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Wings of Wonder: A Close Encounter at Japan's Owl Cafes
Have you ever thought of petting the owl you spotted in your yard? There’s a big chance that it flies off before you get close enough to touch it. In the owl cafes of Tokyo, Japan, you never have to worry about that. The cafe offers a wide variety of owls for you to interact with while you enjoy a beverage. Read on to learn more about the concept of the owl cafe and how you can visit one in Japan.
Introduction to Owl Cafes
It’s no secret that people in Japan love animals. The country has one of the most animal-friendly cultures in the world. This intense love for cute creatures is only a manifestation of the popular kawaii (cute) culture in the country.
Animal cafés are not new. They have been a common trend in Asia since 1998, particularly in Tokyo, where you can find cat cafes, rabbit cafes, dog cafes, and reptile cafes. Owl cafes are relatively new types of animal cafes in Japan.
An owl cafe is a themed restaurant where customers can see and interact with live owls while they eat and drink. As you may have guessed, the central attraction is not the food and drinks served at these cafes but the wide variety of owls on display. Some of these cafes also have other kinds of animals.
These restaurants are highly popular in urban centers in Japan, especially Tokyo. If you visit any of them, you will have to pay an entrance fee. This gives you access to the building for an hour or so. When inside, you’ll be allowed to interact with the animals by petting, holding, photographing, or feeding them. However, there may be price restrictions on what you can do. For example, you may need to pay extra to hold the owls.
The Rise of Owl Cafes in Japan
Ever since the first animal cafe in the world was established in Taiwan in 1998, Japan has been relentless in its adoption of the concept. The inspiration for owl cafes in Japan came from the concept of the cat cafe, which first appeared in Japan in 2004. Although lots of cafes focusing on other animals have opened in Japan since then, cat cafes are still the most popular in the country.
Owls are symbols of wisdom and good fortune in Japanese culture. They are called “fukurō” in Japanese and are revered throughout the country. So, when Fukuro no Mise, the first owl cafe in Japan, was established, it was already on the path to success. It didn’t take long for other owl cafes to spring up across town. By offering customers a relaxing experience in the midst of a bustling urban environment, these cafes became a trend among both locals and tourists.
Despite the ethical controversies and debates surrounding them, these businesses still receive hundreds of customers each day. It appears owl cafes are here to stay!
What to Expect at an Owl Cafe
The second you walk into an owl cafe in Japan (Tokyo, to be exact), you’ll be greeted, often with a smile, by one of the staff members. Their job is not only to welcome you but also to explain the rules and regulations of the establishment.
Some of the animals are displayed at the entrance, while others are kept in a separate room or animal area. The rooms are littered with tables and chairs, providing the opportunity to sit, eat, and drink while you interact with the animals.
The cafes typically have several different species of owls, including the famous Ural owl. They may also keep other kinds of animals, such as parrots, fennec foxes, or dogs. Most owls are kept in cages or on perches.
As is the standard in such establishments, the animals live in a clean environment. They’re also well fed, but not so much that they lose the appetite to receive treats from visitors.
You’re allowed to pet any of the owls on display. However, holding them may cost you extra. If you want to feed the pets, you’ll need to pay for the food you use. Overall, the cafes are not too strict. As long as you follow the basic rules, you can pretty much have as much fun with the animals as you like.
Popular Owl Cafes in Tokyo
Next, we’ll explore our curated list of the most popular owl cafes in Tokyo. If you’re ever in town, give the following restaurants a visit:
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Fukuro no Mise: This is the first ever owl cafe in the city. Created in 2012, it remains one of the best places to learn about owls. The cafe has a variety of owls, ranging from small to large. Also, you get to choose a free drink when you pay the entry fee. There’s a fun interactive element at the end of your session, and you can win souvenirs from it.
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Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou: Although it was created in 2014, the Akiba Fukurou owl cafe is arguably the most popular one in Tokyo. Hence, there’s almost always limited access due to high demand. The cafe makes it easy for you to get familiar with its owls by providing a detailed picture menu.
