Nader Sammouri Kyoto

Heaven can be many things, but for some, heaven is hosted in a tiny room by a pack Shiba Inu dogs.

In Japan, there are several cafes dedicated to the Japanese breed of dog making it a business that draws in locals and tourists alike.

Among cat, owl and hedgehog cafes, Shiba Inu cafes are like healing spaces which allow visitors to be immersed in the present moment.

However, the experience varies slightly in 2020 as the journey starts with three COVID measures. Mask on, temperature check and the application of a sanitizer on the hands before the small gate to the Shiba playground opens greeting visitors with overlapping dog barks eager to play.

The entry cost ranges between 600 and 880 yen ($5.75 – $8.50) per 30 minutes with open drinks at times or a limited option to choose one drink from vending machines.

Many cafes have a traditional atmosphere to their interior with tatami mats placed on the floor where customers can sit with low tables.

Sometimes the arrangement is slightly different with tatami cushioned seats with a basket underneath it for personal belongings. Experiences will vary depending on the café.

Speaking to Arab News Japan, the owner of café Ryoma in Teramachi-dori’s shopping street of Kyoto said that in order to invite the dogs to one’s lap, crossing one’s legs and leaning back on the palms will widen the lap space and invite them in.

As the experience comes to an end and time comes to part with the dogs, the owner hands visitors a cleaning stick to roll it over their clothes and get all the dog fur out.

Peishan, a 36 year-old Singaporean woman working in Kyoto, enjoys visiting different Shiba cafes. She shares her experience saying: “I love shiba Inu dogs and since I can’t afford to have one and my apartment doesn’t allow pets, visiting a Shiba cafe is the best alternative to get close with these amazing dogs.”

Peishan also expressed the exclusivity of this experience saying she believed the pet café concept is only unique to Japan.

Tian, a 27 year-old Chinese studying in Kyoto says: “I only went to a Shiba Inu café once. What drew me in is my love to dogs and the Japanese Shiba breed is just so cute. Unfortunately, none of the Shibas came near me. I was a bit disappointed with my experience.”

Working in Japan is known for its long stressful hours and the Japanese are known for their sense of duty and sacrifice when it comes to work. Hideyuki, a 40 year-old Japanese salary man said: “I have never been to a Shiba Inu cafe yet,” which makes one wonder if this experience unique to Japan may draw more foreigners than locals.

We all realize that the super stars of social media are probably cats. Tough competition indeed, but the Shiba Inu is rising up to the competition and many Instagram accounts for instance have millions of followers featuring daily Shiba moments like “Marutaro” with 2.5 million followers and whose star, Maru, became a brand with Shiba-printed stationary items sold in 100 yen shops, “Acoshiba” with 230,000 followers and “Fuji_jun1205” with around 65,000 followers among a plethora of other accounts.