What it is like to become friends with Owls in Tokyo {Japan Travel}

I remembered when I watched the very first Harry Potter in theatre, I immediately fell in love with Harry's snowy owl friend, Hedwig. Even though, the witchcraft and wizardry were so fascinating to watch but it was this white, furry bird that stole the show for me. And, I thought to myself just how cool it is to become friends with an owl and have it perched on my arm to everywhere I go? Totally cool! And I would never have imagined that years later, I actually got the chance to see what that is really like.

Forest of Owl - A forest-like owl cafe in Tokyo, Japan

Will and I came to an owl cafe during our short 4-day stay in Tokyo as part of our honeymoon trip to Japan. The country is known for their unique culture and extraordinary themed cafes. So, we couldn't possibly leave here without experiencing one. We didn't know what to expect and didn't really do much of a research before showing up at an owl cafe. The cafe was located on the 5th floor of a commercial building. Upon stepping out the elevator, we felt like we entered into a charming simulated jungle. We were very intrigued. And, as we wandered further into this dim jungle-like environment, we were stopped by a still, soundless feathery creature right in front of our feet. I was a little startled at first, wondering why an owl figurine was placed in an odd place like that. But, as I walked closer to it, I realized it was breathing. It was a real owl. It looked away when I stared at its eyes. A real, living owl just chilling casually on the floor right by some vending machines.

Self-serve your own drink from a cool vending machine

We looked around the place and realized this wasn't really a cafe with tables and chairs. It was a free space where owls were literally everywhere. We grabbed our drinks from the coolest vending machine (seriously, there was a LCD display that showed you how your coffee was being made live inside the machine) and began our little date with these owls.

Owls for you to pet and photograph

Dozen of owls of different breeds and sizes were scattered around standing still at the cafe. I got my camera out and started doing my photoshoots with these owls until I realized I could even touch them! The staff handed me what I thought look like an oven mitten and asked me which owl I'd like it to perch on my hand. At this point, I didn't care which owl! Any owl would do! I ended up starting with one that I felt was friendlier and calm. The staff picked it up and reached over to my mitten-covered hand. The owl walked over in an instinct and grabbed onto my wrist like I was some kind of branch. I never thought I could be so up close and personal with an owl. I started naming every owl that was placed on my hand with a name of its own. I really enjoyed this bonding time and just learning about their breed.

Doesn't this fella look like angry bird? LOL

Can't go home without a selfie with this guy! he's so adorbs!

A post shared by L • Every Little Thing (@angelichigo) on Sep 24, 2016 at 5:05am PDT

Perhaps, one of the owls got so warmed up to me that it decided to poop on my lap. It was gross but hilarious at the same time because I actually didn't care. Oh fun times!

Forest of Owl

03-3254-6366
Tokyo Akihabara / Bird cafe
Weekday 12: 00 ~ 22: 00, Weekend 11:00 ~ 22:00
Entrance fee 890 yen with 1 free drink
〒101-0021 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Sotokanda, 4 Chome−５−8


What do you think about this owl cafe? Would you give it a try?

Check out my other posts from my Honeymoon trip in Japan!

The Must Eat, Drink And Play in Tokyo

{Ichiran Ramen} A Dining Experience Without Any Human Interaction

Hot Springs of a Lifetime in Kinosaki Onsen

Fresh Off the Boat Seafood at Tsukiji Market