CAFE Mr.SIMBA(カフェ ミスター・シンバ)

CAFE Mr.SIMBA in Hakodate offers a unique blend of casual café dining combined with a small animal petting experience that sets it apart from typical coffee shops. Located conveniently in Suginamicho, this spot feels like a quiet refuge to enjoy simple, satisfying meals and mild comfort without rushing.

The café is best known for its チキンドリア and a garlic chicken one-plate lunch—both reasonably priced and favored by visitors. Beyond the food, what really shapes a visit here is the two-floor layout; the first floor is the café and dining area, while the second features an intimate, softly lit space where you can interact with small animals such as rabbits, chinchillas, degus, and hedgehogs. This combination creates a relaxed yet playful atmosphere, ideal for those looking to unwind after a stroll around Hakodate or while spending a slow afternoon.

Visitors often come here not just for the food but largely for the animal interactions. The staff takes care to explain how to handle different species gently and respectfully, which is important given the animals’ varied temperaments (for example, chinchillas can be quick and shy). This thoughtful approach helps visitors feel comfortable and encourages a calm vibe that suits families, couples, or solo visitors looking for a mild sensory break.

The café vibe here is informal but welcoming, with a quiet warmth that comes through both from the staff and the animals. Many patrons appreciate that the café includes the animal interaction at no extra cost beyond their order, with opportunities to feed and befriend the creatures naturally woven into the visit. This contributes to the feeling of spending time somewhere truly local and lived-in, rather than a tourist-focused attraction.

CAFE Mr.SIMBA works well for anyone who enjoys light meals accompanied by coffee or simple drinks—especially those who appreciate having a quieter, lighter menu with occasional surprises like daily “owner’s choice” dishes. The absence of heavy crowds makes it a good option for weekday afternoons or early evenings when you want a steady pace without rush.

The space also responds broadly to the local Hakodate community’s desire for calm, wholesome places to unwind. It isn’t just a café; it’s a small retreat for animal lovers and those who might appreciate a less conventional café experience focused on care, simplicity, and connection. If you’re traveling through or live nearby and want a spot that’s a little different from the usual coffee chain or purely food-centric café, Mr. SIMBA provides a down-to-earth, heartfelt experience that lingers.