Located in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward just a two-minute walk from Kyoto Aquarium and Umekoji Park in the Umekoji Station area, this Noah's Ark branch caters to tourists and locals seeking a calm respite during sightseeing. Operating from 10:00 to 18:30 (final entry 18:00, closed seasonally for renovations), the facility houses approximately twenty cats and ferrets in an elegant, peaceful environment. The location's proximity to major Kyoto attractions—within walking distance of Kyoto Station—makes it an ideal stop for travelers seeking to decompress between activities. Despite its excellent accessibility, the interior maintains a distinctly quiet and serene atmosphere, creating an oasis of calm in the midst of urban tourism.
This location distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to food service, with an adjacent salad-and-mocktail specialist shop (temporarily closed for renovations as of January 2026) offering colorful salad bowls and non-alcoholic craft beverages. When operational, this culinary integration transforms the experience from typical cafe beverages into proper meal options, allowing visitors to enjoy lunch-quality food while cats rest nearby. The thoughtful combination of genuine hospitality and feline companionship appeals equally to solo visitors seeking quiet reflection, families, couples, and groups of friends. The space accommodates extended stays comfortably, with many guests settling in for reading, work, or simply observing the cats—a luxury less emphasized at higher-traffic Noah's Ark locations.
Guest feedback emphasizes the spotless cleanliness, attentive and English-capable staff, and the evident happiness and excellent care of both cats and ferrets. Visitors note that cats are notably friendly without treats, well-groomed with properly maintained nails, and genuinely affectionate. The ferrets, held and socialized by staff, add playful energy to the calmer feline experience. Like all Noah's Ark locations, animals are available for adoption, accompanied by the facility's comprehensive support and knowledge-sharing approach to placing animals in permanent homes. The combination of animal quality, refined atmosphere, convenient location, and reasonable pricing makes this branch particularly beloved by repeat visitors and an essential stop for cat-loving tourists to Kyoto.
¥2,090
