Hello, and welcome! Today, I’m sharing my visit to one of Tokyo’s most talked-about spots in 2025—a Samoyed café. That’s right—an entire café dedicated to fluffy, smiling Samoyeds! If you’ve ever dreamt of being surrounded by snow-white, cloud-like dogs, this is your chance.
The Samoyed Café (called “Samoyed Café AL”) is part of a growing chain spreading across Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Fukuoka in the south. In this post, I’ll Walk you through what to expect, how to book, and a few tips to make the most of your visit. So, let’s get stuck in!
Why not try some of Tokyo’s popular activities?
What Is a Samoyed?
For those unfamiliar, the Samoyed is a large dog breed originally from Siberia. They’re built for cold climates and known for their thick, fluffy white coats and famously friendly temperaments.
Their gentle, upturned smile has earned them the nickname ‘Sammy Smile’. They’re affectionate, love attention, and are incredibly sociable, making them perfect companions at a dog café. Even if it’s your first time meeting them, they’ll probably be the ones to approach you first!
Booking Your Visit
I visited Samoyed Café AL, one of the more popular branches. To secure a spot, you can book online via their website using a platform called Table Check. Walk-ins are accepted if there’s space on the day, but pre-booking is cheaper and guarantees entry—especially on weekends.
Prices (as of April 2025):
Weekdays: ¥2,200 with booking / ¥2,600 without
Weekends & Holidays: ¥2,600 with booking / ¥3,000 without
Add-ons:(Same day requests are available)
+¥3,000 for a 30-minute walk with a Samoyed
+¥500 for two instant photo prints (Cheki-style)
Weekends are usually fully booked 2–3 weeks in advance. If you want to go then, plan early! Weekday mornings tend to be quieter. Staff also say the dogs are most active in the morning and early evening, so visit then if you’re looking for playtime. If you’d prefer a calmer, more relaxed experience, try 1–4 PM, when the dogs are more laid-back after lunch.
Also recommended for animal lovers!
Klook.comHouse Rules & What to Expect
When you arrive, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes and change into slippers. There’s a locker area where you can store your belongings, but keep your valuables with you.
- A few things to note:
- Samoyeds are curious and especially drawn to dangling accessories or flowy skirts, so it’s best to remove or secure anything that might flap or swing beforehand.
- The space isn’t huge—just big enough for guests to interact with the dogs. It’s not a dog park, so don’t expect the dogs to run freely.
Despite being called a “café”, drinks are not included in the entry fee. If you’d like something, there’s a vending machine inside. Buying a drink is totally optional.
How the System Works
Before the session starts, staff will explain some important house rules to keep the experience safe and enjoyable for both visitors and dogs. For example, guests are asked not to break up dog squabbles or take toys away.
Everything is designed with the dogs’ comfort and wellbeing in mind, so be sure to follow the guidelines.
Meet the Pack
Inside, you’ll find a board with photos and names of each dog. Honestly, they all look quite similar at first, so don’t worry if you can’t tell them apart. The staff know every dog by heart, and you can always ask, “Where’s Oreo?” or “Can I meet Luna?”—and they’ll bring the pup over to you.
The Samoyeds Make Their Entrance
When your session begins, about seven Samoyeds make their grand entrance into the room—it’s one of the highlights! Some immediately bound around excitedly, while others take their spot on chairs or curiously inspect the humans. Each dog has its own personality, and watching their interactions is part of the charm.
They’re free to roam, so they might not stick by your side the whole time. Still, just watching them wander, play, and flash those smiles is deeply relaxing.
Sometimes, playful roughhousing can get a bit intense. When I visited, two dogs got into a minor scuffle, but the staff were quick to respond and calmly separated them. Their attentiveness and understanding of each dog’s temperament made me feel completely at ease.
Treat Time!
You can buy small portions of dog treats (6 bits for ¥100) from capsule machines inside the café. Feeding them is a great way to get their attention—and make some fluffy new friends!
There are also capsule machines with Samoyed-themed merchandise like mini mascots and keychains (around ¥400 each). It’s a lucky dip, so you never know what you’ll get!
Show Time: Tricks and Cheki Photos
During treat time, I asked the staff if I could meet a dog named Oreo, who had already won my heart earlier. They happily brought him over and even told me his special trick—resting his chin on your hand. Adorable, right?
Holding a treat, I got to see his trick up close—and yes, I melted on the spot. If you’d like to capture the moment, you can pay ¥500 to take two instant Cheki-style photos with your favourite Samoyed.
Toy Time!
After the treat session, the dogs were starting to wind down… until a staff member said the magic word: “Toys!” Their ears perked up instantly. Each dog rushed to grab their favorite toy and play began all over again!
Bring a toy over, and chances are you’ll have a fluffy friend chasing you in seconds. It’s heart-warming to see them so excited.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Samoyed Café was an hour of pure joy: cuddles, playtime, and enough fluff to warm your heart for days. Whether you’re a dog lover, someone who can’t keep pets, or just need a break from the hustle of Tokyo, this place is well worth a visit.
Don’t worry if you’re not used to dogs—the staff are incredibly helpful and attentive, so you’ll feel right at home. If you’re looking for an uplifting, wholesome experience, why not find your nearest Samoyed café and let the smiling fluffballs work their magic?
For photography lovers :discover Kamakura’s scenic spots and enjoy a traditional kimono experience.
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