Kotori Cafe Omotesando

Imagine a small cafe tucked into a side street. Then imagine the entire front window being filled with colourful birds flapping around. This is the set-up at Kotori Cafe: a rather large variety of technicoloured birds set around a few small tables. Everything from the slightly larger white cuckatoo named Taichi and a mid-sized parrot to rosy-faced lovebirds (yes, that’s actually a type of bird) and a wide host of canaries are flying around behind glass, playing with each other or just doing their own thing. Hence, it’s more of a cafe-with-birds idea than a similar set-up to a cat cafe. Real bird lovers, don’t fret though. You can have a small petting session - a one-on-one session with the birds is ¥500 - and if you feel the need to bring something fluffy home, there is a well-stocked bird-themed giftshop at the front.

Instead of having a cover charge, you are expected to order at least one drink. Drinks are all ¥800, and come with a bird (shaped) cookie. It’s popular with both solo visitors and couples, but was nice and quiet on the Wednesday afternoon when we visited - funnily enough, the bird weren't that loud either. It does get busy on weekends though, so if you want the place to yourself, go on a weekday afternoon. Note that there's a one-hour time limit, although the staff don't seem to mind if it's not busy.