Everyone heard about the cat cafés in Tokyo, I think we showed you a couple of them [here] and [there]. These are places where you can go and pet them, in a place decorated like a huge living room. I always felt that the reason for all these cozy cafés to mushroom in the city (with or without animals) is the square meter price in Tokyo, that makes it more or less impossible to have a huge home. So people leave the house, seraching for somewhere to study, read, hang out or relax in a less cramped atmosphere.
The trend even arrived to Spain (actually there is a cat café in Madrid) but today is about the latest and greatest: Fukurou, the owl café in Akihabara, Tokyo.
Michael and Tomomi, kindly arranged a perfect plan for a rainy Sunday. You have to book in advance - as the place is getting super popular among Tokyoites - and prepare for an amazing time looking at these mesmerizing creatures eye on eye. I do agree on that it is a bit sad to see them locked in such a small space, but still it was a great experience to get to scratch them on that tiny cute head and observe the beautiful color blend on their feathers from a close distance.
When you come in, the staff explains you the rules (you should clean your hands with sanitizing agent, avoid disturbing the owls marked with the "sleeping" sign and keep a low tone when speaking). The owls are just standing in some wooden structures covered with rubber mats. You can pet their head (only the head) as long as you approach them slowly, so they don't get stressed.
Their facial expressions are super cool - IMO look at this little guy below.
Some owls are resting.
Then the staff comes and puts an owl in your arm. Small ones directly on your skin, for big ones you are given a protective glove to avoid getting scratches from their claws.
The hour passes by real fast. While I do agree on that it is a bit sad to see them in captivity, it is also very cool to get such a close view of these amazing animals.
The staff also takes a picture of you with the owl, prints and covers on plastic so you keep the memory forever.
Akiba Fukurou [WEB] - OPEN 12 to 18
Make sure to book 3 days before coming (close to Akihabara Station)
Make sure to book 3 days before coming (close to Akihabara Station)
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