Our Visit to the MiPig Cafe Harajuku, Tokyo

When planning our Tokyo adventure, we each had our “must-do” list. The teens wanted to shop in Shibuya and check out the Robot Cafe, our 7-year-old wanted to visit DisneySea, my husband was happy to go with the flow… but I had dreams of of the small, pink, porcine variety. Yup, somewhere in the planning mix, we decided to add something delightfully niche and totally Tokyo: a micropig cafe. Yep. You heard right—MiPig Cafe Harajuku, where you can sip a drink or two while teeny (or not so teeny!) pigs nap and snuffle on your lap.

I’ll be honest: my initial reaction was a mix of “that sounds adorable” and “is that… ethical?” I didn’t want our holiday to include anything exploitative. Animal cafés have had their fair share of criticism, and the last thing I wanted was to support something that made animals uncomfortable or stressed. But after doing some research, I discovered that MiPig Harajuku is actually Japan’s first and only licensed pig cafe franchise (there are several others dotted around Tokyo and in other larger cities). It turns out, these pigs are very much pampered pets—and visiting the cafe ended up being one of the most joyful  parts of our trip before we left for Kyoto.

Finding MiPig Cafe Harajuku

The MiPig Cafe Tokyo has a few branches, but the Harajuku one was perfect for us because it’s right near Takeshita Street—a colourful chaos of crepes, bubble tea, cosplay accessories and kawaii everything. After an hour of teen-led shopping and buying a rainbow candy floss twice the size of our head, we were all ready for a break come early evening. Tucked away just off the main drag, the MiPig Cafe Harajuku is easy to miss if you’re not looking—but that’s part of the charm. The entrance is cute and actually quite understated, rather than looking like a total tourist trap.

You need to pre-book your slot online (you can do this via their English-friendly website), which we did a couple of days before. i recomend you do it as soon as slots are released, as we booked later than we usually would, and only early evening slots were left, leaving us to reorganise our day in Harajuku accordingly. You pay by the half-hour, and believe me, the time flies once you’re in there, although we found 30 minutes plenty of time (you can book up to an hour).

First Impressions

We checked in, swapped our shoes for indoor slippers, sanitised our hands, and were shown into the carpeted seating area, complete with cushions and low tables. The space was warm, peaceful and incredibly clean. Not a hint of “pet smell,” which I know sounds petty, but if you’ve got kids with sensitive noses (or teens who are perpetually grossed out by life), you’ll know this matters.

The staff gave us a short briefing—in fantastic English—about how to interact with the pigs. No chasing, no picking them up, and let them come to you. The pigs are allowed to roam freely and choose where to go, which immediately put me at ease. This wasn’t about humans forcing animals to perform; it was about peaceful co-existence. 

Meeting the Piggies!

Within minutes, both Adam and Sasha became self-proclaimed ‘pig whisperers’  and had attracted not one but three curious little pigs each. They were micropigs, which basically means they’re very small pigs—not genetically modified teacup pigs (which, by the way, don’t really exist). However, there were definitely some pigs there that I personally wouldn’t class as micropigs, as they seemed much larger and were actually quite heavy if they came onto your lap – something to bear in mind if you have smaller children. All the pigs were well-fed, round-bellied, soft-snouted sweethearts who snuggled right up to our laps, particularly our 7-year-old’s. His face when the first pig plopped its bum down on his knee? Pure magic.

Each pig has a name, a slightly different coat or colouring, and a clear personality. One was sleepy and flopped down like a cat. Another was on a mission to sniff every pocket. A third was sent from Satan, and was a pure bully pig, biting and pushing other pigs away when he didn’t want them near!

We spent a solid half hour there (you can extend your time if it’s not fully booked), and not once did we feel rushed. The pigs rotated between groups of people (there are others on the carpet with you, although you’re obviously not sitting with them), some choosing to stay put and nap, others trotting around with soft grunts like they were checking up on everyone.

Ethical Concerns (Put to Rest)

One of the things I appreciated most about MiPig Cafe Tokyo was how clearly the pigs were treated with love and respect. The staff clearly adored them, and there was absolutely no pressure on the animals to interact. Some snoozed the whole time, some wandered—but it was entirely up to them.

I later learned that MiPig also runs an adoption scheme. Pigs that are too old or no longer suitable for the cafe setting are adopted out to loving homes. They also offer education on how to care for pigs as pets. It’s not just a tourist gimmick, it’s a whole pig-positive ecosystem.

Our Verdict of the MiPig Cafe

Now, let’s talk about the real critics. Our teens are 13 and 14, which is a prime age for eye rolls and subtle scoffing. I fully expected them to be “meh” about the whole thing, and they were a little like ‘what are we going to do there?!’. But even they couldn’t resist the snuggle charm of these pigs. The eldest spent the entire time taking pictures, while our 13-year-old gently stroked the pig on her lap, despite it dribbling over her leg, haha! Our 7-year-old, who was a little nervous at first? He now wants a pig for Christmas.

Spoiler: He’s not getting one.

But honestly, as a family experience, MiPig Cafe Harajuku ticked every box and something we’re unlikely to do anywhere else. Definitely recommend – just make sure it’s a MiPig Cafe as opposed to an unregulated animal cafe.

FAQs: Visiting MiPig Cafe Harajuku with Kids and Teens

Is MiPig Cafe Tokyo suitable for children?
Yes! It’s great for kids aged 5+. Our 7-year-old absolutely loved it. The pigs are gentle, and the staff keep a close eye to ensure everyone’s safe and happy.

Are the pigs treated well at MiPig Cafe Harajuku?
Yes. This was one of our main concerns, but we were reassured by what we saw. The pigs aren’t forced to interact and seem relaxed, healthy, and well cared for. They also get breaks and nap time. MiPig Cafe even helps with pig adoption and education.

How do I book MiPig Cafe Tokyo?
Visit the official MiPig website (search “MiPig Cafe Tokyo booking” on Google). Choose your preferred location (we went to MiPig Cafe Harajuku), time slot, and how many people are coming. You pay a small fee per 30 minutes.

How much does the micropig cafe cost?
Expect to pay around ¥1,000–1,200 per person for 30 minutes, plus any drinks. You can stay longer for an additional fee. It’s a bit of a treat but worth it for the experience.

Can I hold the pigs at MiPig Cafe?
No. The pigs come to you. You can pet them and let them sit on your lap, but no picking up or chasing allowed. It keeps things stress-free for everyone.

What should I wear to the micropig cafe?
Wear comfy clothes and avoid black if possible—the pigs shed a little, and you’ll probably get piggy footprints or hair on you. But it’s all part of the charm! They do provide blankets to go over your laps though, to help protect your clothes.

Which is the best MiPig Cafe in Tokyo?
We visited MiPig Harajuku, and loved it. It’s conveniently located near Takeshita Street and great for combining with other sightseeing. But there are branches in Meguro and Kichijoji too.

Can you visit MiPig Cafe Harajuku without a booking?
It’s technically possible, but walk-ins aren’t guaranteed. It’s a popular spot, especially on weekends, so I’d highly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you’re looking for another animal encounter in Japan, you can take a look at my post about Visiting the Bowing Deer of Nara, Avatar Robot Cafe Tokyo Review and also See more of my Japan posts here

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.