In the U.S. , hanging out in a cafe with animals is a new concept. People can't get enough of it. But in Japan, cat cafes are just the start. You can hang out in rabbit cafes or have coffee in Tokyo with two goats. You can also spend an hour at a cafe holding a wise owl (猫头鹰). Tokyo's Fukuro no Mise is one of them.
To get a spot, visitors are supposed to line up an hour before Fukuro no Mise opens. But when I showed up an hour early, I was lucky to get the last seat.
Inside, I was given a list of detailed English instructions. The woman in charge also gave a long talk. Each guest was shown how to hold a bird before they really tried.
The staff will place the owl on your shoulder or head, if you like. They can also help if A your owl starts to get upset. Raising your hand in the air usually settles it down. Worker came and repositioned it. If you've had enough and want to just watch everyone else's owls, they'll come and take it away.
This isn't one of them, though no flash is allowed and no video. But posting a shot of yourself on social media holding an owl is clearly a goal for many visitors.
Souvenirs will be distributed as part of the final activity. If too many people raise hands, winners are chosen by playing rock-paper-scissors, which seems to be the same in Japan as it is in the U. S. Souvenirs usually include a photo book, cell phone charms, chopsticks and a cloth decorated with owls.
A. And you're not limited to house animals.
B. But apparently I was holding my arm wrong.
C. For example, only touch the owls on the head or back.
D. The owls seem calm although the small room is crowded.
E. Photography is forbidden in some unusual places in Japan.
F. The owl cafes are just as common there as cat cafes are here.
G Everything is held up and guests raise their hands if they want it.
