Are you longing for a pig-ture-perfect coffee experience, complete with adorable piglet companionship? Pack your bags and break open your piggy bank because Japan’s Mipig Café is calling your name.
For just 2,200 yen ($15), patrons can bask in the company of charming little pigs for a minimum of 30 minutes. Given its a-boar-able charm and popularity, reservations are a must for this unique Tokyo hotspot.
Brad Loomis, a software engineer hailing from Pullman, Washington, recently explored this distinctive coffee haven with his 21-year-old daughter, Paige. According to Loomis, “It was wonderful. Very relaxing and enjoyable,” as they immersed themselves in the delightful experience.”
At Tokyo’s Mipig Café, patrons can enjoy the delightful company of adorable piglets for a mere 2,200 yen ($15), granting them a minimum of 30 minutes in this unique porcine paradise.
@filmbykt Pig cafe = new therapy
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On a recent morning at the café, a bustling scene unfolded with dozens of customers, including Brad Loomis and his daughter Paige, capturing moments through selfies and radiating joy. The petite piglets, belonging to a miniature breed, trotted around, seeking the warmth of welcoming laps for cuddles.
Image credits: Mipig cafe
Contrary to expectations, the pigs proved surprisingly quiet, occasionally emitting endearing snorts. Their aversion to solitude makes them ideal companions, dispelling the common stereotype associated with swine. Moreover, these little oinkers defy the notion of being messy, as they maintain a clean and odor-free environment.
In the cozy ambiance of the café, the pigs go by the affectionate moniker “buta-san,” where “buta” translates to pig or swine in Japanese. Reflecting Japanese business etiquette, the suffix “san” is added to surnames, conveying a sense of respect and endearment in this unique and heartwarming café experience.
Contrary to popular stereotypes, these pigs defy expectations by being impeccably clean and odor-free, challenging the common misconceptions associated with swine.
Image credits: Mipig cafe
Image credits: filmbykt
This observation aligns with the insights provided by the Humane Society of the United States, highlighting pigs as gentle creatures endowed with remarkable intelligence. Studies indicate that pigs surpass dogs and even three-year-old children in cognitive abilities. In their natural habitat, wild pigs form small groups, usually consisting of a few sows (female pigs) and their piglets.
Shiho Kitagawa, an executive at Mipig, points out, “You may notice one may be strong-headed, and another may be gentle.” This insight underscores the distinct personalities that each pig at Mipig possesses.
Image credits: haleyandzach_
Situated in the trendy Harajuku district, the Mipig Café stands out among the 10 pig cafes that the operator has established across Japan, with the inaugural one debuting in Tokyo in 2019.
Exciting news awaits pig enthusiasts, as two more pig cafes are set to open later this year, according to a report by AP News.
The charming residents of Mipig, affectionately called “micropigs,” maintain a petite size, never growing larger than a corgi dog even in adulthood. Visitors to these cafes can also revel in the company of irresistibly cute baby pigs, reminiscent in size of toy poodles, as highlighted by AP News.
Image credits: haleyandzach_
For those who develop a special fondness for one of these endearing creatures at Mipig, the option to bring them home is available at a cost of about 200,000 yen ($1,350).
Reportedly, these pigs have already undergone toilet training and are accustomed to human companionship. To cater to their dietary needs, micropig food is also conveniently available for purchase at the venue. Mipig has successfully facilitated 1,300 pig adoptions, as enthusiasts discover their new four-legged friends.
Sharing her experience, Sophie Mo’unga, a tourist from New Zealand exploring Japan with her husband and two children, expressed, “They were cute. I think they were all keeping each other warm.”
Pigs, known for their gentle nature, possess remarkable intelligence. Research indicates that they exhibit cognitive abilities surpassing those of dogs and even three-year-old children.
Image credits: haleyandzach_
On Google, Mipig’s address is inundated with positive reviews, with one enthusiastic comment stating, “There are pigs here. Lots of pigs. These pigs REALLY want to sit in your lap.”
Another reviewer notes, “The big pigs seem to like little people, and the little pigs like big people.” Customers commend the staff for promptly handling occasional squabbles among the pigs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment.
Image credits: Mipig cafe
Additional reviews highlight the pigs’ non-aggressive behavior towards people and the staff’s effectiveness in managing occasional messes. Overall, the consensus reflects a positive and enjoyable experience at Mipig.
The Mipig Café in Tokyo’s Harajuku district has carved a niche in the hearts of animal enthusiasts with its unique blend of charm and companionship. The endearing micropigs, known for their surprising intelligence and gentle demeanor, offer patrons a delightful experience that goes beyond a simple cup of coffee.
Image credits: Mipig cafe
The positive reviews flooding Mipig’s address on Google stand as a testament to the joy these little oinkers bring, with customers expressing their delight at the pigs’ eagerness to interact and the staff’s prompt handling of any occasional piggy squabbles.
For those captivated by the charisma of these micropigs, the option to adopt and take one home adds an extra layer of connection. Mipig’s success in facilitating over 1,300 adoptions speaks volumes about the genuine affection people develop for these adorable creatures.
Image credits: Mipig cafe
As the Mipig Café continues to expand its footprint with two more pig cafes on the horizon, it seems the trend of combining coffee breaks with piggy cuddles is only gaining momentum. In a world where stress often takes center stage, Mipig offers a unique and heartwarming escape, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a lapful of micropigs to brighten one’s day.