticket)
#OOTD
What I Wore: Grey "Triumph" Sweater and Sunglasses from Shibuya 109 | Black Turtleneck Top, Green Maxi Skirt (upcoming collection), Vintage Purse Bag, Necklace from GOWIGASA | Dark Lipstick from Topshop (Beguiled)
Actually underneath the turtleneck and skirt, I also wore long-johns and knee-high socks. Plus a coat on top of all that. Aaand leather gloves! The weather was freeeeezing, but I miss it so damn much.
X O X O,
Elle Yamada