湯布院のフクロウの森 — Attraction in Yufu

I regret to write that I can’t recommend this place. These may well be owls bred for display and not taken from the wild, but they’re not a domesticated species like the humble cat. Owls are highly sophisticated nocturnal and crepuscular predators whose nature is to hunt and breed in the wild, not be poked, prodded and photographed by gormless tourists during the day. They’re all chained to their perches with a sign in English comically claiming that they’re allowed to go free at night, now if I were one of those unfortunate owls I’d hightail it out of there at the very first opportunity. There are warnings to not touch the newer arrivals until they settle as they may night bite - I don't blame...

A very small area but with probably twenty or so owls, the majority of which you can stroke with the back of your hand. It's a terrific no-frills experience of interacting with owls. No cafe pretense, no obligatory cafe drink, just pay 900 yen and pet some owls. The owls look pleasant and well-taken care of. During this hot summer's day, there were fans for the ones who enjoyed it and water spray baths for those that like water. It was...

Animal cruelty! Please do not support places like this. We did not enter but could see the poor owls chained up from where the little shops are. Imagine being tied up to the same spot everyday with strangers touching you and taking pictures of you while you’re trying to sleep. Owls are nocturnal predators that belong...