Cat cafes are so 2013! This year the trend is definitely owl cafes, and the Fukuoka’s first opened inside the Kawabata Arcade this January. After an explanation of rules and protocol, assistants place owls of various breeds and sizes on customers’ arms, shoulders and heads. The birds seem to enjoy being stroked and don’t mind cameras without flashes. Scroll down for selected shots, or view all in the gallery below.
Fukuro no Mise Hakata
¥1,000/hour, incl. one drink. (+¥200 for alcohol)
Groups of up to 20 begin on the hour. Adv. reservation in person req.
Tue. ~ Fri.: 13:00~21:00, Sat. 11:00~21:00, Sun. & Hol.: 11:00~20:00
Address: 4-211 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku

The owls don’t mind having their photos taken, as long as you do not use flash. Keep in mind they can rotate their heads almost completely around.