Asia is becoming known for its unusual and zany cafes. Widely popular dog and cat cafes make visitors feel cozy and relaxed as they cuddle a furry friend and sip a warm drink. Time spent around animals has been shown to reduce stress and even anxiety and depression, and the photo ops for a cat next to your cappuccino or a puppy peering into your latte will always be Instagram-worthy. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing animal experience that involves animals a bit more exotic than the pets most visitors already have in their homes, the Osaka Owl Family café in Osaka, Japan, is a must-see.
Your beverage may be forgotten as you enjoy awe-inspiring owl time
The café is home to approximately two dozen owls at any given time, but those available for photos and handling are rotated to give these nocturnal creatures plenty of time to rest, so only a few owls of varying sizes will be on display during any visit. With the help of the staff, guests are allowed to take touch and take photos with the owls selected for interaction at that time.
Visitors are instructed on how to safely interact with the beautiful birds
Once inside, drink orders are taken, and the group is consequently informed on how to handle and behave around the owls that are perched just across the room from the tables. Instruction lasts about ten minutes and is given in Japanese, with a laminated instruction card with the same information in English for foreign visitors. The staff and the card teach guests as to where and how to safely hold and touch the owls, and to be gentle and avoid flash photography.
Seize the opportunity to get creative photos with owls big and small
Entry, which includes one beverage, is 1500 JPY (12.38 USD). In addition to the free photos guests will take away as souvenirs, the café also sells a wide variety of owl-themed gifts, including keychains, stationery and jewelry. The café is open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 8pm, and weekends from 11am to 8pm. The closest train stations are Temma or Osaka Temmangu.
Spice up your cup of coffee with one-on-one owl time!
For dog or cat owners who want a little more excitement than dog and cat cafes, or for anyone who wants the rare chance to get up close and personal with beautiful, mysterious owls, the Osaka Owl Family Café should be at the top of your list. Animal cafes are part of the Japanese popular culture, and locals and foreigners alike are sure to enjoy this unique, stress-relieving, completely enthralling experience.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data
You can buy and claim online, even after you've left home. Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from 140 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.
*5% off when you book with our promo code: TRIP101
*For our Canadian and US travellers, unfortunately due to financial services laws, we cannot provide a discount. This promotional code cannot be used with any other discount offer, including World Nomads Members’ discount for travel insurance policy holders.