Diorama Restaurant Tetsudokan: Diner With Railway Diorama That Lets Cats Roam Around & Wreak Havoc

Diorama Restaurant Tetsudokan

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Imagine spending a copious amount of time building and assembling an elaborate diorama from scratch, only to have them trampled on by oblivious cats. Oh well, what’s one to do when cats are so cute? Located in Osaka, Diorama Restaurant Tetsudokan prides itself on providing its kitties with the perfect stomping ground – intricate miniature landscapes and train models.

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Diorama restaurant in Osaka lets cats roam around freely

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Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

Known for displaying highly intricate dioramas and train models in 1:150 scale, Tetsudokan Diner (鉄道館食堂) is a haven for train buffs and scale-modelling hobbyists. During its opening hours, customers can enjoy a meal at the restaurant whilst gazing at toy trains zooming past them. 

Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

However, the place truly comes alive when the shop closes for the day. Left to their own devices, the cats are allowed to roam freely around the premises. 

Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

Image adapted from: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

As you’d expect, having feline creatures roam around diorama sets is nothing short of a catastrophe. Knocking over running trains, stomping on railway tracks, and simply resting on top of delicate diorama parts are par for the course – the cats become ruthless Catzillas smashing their way through the miniature layouts. 

Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

Amused by the cats’ playful antics, the owner, Naoki Teraoka, took it upon himself to share videos and photos of the cats’ adorable acts of terror onto various social media platforms.

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Cats were adopted by owner

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Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

According to Asahi Shimbun, Teraoka first found a stray kitten near his restaurant and brought it home. He eventually adopted the cat and named it “Simba”. A few days after, Simba’s mother came looking for Simba, and so did its 3 other siblings. The rest of the family members were taken in by Teraoka as he couldn’t bear to keep them apart. 

Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

Now the cats have found a loving home – better yet, they’ve also found the ultimate playground where they can play at and sleep in. 

Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

For those who are curious about the repair works required, the owner revealed in a reply on Twitter that it usually depends on the degree of damage. Utility poles mostly take a beating, while other components, such as train tracks and railway bridges, are sturdier so they can last without regular maintenance. 

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Help support Diorama Restaurant Tetsudokan

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Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe

Established in 2004, Diorama Restaurant Tetsudokan has been badly hit by reduced foot traffic and government regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant was on the verge of closure until they started sharing videos of the cats playing with the railway models online and received renewed attention. 

Image credit: @Caferest_bar_Fe 

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Japan’s Diorama Restaurant Tetsudokan

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For those who are unable to visit the diner physically, show your support by following Diorama Restaurant Tetsudokan on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.  

Getting there: If you’re in Japan and would like to support them, hop on the train on the Osaka Loop Line at Osaka Station and alight at Teradachō Station. From there, a 3-minute walk will bring you to the restaurant. 

Address: 1F Tennoji Building, 2−5−16 Teradachō, Tennoji Ward, 543-0045, Osaka
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11AM-2PM & 6PM-10.30PM (Closed on Wednesdays) | Sat 11.30AM-10.30PM | Sun 11AM-8PM
Telephone: 0667-76-2460
Website

For more cool spots to visit in Japan, check out: 

• Awashima Shrine in Wakayama
• Tozan Shrine with a porcelain torii gate
• Ryokan where you can have cats as roommates
• Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle IRL
• Otaru Canal

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Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @Caferest_bar_Fe, @Caferest_bar_Fe and @Caferest_bar_Fe