Not your average furry feline or playful pup, but adorable, snuggly pigs have become the unlikely stars of Tokyo’s burgeoning animal cafe scene. It has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike: cuddling pigs in cafes.
Cuddling Pigs In Tokyo Cafes
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These cafes offer a unique experience, where patrons can unwind from the stresses of urban life by spending quality time with these gentle creatures. Particularly Tokyo’s Mipig Café has been in the highlight of these adorable, snuggly pigs.
The Mipig Café is fashionable Harajuku is one of ten similar pig cafés the operator has developed in Japan. The first location opened in Tokyo in 2019. Even as adults, the creatures, known as “micro pigs,” are barely larger than a corgi. The cafes also have cute newborn pigs the size of toy poodles. The pigs are fairly quiet, though they occasionally snort. They don’t enjoy being alone, which makes for excellent companionship. Unlike the stereotype, they are clean and do not smell. You may spend the first half-hour in the pigs’ company for 2,200 yen (₹1,240.69). It is necessary to make a reservation. Pig lovers claim they make excellent pets. Mipig sells them for around 200,000 yen (₹1,12,225.30), and they are already toilet-trained and accustomed to human interaction.
When visiting the café, visitors claimed to have learned about it from Instagram and other social media platforms.
Way To De-Stress?
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The latest addition to the growing number of animal-themed coffee shops in Japan is the Pig café. Other animal-themed establishments include ones with owls, hedgehogs, birds, and even snakes.
Research has indicated that socialising with animals might improve mental health by lowering stress and anxiety. And there’s no better way to relieve stress than curling up with a warm, fuzzy pet. Pet cafes give a much-needed break from the concrete jungle. It’s an opportunity to decelerate and rediscover the bliss of being in the present instant. They provide a kind of refuge for all of us. What a boon to experience the unwavering love of some very special pets! However, there are also concerns about how well these animals are taken care of in cafes and hotels.
So the next time you find yourself in Tokyo, why not take a break from the hustle and bustle and cuddle up to a pig?
Cover image credits: Instagram/mipig cafe
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First Published: January 31, 2024 12:30 PM