Hedgehogs in dollhouses are central to the new first-for-Japan concept ChikuChiku Cafe, which translates as “prickly cafe”.

Set up in Shibuya by the Shiikugakari company, ChikuChiku (also known as the Hedgehog Home and Cafe) allows patrons to feed, touch and take photos with its cute inmates.

There are 10 different abodes for the hedgehogs including dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, a garden, a Japanese-style room and a classroom, plus a large “cityscape” in the centre of the cafe where the hedgehogs take a walk.

There are plans for ongoing updates for the hedgehog houses.

Children 12 years and younger need to be accompanied by adults at the cafe, while children six years and younger are not allowed to touch the animals.

Other terms of service as listed on the cafe’s website include:

● We charge for the table by the hour. If you have a reservation, your ticket is valid for one hour only. Even when you are late for the reservation time, please leave us on schedule. If you visit without a reservation, you can stay for one hour starting from the time on your receipt.

• Drinks are available at a self-service vending machine. Please sterilise your hands each time before you have drinks after having touched the hedgehogs.
  ● Hedgehogs may bite your fingers, etc, if in a bad mood. The tip to keep the hedgehogs in a good mood is to pet them gently.
  ● Hedgehogs hate strong lights. Please refrain from flash photography.
  ● Hedgehogs are very timid.
  ● Hedgehogs may bristle their spines when they hear sounds or voices above them, or when they are in the shade of your hands or face.
  ● Please do not look into the hedgehogs suddenly, and pet them gently.
  ● Hedgehogs have a great attachment to their house. We recommend you pet the hedgehogs in their house without lifting or carrying them.
  ● Hedgehogs may get surprised by sounds or lights, and get upset by unfamiliar smells.
  ● Hedgehogs may get injured severely when they fall from high places.