Looking for something quirky, Instagram-able and completely adorable? Tokyo’s lineup of animal cafés are a great way to start. While cat cafés have become trendy and they’ve made it overseas, there are a few more unique options to check out while in the city.
For the bird-watchers in your group, Kotori Café Ueno is a parrot lover’s paradise. Watch resident cockatiels, parrots and other vibrantly colored birds mix and mingle. For safety and hygiene reasons, the birds don’t fly completely free throughout the café, but visitors can go into a designated room to meet, pet and watch the birds enjoy their space. Guests sip tea, eat bird-themed sweets and enjoy Japanese beer and cider.
If birds-of-prey are more your speed, the Owl Café & Bar Owl Village is right up your alley. Meet a variety of owls, some sitting right on your arm for an up-close-and-personal experience.
As the first hedgehog cafe in Tokyo, Hedgehog Café HARRY is kind of a big deal. This café is part pet store, as guests can pet, play and even purchase resident hedgehogs to take home. If taking one home isn’t really an option, just enjoy watching the little guys run around until they eventually fall asleep in your hands — it’s kind of their thing.
Time for cocktails with a quirky vibe. Snack on light bites paired with strong cocktails at the only bar in the city with penguins. Open until 4 a.m., this stop is great for travelers seeking happy hour cheer or late-night cocktails with a unique view of waddling penguins.
Keep it simple and furry with a visit to the Temari no Ouchi, or cat café and cat forest. Enjoy sweets and teas while cats run around their whimsical home, often dressed in outfits to match.
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