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Owl Village Harajuku: This small cafe can only accommodate a few people, so you may not be allowed to spend over an hour there. The plus side is that the experience feels more intimate.
Ethical Considerations: Owl Cafes and Animal Welfare
There have been some ethical concerns raised about owl cafes. The most important one is the debate over keeping a wild animal like the owl in a cafe setting. Because owls are nocturnal in nature, they must feel the innate urge to move freely at night and hunt rodents. By caging these owls, many believe that the cafes are forcing them to sleep at night and stay awake during the daytime, causing the animals to live in frustration. It’s worse for the poor owls because they haven’t undergone the selective breeding that dogs and cats did to become domesticated.
There have also been some concerns about the welfare of animals in some of these establishments. Reports about owls tethered to a small area, water deprivation, and poor health care have enraged animal lovers. However, only a handful of owl cafes have been accused of such practices.
Cultural Significance of Owls in Japan
Owls play a significant role in Japanese folklore and mythology, where they often symbolize good luck, wisdom, and protection. Pop culture pieces like Harry Potter have also popularized them on a global scale.
The common belief is that having an owl will bring you success and prosperity while protecting you from evil and suffering. Their Japanese name is a play on words that back up these claims. Based on how it is written, fukuro could mean “luck to come” or “without hardship.” Hence, people give owl-themed gifts as a way of wishing others good luck. Color comes into consideration in such scenarios. For instance, pink owls bring love, and white owls bring wealth.
In Japanese mythology, owls are associated with the Ainu god Cikap-kamuy, a valiant protector of the land. In native folklore, they are depicted as yokai (Japanese monsters or spirits) known as tatarimokke. Legends say that tatarimokke is an owl possessed by a dead child’s spirit.
The Impact of Owl Cafes on Wildlife Conservation
The controversies surrounding owl cafes extend to wildlife conservation. These concerns arose when a study revealed that some of the animals displayed at owl cafes were either nearing extinction or banned from international trade. This revelation raised questions about the source of these animals, which included rare species of lorises, pancake tortoises, and river turtles. Also, some believe such endangered animals should be in their natural environment.
There are those who would offer a different perspective about owl cafes and wildlife conservation efforts. In it, owl cafes are not the villains but are actually heroes. They help to spread public awareness by promoting conservation messages and helping people understand why wild animals are important to our ecosystem.
How to Visit an Owl Cafe Responsibly
While we ponder the welfare of our feathered friends in animal cafes, we shouldn’t neglect human safety. When you visit an owl cafe, there are certain tips to remember if you want to safely maximize your experience. We’ve listed these tips below:
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Do not pet or hold the animals without asking the staff if it’s okay for you to.
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Do not scream or talk too loudly because loud noises can scare the owls.
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Be gentle with the owls you interact with.
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Be respectful to the staff.
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Do not do anything that isn’t covered in the fee you paid, including unauthorized animal interaction.
Owl Cafes as Educational Platforms
Owl cafes should not simply be focused on providing animal entertainment. By using their unique settings to teach visitors about owl biology, behavior, and conservation efforts, owl cafes serve as educational platforms for the masses. They are great spots for families to come together to learn biological and mythological facts about owls in Japan. You will also learn the names of the different species of owls available in the country and the physical traits that define them. Most importantly, owl cafes contribute to raising awareness about the natural habitats and ecological needs of these creatures.
Conclusion:
Owl cafes are arguably the most unique of all animal cafes. They often provide a serene environment for people to come in and have a relaxing time with friends and family. We can only hope that their owners make efforts to solve the ethical problems activists have raised. Right now, it seems the only way to do that is to find a balance between animal welfare and customer entertainment.
There are many more animal cafes in Japan for you to learn about. While you explore the different options, having a supply of tasty treats within reach enhances the learning experience. Get a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription and we’ll deliver a box of authentic Japanese sweets and snacks to your door every month.
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