由布院豆柴カフェ

Imagine a cozy place where you are greeted by dozens of wagging tails and curious eyes—this is the Mameshiba Cafe in Yufuin. This unique animal center, located near the city of Beppu, specializes in interacting with mameshiba—a miniature version of the famous Japanese Shiba Inu breed.

Japan itself is famous for its themed animal establishments, but the cafe in Yufuin stands out for its special atmosphere of peace and harmony with nature. It is located in a picturesque area known for its thermal springs and mountain views, making a visit doubly rewarding for those seeking positive emotions and relaxation.

The venue is very popular with families, couples, and animal lovers. Here, you can not only watch the playful pets but also immerse yourself in the world of pure joy that these fluffy creatures provide. A high rating and numerous positive reviews confirm that this is one of the cutest attractions in Oita Prefecture.

For your convenience, the main contact details for the venue are listed below. We recommend saving them before your trip.

Visiting the cafe is primarily an opportunity for close contact with friendly Shiba Inus. You can pet the dogs, watch their funny games, and, if the rules at the time of your visit allow, treat them to special food. The dogs here are very active and socialized; they happily jump into laps and pose for photos.

The interior of the establishment is designed in a traditional Japanese style: tatami mats on the floor and low tables create a sense of home comfort. Guests are invited to order drinks and light snacks to enjoy while the little mameshiba scurry around you. It is an ideal space for taking plenty of vibrant photos for social media—all the conditions for selfies with the pets are provided here.

In addition to interacting with the animals, the cafe has a small souvenir shop. Here, you can purchase exclusive accessories, postcards, and plush Shiba Inu toys, which will serve as a great reminder of your trip. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to sit easily on the floor and play with the venue's fluffy hosts.

Getting to this charming spot from the city of Beppu is quite simple. A drive by car or bus along the scenic Route 213 takes about 30–40 minutes, offering magnificent views of Oita Prefecture's mountain landscapes along the way.

If you prefer rail travel, use the JR Yufu Station line. From Yufuin Station itself, you can take a leisurely 15–20 minute walk to the cafe, enjoying the resort town atmosphere, or take a taxi for a quick ride. Renting a bicycle is also a popular option among tourists.

The cafe is located within the Etavia complex. For precise navigation, it is convenient to use Google Maps—the establishment is in the heart of Yufuin's tourist area, near the famous hot springs, making it an easy and pleasant stop on your itinerary.

The emergence of such establishments is closely linked to the special affection Japan's residents have for the Shiba Inu breed, which is considered one of the country's national treasures. The term "mameshiba" (literally "bean Shiba") was coined to describe a miniature variety of these dogs, which are perfectly suited for urban living due to their compact size.

Although mameshiba is not recognized as a separate breed by international kennel clubs, it has achieved the status of a true cultural phenomenon in Japan. The cafe in Yufuin became part of a popular chain of themed animal cafes that began opening across the country to offer people a chance to interact with animals amidst a high-stress lifestyle.

Interestingly, the cafe itself is decorated in a traditional Showa-era style, creating a nostalgic and warm atmosphere. This spot quickly earned high marks from tourists (4.4 stars on Google), becoming a must-visit point in Yufuin alongside its famous onsens.

To fully enjoy your time with these four-legged friends, you will typically need 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to get used to the pets' active nature, play with them, and take memorable photos.

Since visits to such establishments are often limited by time sessions (usually 30 minutes), many guests choose to stay longer to relax over a cup of tea and watch the dogs' funny antics from the side. Given the popularity of the place, plan your visit with some extra time in case there is a queue at the entrance.

The cafe operates on a consistent schedule, welcoming guests daily. From Monday to Friday, the doors are open from 09:30 to 16:30. On weekends—Saturday and Sunday—the establishment is open slightly longer, from 09:30 to 17:00.

Please note that the schedule may change on public holidays or for technical reasons. Before your visit, we strongly recommend checking the official website or confirming the current opening hours on-site, as entry may be based on fixed time intervals.

Exploring the surroundings of Yufuin and Beppu can significantly enrich your travel experience. After spending time with the charming dogs, you can head to other unique spots in the region, from theme parks to nature reserves.