With cat, dog, rabbit, snake and countless other animal cafés already in town, we were almost surprised to hear that Roppongi's Harry is Japan's first dedicated hedgehog café. Occupying the second floor of a building that also houses a bunny café (getting a little crowded, eh?), Harry is home to more than 20 ultra-adorable hedgehogs that become your friends for half an hour in exchange for a flat ¥1,000 (¥1,300 on weekends). The prickly mammals come in many different colours and sizes and are usually very calm, allowing for plenty of cuddling. Still, do remember that the hedgehogs can tire and become a little hostile at times – don't touch ones that perk up their quills or appear drowsy. You can pay an extra ¥500 for mealworm snacks which can be fed to the little fellows, or even buy a hedgehog to take home (but don't make that decision lightly!). The café stocks coffee and tea, but feel free to bring your own food and drinks. With all the (mainly international) media attention that accompanied its recent opening, Harry is currently supremely crowded and operates mainly on a reservation system – book your spot through their website. Still, eight walk-in spots are technically available for every time slot, if you don't mind trying your luck.
Check out more photos of the hedgehogs on our blog.