Owl Cafes, or 'Fukurou cafes' as they are locally known, are the latest Japanese craze. Not content to merely enjoy their java without any visual aid, the Japanese delight in gazing and petting their feathered friends. This is not a new concept to Japan, with cat cafes (which are exactly what they sound like) still wildly popular. However, unlike their feline contemporaries, the owl cafes vary on the extent of contact the clientele can have with the birds.
Several of these establishments offer owl-themed cuisine for added effect. So, not only can you bird-watch while you enjoy your coffee, you can also drink it out of an owl-shaped mug while nibbling on an owl pastry of sorts. I'm not sure how the cafes get around the whole being nocturnal thing, but either way, the cafes are a tourist's dream.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Bird Cafes
- Opportunity for entrepreneurs to create similar cafes featuring a variety of birds as the main attraction.
- Animal-themed Cuisine
- Innovation opportunity to create animal-themed food and drink items in cafes and restaurants.
- Experiential Hospitality
- Opportunity to create unique hospitality experiences that combine food and entertainment with animal interactions.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Hospitality
- Innovation opportunities for hotels and resorts to create bird cafes and animal experiences for guests.
- Food and Beverage
- Opportunity for cafes and restaurants to incorporate animal-themed food and drink items in their menus.
- Tourism
- Opportunity for tour operators to include bird cafes and other animal experiences in their travel packages.
