JAPAN - AKIBA FUKUROU OWL CAFE IN TOKYO

What a hoot!

By guest blogger Kris Madden

At the Owl Café

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Big liquid brown eyes stare up at me and blink slowly. In an instant Ms Yoshinori has stolen my heart. This little lady is part of the family at Akiba Fukurou Owl Cafe in Tokyo, where you can spend time sitting quietly in the company of owls of varying species, sizes and personalities.

With names such as Mr Satoshi, Sweet Potato, Peanuts and Gorilla (a snowy-white owl with a black eye mask), choosing which to hold is difficult, and completely dictated by whether the owl is feeling sociable.

After a brief introduction in Japanese – no flash photography, no sudden movements or loud noises, don’t wake or squeeze the birds, and don’t let the little owls near the bigger ones - I have an hour to spend with my chosen owl.

Mr Yoshinori

I gently rub Yoshinori’s neck with my forefinger and she responds like a little kitten, seemingly enjoying the attention. The birds are raised from birth and treated like pets – and like the cat and bunny cafes dotted throughout Tokyo, provide a place to interact and play with fuzzy friends for those who live in apartments where pets are not allowed.

The owners of Akiba Fukurou think of the owls as therapy - with soft lighting, pastel-coloured walls and background mood music - so that guests can experience “extraordinary healing”. There is no doubt that spending time with these chilled-out creatures is a calming and comforting respite from the bustling, techno-filled streets of surrounding Akihabara, and another ‘only in Japan’ experience.

Akiba Fukurou Cafe (Owls Café)

67 Kanda Neribeichō, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō, Japan

http://akiba2960.com

One hour visit 1500 yen pp (approx. AUD$18)

Advance reservations essential.

Follow Kris Madden’s other adventures at www.thetravelreporter.com