Owl cafes are undoubtably a trend, but I still dig it. I like being able to see these really beautiful creatures up close. It costs 1,500¥ an hour which includes one drink (with an extra 200¥ for alcohol). First, you must go in person to book a time slot. Time slots start on the dot at the hour and last for one hour. Each time slot can accommodate up to 20 people, and they do book up quickly.
The rules are pretty simple; no flash photography and be careful that you only stroke owls gently with the back of your hand. Also, you can’t touch all owls.
There is a rotation of owls in the cafe. Many are resting or sleeping in their cages, and customers are not allowed to touch them. I assume this ensures that the owls are not too stressed out.
The owl cafe staff is really excited to talk to you about the birds and they’ll even place them on your arm, shoulder, or head. All the birds have a rope attached to them and you are to hold on to that rope at all times when the bird is on you. Sometimes they get the urge to fly and holding that rope is more strenuous than I thought it’d be. A had one owl that really wanted to attack my dangling earrings and shirt strap, so maybe be cautious of how what you wear.
This is the second time I’ve done this, as I went to an owl cafe when I was in Tokyo. I can’t safely say animal cafes are cruelty-free or a good idea, but overall it’s a really fun experience and I feel good about how the owls are treated. However, of course I worry about any animal in captivity since its not in their best interest compared to living in the wild. I’m not sure if these owls could be wild again, and they’re obviously well-cared for now. 
Directions: The cafe is located near Canal City at Nakatsukawabata. To get there, you have to get out at Nakatsukawabata (中津川端) station, take the exit towards Canal City and walk down the Kawabata Shopping Arcade. All the way down, just before you see the escalator to Canal City, you will see the shop. It’s next to a tea shop, which is next to Hana Hostel.
Address: 博多区上川端町４－２１１, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, Japan
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 12:00 - 8:00pm, Weekends and holidays: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm.
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