Nekotemari Cafe

Operating as a rescue-focused cafe managed by Tanpopo-no-sato, an established animal protection shelter in Sagamihara, Nekotemari Cafe recently renovated (May 13, 2025) to emphasize transfer-focused rescue operations with enhanced visitor experience. The facility functions as public-facing introduction to the larger shelter mission: facilitating permanent family placement for rescued cats while maintaining transparent shelter operations. The collaboration between shelter and cafe enables diverse rescue backgrounds (including disaster-affected cats, collapsed-breeding rescues, emergency neonatal kittens) to undergo socialization and adoption matching.

The rotating rescue cat population demonstrates diverse ages and socialization levels reflecting comprehensive rescue operations. The parent shelter manages extensive rescue networks (TNR programs, volunteer foster care, neonatal intensive care), with kitten-focused sister cafe (@tanpopo_tap) and adult cat operations (@tanpopo_nyans). Reviewers consistently praised "affectionate cats approaching upon entry," with one noting "rare self-initiated petting" from numerous residents. Multiple visitors appreciated the facility's "gentle atmosphere" with staff described as "approachable" and "bright," alongside recognition of diverse rescue backgrounds (including shelter overflow, breeding collapse, disaster-origin cats). One regular emphasized the facility suits first-time visitors, describing "satisfying healing experience" despite serious rescue mission operating behind casual-seeming cafe facade.

Hours: 13:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30); Monday/Thursday closed (holiday exceptions open). Pricing: 30 min weekday ¥700, weekend/holiday ¥900; no child pricing (all ages same rate). Drinks included. Transfer adoption: ongoing intake from government administrative support (animal welfare department coordination); emergency neonatal kitten protocols (phone contact required, not email, for urgent warmth-dependent rescues); adoption interviews and conditions required. Volunteer opportunities: shelter care, foster placement, administrative support (inquire via website/email). Merchandise available. Class 1 animal handler registration. Parking: nearby building parking available. Access: near JR Sagamihara Station (5+ min walk). Address: 〒252-0231 Kanagawa, Sagamihara, Chuo Ward, Sagamihara, 5 Chome−2−2 １７MID5丁目ビル 3F. Contact: Instagram @nekotemari_cafe (primary updates), parent shelter blogs (representative main blog: animal rescue news; servant tweets: daily cat updates).