Kyoto Ethical Cat Sanctuary and Tea Ceremony Small Group

Duration1h 10m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesJapanese, English

Group sizeUp to 6 travelers

Overview

This small-group experience offers a quiet and intimate way to spend time with rescued cats in a traditional Kyoto machiya, followed by a hands-on Japanese tea ceremony. Limited to just six guests, it is designed for genuine cat lovers seeking an ethical, non-petting-focused alternative to a typical cat café.

What's included

Tea ceremony experience with premium Uji matcha — high-grade, authentic Japanese matcha selected for its rich flavor and smooth finish.
Cat treats for gentle interaction
Original Utanekodo postcard
Quiet session with rescued cats
Vegan and gluten-free cat-shaped Japanese sweet

Guests who forget to bring socks will be required to purchase a pair for 200 yen.
Transportation to and from the venue
Additional food and drinks

What to expect

You are invited to a peaceful Small-Group Retreat hidden in a quiet Kyoto alley.

Inside a traditional Japanese townhouse, rescued cats live calmly and safely, away from crowds and noise. Although this is a shared experience, groups are intentionally kept small, so the atmosphere remains intimate, quiet, and unhurried. It is especially recommended for solo travelers looking for a calm and meaningful experience in Kyoto.

Here, the cats are never treated as entertainment and interaction is never forced. Each cat is free to choose how to spend their time and whether to approach guests. Simply sharing the same peaceful space with them is part of the experience.

Slow down, rest your mind, and experience a mindful Japanese tea ceremony while spending quiet time with the cats.

This retreat is designed for travelers who value ethical choices, tranquility, authenticity, and a deeper connection with the places they visit. Rather than a busy animal attraction, it offers a gentle pause from sightseeing and a chance to experience another side of Kyoto.

Your visit directly supports the rescued cats and helps provide them with a safe, peaceful, and happy life.

THE CAT RETREAT at UTANEKODO

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please come directly to THE CAT RETREAT at UTANEKODO.
The retreat is located down a small alley; walk to the very end and look for the entrance with the noren (curtain) hanging at the door.
There is no separate meeting point – we will welcome you at the entrance at your reserved time.

End point

Please come directly to THE CAT RETREAT at UTANEKODO.
The retreat is located down a small alley; walk to the very end and look for the entrance with the noren (curtain) hanging at the door.
There is no separate meeting point – we will welcome you at the entrance at your reserved time.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
UTANEKODO is a fragrance-free venue for the comfort and safety of our cats and guests. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, body spray, or other added fragrance when visiting. If fragrance can be clearly detected on arrival, entry may be refused. No refund or same-day rescheduling will be provided in that case.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.