Kotori 'Bird' Café in Tokyo

Love birds? The Kotori Café in Tokyo is well worth the journey. Themed cafes in Japan are quite common but this one is uniquely themed after birds. ‘Kotori” actually means “small bird” in Japanese. The three locations have a different mix of parrots, parakeets, sparrows, finches, canaries, cockatiels, lovebirds and cockatoos for your bird-watching enjoyment and relaxation.

On the menu are a selection of cakes and tarts from ¥800, and other bird-themed pastries from noted pastry chefs, served in birdcages to your table. There’s also a selection of teas, Hawaiian Kona coffee (¥800), and other refreshments which are all served with a cookie, bird-shaped of course, made in Hokkaido! Enjoy your drink and pastries surrounded by aquarium-like tanks and clear-paned rooms where the birds frolic and rest.

Even the tableware is festooned with bird motifs. If you want to take those, or other bird-themed souvenirs home, an selection are available from the gifts section of the cafe. Some souvenirs are exclusive to the Kotori Café and make a great gift.

There is a one-hour time limit at the cafe, and if you want to enjoy a five-minute hands-on session with the birds, it will cost another ¥500. Tell the server you would like to play with the birds and they will explain the shop’s rules and show you (Japanese only) how to handle and gently play with the birds for your safety and theirs.

Be sure to visit their lovely website (Japanese only): http://kotoricafe.jp/ which has some great pictures!

Kotori Cafe in Kichijoji / ことりカフェ 吉祥寺 KICHIJOJI

Conveniently located by the entrance to the popular Ghibli Museum, the Kotori Cafe in Kichijoji makes a great destination before or after a visit to the museum. It has both indoor and outdoor terrace dining with all areas providing a great view of the cafe birds.

Directions: Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka station which is a 20 minute train ride from Shinjuku. Near the south exit there is a Ghibli shuttle bus which will take you to the Ghibli Museum stop. Return tickets can be purchased for ¥320 from a coin-operated machine at the shuttle drop off and pickup at Mitaka station.

Address: Mitaka-shi, Shimorenjaku 1-14-7

〒181-0013 東京都三鷹市下連雀1-14-7 ビューノ三鷹の森 1F

Hours: 10:30 am -6:00 pm daily

Closed: 3rd Tuesday of every month (*or following day if a holiday)
定休日：第3火曜日※祝日の場合は翌日
TEL：0422-29-9224

Kotori Cafe in Omotesando / ことりカフェ 表参道 OMOTESANDO

Located in the 6 Chome area of Omotesando area, the Kotori Cafe in Omotesando it definitely worth the trek. From the Omotesando station/ Meijijingumae station area, you will need to walk through Omotesando Hills, a residential area, and then into another shopping district to get there. The Cafe is down a side street festooned with flowering hydrangea bushes and the walk is a beautiful way to experience Tokyo’s charm.

Address: 6-3-7 Minami-Aoyama, Minato Ward, Tokyo 107-0062

〒107-0062 東京都港区南青山6-3-7

Hours: 11:00 am -7:00 pm daily

Closed: 3rd Monday of every month (*or following day if a holiday)

定休日：第3月曜日※祝日の場合は翌日
TEL: 03-6427-5115

Kotori Café Kitasenju / 株式会社ことりカフェ Kitasenju 

Address: 3-76 Adachi-ku, Senju, Tokyo 120-0034
〒120-0034 東京都足立区千住3-76 1F

※ことりカフェ雑貨マルシェ北千住は、店内改装のためしばらく休業させていただきます。
TEL：03-6806-1906