Limited-Time Event Cat Lovers Must See: Edo-Style Cat Café

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yawen, compiled and reported
 
The Japanese love cats—not only are there countless cat cafés, but also many cat islands and cat shrines. Even earlier, during the Edo period, the ukiyo-e master Utagawa Kuniyoshi created numerous works featuring cats. At Tokyo’s JR Ryogoku Station, there is a limited-time “Edo Cat Café” where cat lovers can experience the deep bond between the Japanese and cats.

Ryogoku in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, was a central city during the Edo period. Coupled with local cat legends, the “Edo Cat Café” also carries an artistic vibe of cats and history. Legend has it that during the Edo period, the people living in the nagaya (row houses) of Ryogoku were the incarnations of cats. Based on this legend, the café features long, narrow scenery houses modeled after Edo-era row houses, along with various cat-exclusive staircases and passages.

The venue has seven themed areas: “Cat Bath,” “Cat Shrine,” “Cat Pleasure District,” “Cat Tea House,” “Cat Plaza,” “Cat Row House,” and “Cat Souvenir Area.” It recreates the street scenery of the Edo period and is decorated in ukiyo-e style with informational panels. You can see many cats roaming around, allowing you to experience the ambiance of the Edo period while interacting with the “Edo-era” cats.