One of the most interesting things about the city of Tokyo is that there is always something new to do, some wacky and creative experience around the corner. Take, for example, the world of cafes. Now, Japan is no stranger to taking things up a notch, and themes and pop culture often play a big role. Japan isn’t short on bizarre and fun themed cafes. You’ve got maid cafes, butler cafes, manga cafes, character cafes, and of course, animal cafes. The latter type got its start in 2004 with a cat cafe as its frontrunner, quickly becoming so popular that the cafes expanded from cats to other types of animals. One of the latest crazes is the owl cafe.
Owl cafes in Tokyo may sound like a strange idea. Granted, owls aren’t pets, and they are certainly not domesticated, but due to the influence of Harry Potter, owls have become popular with children and adults. Many apartments in Japan don’t allow pets, which is why animal cafes in Tokyo have blown up over the years. At an owl cafe in Tokyo, you can spend an hour or two in the company of feathered friends while you get your caffeine fix. You may even take photos with the owls (remember to turn off your flash so as not to disturb them) but always keep in mind to be gentle to them and sensitive to their needs because after all, like dogs and cats, owls deserve love and respect.
Best Owl Cafes in Tokyo
There are actually quite a few owl cafes in Tokyo where you can get your caffeine fix while surrounded by these beautiful, magical birds. Your stay will probably be around half an hour to an hour, depending on the cafe. Usually, they take walk-ins, but it’s highly recommended to make a reservation so you can spend hassle-free time with the owls and your coffee.
Here’s our guide to some of the best owl cafes in Tokyo.
- Fukuro no Mise
- Ikefukuro Cafe
- Akiba Fukurou
- Owl no Mori
- Owl Village Harajuku
1. Fukuro no Mise
Fukuro no Mise (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) opened in 2012 and is the first owl cafe in Tokyo. A drink (your choice of coffee, juice, beer, or wine) comes included in the entry fee, but the main purpose of visiting this cafe is for you to learn all about owls. They have a variety of different breeds at Fukuro no Mise, from large owls that will perch on your shoulder to the small, fluffy ones that look like cotton balls with their feathers. At the end of the session, you get to play an activity where you can win items like souvenirs, charms, and toys. And of course, everything is owl-themed.
2. Ikefukuro Cafe
Another great owl cafe in Tokyo is Ikefukurou Cafe, which is open every day. The name of the cafe is a play on the words Ikebukuro and fukurou (meaning “owl”). The cafe houses more than 20 owls of different breeds. You can pet, interact and take photos with them. The cafe is limited to a drinks menu only, but again, the main purpose is to meet and interact with the owls. It is strongly recommended to make an online reservation as they don’t take walk-ins.
3. Akiba Fukurou
Akiba Fukurou (open every day) is probably one of the most popular owl cafes in Tokyo. An owl paradise, it houses almost 30 different breeds and varieties of owls. They have a picture menu with all the different owls so you can become familiar with them. At Akiba Fukurou, you can even pick two owls (as long as they’re not resting) to hold at the same time. You can already tell that the cafe staff give the utmost care to these beautiful birds and you won’t be disappointed when you pay a visit. Make sure to have your slot reserved since the cafe can only accommodate a few guests at a time, so that the owls don’t become overwhelmed. They prioritize the owls, and have strict rules about interacting with the owls to ensure their happiness and safety.
4. Owl no Mori
Another fun owl cafe is Owl no Mori (open every day), which is designed to look like a tropical jungle, with vine-covered pillars and walls. Not only does it give the most bang for your buck, but you can even enjoy owl-themed drinks here, like owl beer. You can even purchase your own owl at this cafe! The entrance fee already includes a drink, and you can spend as much time as you want with the owls, but there are also other types of animals like fennec foxes, parrots, and hedgehogs. The cafe itself has a comfortable and peaceful vibe and is great for friends and families. Weekends can get crowded, so a reservation is highly recommended.
5. Owl Village Harajuku
Owl Village Harajuku (open every day) is a rather intimate owl cafe where you can interact with the birds. The cafe can only accommodate a certain number of people at a time and guests are given 60 minutes in the shop. Guests may play with the owls, pet them, and feed them for an extra fee. Feel free to take photos (without flash). Then, afterwards you can always go and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the basement floor.
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