Japan’s First Black Cat Café Opens in Himeji

If you’ve ever scrolled through endless cat café listings and thought, “Where’s one just for black cats?”, Japan has quietly answered that question. While the country boasts over a hundred standard ‘neko’ cafés, only one focuses solely on felines of the darkest hue—and it’s not in Tokyo or Kyoto, but in the castle town of Himeji.

Yes, the world’s very first (and so far only) black cat café, Nekobiyaka, is located just a short walk from Himeji Station and near the city’s iconic castle. And yes, every cat inside is black.

What Makes Nekobiyaka Different?

Unlike typical cat cafés with a mix of fur colours, Nekobiyaka is home to a rotating group of black cats—six were present during our visit, though the official roster includes more than a dozen. The café’s staff help guests tell them apart by providing a booklet with photos, names, and birthdays. Each cat also wears a uniquely coloured scarf that matches its name, making identification both easier and cuter.

A Cozy, Lived-In Space With Playful Cats

The café is designed to resemble a homey living room, with windows overlooking a lively shopping street in Himeji. Background music blends easy listening with pop, creating a low-key ambience. The resident black cats are notably energetic: they dart around, leap into the air, and engage in spirited games with fabric toys. Two of them have even been seen competing in mid-air toy catches. While the cats may all look similar to the untrained eye, their individual colour-coded scarves and name tags help visitors keep track of their favourites.

What To Expect As a Visitor

Visitors can sip coffee or beer while enjoying the company of the cats—just be careful not to spill your drink as they zoom past. There’s no cat food on offer, but there is a small library of manga and magazines, many of them cat-themed. It’s a peaceful spot to unwind for an hour or so, whether you’re a dedicated ailurophile or just looking for something a little different. And unlike many cafés where pets may be aloof, these black cats seem to revel in the attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nekobiyaka located?

Nekobiyaka is in Himeji, Japan, a short distance from Himeji Station and close to the city’s famous castle. It’s easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring the area.

How many black cats live at Nekobiyaka?

While the café’s official website lists more than a dozen black cats, only around six were present during our visit. The roster may change depending on the day and the cats’ availability.

How can you tell the black cats apart?

Each black cat wears a differently coloured scarf that corresponds to its name. The café also provides a booklet with photos, names, and birthdates to help guests identify them.

What can you do at Nekobiyaka besides pet cats?

Aside from interacting with the cats, you can enjoy coffee or beer, browse a collection of cat-related manga and magazines, and relax in a cozy, home-style interior with views of a shopping street.

Is there a cat snack menu?

No, Nekobiyaka does not offer food specifically for the cats. However, the cats are active and playful, often engaging with fabric toys provided in the space.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cat Lovers

If you're heading to Nekobiyaka or just indulging your love for black cats over a cup, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for its bright citrus and floral profile, or Yirgacheffe for a juicy, tea-like body. Both single origins highlight the delicate and playful qualities that mirror the energy of the café’s feline residents. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.