Some people eat like a bird, some people like to watch birds eat. At Kotori Cafe in Kichijoji you can do both!
Japan is of course renowned for its collection of quirky animal cafes, and Kotori Cafe is no exception. If you fancy your feathered friends and fine food, then this is the place for you! The cafe is conveniently situated opposite the main entrance to the popular Ghibli Museum. Split into two halves for indoor and terrace dining, all areas provide great views of the cute avian residents. There more than twenty birds on display - finches, canaries, cockatiels, lovebirds - all of which are equally adorable. You can watch the birds behind glass as they play, sleep, nibble, groom and do all the other cute little things birds do.
Kotori Cafe offers a range of quirky menu options, including specialty cakes and French toast - all of which are creatively constructed to resemble our cute bird cousins. Nibble on the cashew beak of an ice cream parrot All drink orders are also accompanied by bird-shaped cookies, all carefully crafted in Hokkaido.
Even the tableware is adorned with bird motifs, and is available for purchase in the gift section of the cafe. An assortment of other bird-themed souvenirs are available from the gifts section of the cafe, including wallets, key-rings, photo books and postcards. Some of the gifts have even be designed especially for the restaurant, and feature photographs of the famous feathered residents.
To access Kotori Cafe Kichijoji, catch the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka station, about 20 minutes train ride west of Shinjuku. Follow the signs towards the Ghibli shuttle bus, located near the south exit. You can catch the shuttle bus until the Ghibli Museum stop. Return tickets can be purchased via a coin-operated machine at the shuttle drop off and pickup at Mitaka station. At just ¥320 for the round trip, the shuttle bus offers a much cheaper alternative than local public transport with almost direct access.
There are two other Kotori Cafes in Tokyo, in Omotesando and Kitasenju, featuring different but equally as lovely bird superstars. The types of bird on display vary from store to store.
