Micro Pigs, Otters, Ghibli and More!
Last week, I made the drive down to Fukuoka. At 3.5 hours each way, it’s certainly not for everyone, but I was on a mission. Why? Because I had three places I wanted to visit.
1. Micro Pig Café (MiPig café).
2. Studio Ghibli Store (どんぐり)
3. IKEA
So how was it?
MiPig Café
To be honest, I hadn’t even known this place existed until I had already made plans to visit the other two. On a whim, I thought, since I’m already going to Fukuoka, I might as well see what animal cafés there are and I’m really glad I did.
First, I made my reservation online. Please note, you can’t just show up. So make sure you book online first using https://mipig.cafe/en/. What I loved about this booking system is that you can book anywhere from 30–150 minutes. Though I definitely recommend booking at least an hour.
Prices:
30 minutes — 1760 yen.
60 minutes — 2310 yen.
90 minutes — 2860 yen.
120 minutes — 3410 yen.
150 minutes — 3850 yen.
When I got to Fukuoka, I’m ashamed to admit that I was about 10 minutes late to my reservation time. They actually ask you to come 10 minutes before your appointment time, but lo and behold, I got lost. Lesson learned, I need to practice using the walking feature on google maps more.
Address: 〒810–0041 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Daimyo, 2 Chome−1−18 5F-C ＢＲＯＯＭ
Lateness aside, as soon as you go in, you fill out a form, change into the slippers provided and put your stuff in the lockers. Don’t worry, they have English forms too. Pro tip: Make sure you remember to take the key out of the locker when you’ve put your stuff in. I learned that the hard way.
A worker will lead you to the vending machine where you can get a drink (included in the price) and then lead you to your table. They’ll give you a blanket or two to protect your clothes, have you sit with your legs out and coax some of the piggies over. Then you are free to give as many belly rubs as you like (the piggies love them).
You can take photos and videos, but remember to turn flash off. Also, one very important note: DO NOT PICK THE PIGS UP! It really stresses them out.
Staff will occasionally come to take the pigs away. This is so the pigs can be fed or just to give them a break, which is something I was very happy to see.
At the Fukuoka branch, I found the staff really only spoke Japanese. So I recommend knowing a little Japanese before you go, or bring someone else who knows it. And feel free to ask questions. I ended up learning quite a few of the pigs’ names, including little Lucky who made it his mission to try and eat my jacket. Lucky for him, he didn’t succeed.
At the end of my 90 minutes, I had just about lost all feeling in my legs. But it was worth it. I then paid my 2860 yen and left.
To my surprise, I discovered an otter café just opposite MiPig Café (same floor in the building). While I didn’t have time on the day, I definitely intend to visit it in the future. If you’re interested, please check them out on
https://ktm-kawaii.com/r/fukuoka (in Japanese, sorry).
Studio Ghibli Store (どんぐり)
Next, I made my way to どんぐり. Located in the basement of Canal City, just head down the escalator, from Canal City’s entrance, turn left and you’ll see it on your left as you walk in.
Address: 〒812–0018 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Sumiyoshi, 1 Chome−2−22 キャナルシティオーパB1F
My brother had asked me to pick up some Studio Ghibli merchandise before I returned to the UK in August, so that’s just what I did. They had a wide selection of jewellery, clothes, DVDs, puzzles, cutlery, bags, figurines and stationery. Naturally my brother wanted me to bring some of the figurines; the most expensive items in the store.
I managed to get a good selection of figures from various movies; My Neighbour Totoro, Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service. But I did notice that there was a lot of merchandise for a few movies, and barely any for others. Most noticeably, I barely found anything for Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Though this may change depending on the season.
If you’re a Ghibli fan and you’re in Fukuoka, I definitely recommend stopping by. Though I’m not sure I’d go there just for this. But good news, you can also order Ghibli goods online via their website: https://www.donguri-sora.com/.
IKEA
Last on my list was IKEA. I’ll be honest, I only ever go to IKEA for the food. Not the cafeteria, although it’s always worth a quick stop in, but for their mini supermarket right near the entrance.
When I went, I was pleasantly surprised by the wide selection of goods. I’ve visited in the past only to find their selection quite limited, so it really does depend on what time you can get there.
I love IKEA for their frozen foods (fish fingers, cakes, desserts and meatballs). I also love their snacks; my favourite is the raspberry and cream filled biscuits. And of course their cheese selection; it’s one of the few places I can find Edam and cream cheese with pineapple. I also recommend trying their ready meal selection, which includes their iconic meatballs, fish and chips and baked salmon.
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that my trip was very expensive. But honestly, I don’t regret it. And I’ll certainly be returning in the future to visit both cafés.
Have you been to Fukuoka before? Where do you recommend visiting?
Written by Rachel Fahey.
