Tokyo is full of cafes catering to a wide assortment of tastes, but in recent years a new breed of coffee house has emerged for people who love to hang out with rabbits.  Yes, that’s right, bunnies!

Found in the fashionable Jiyugaoka area in Meguro Ward, Ra.a.g.f., pronounced “raf” is a popular café, with 20-30 rabbits hopping around.  Customers who want to buy rabbits can purchase the animals from the cafe’s breeding center, but the cafe’s rabbit “staff” are not for sale.

Another rabbit cafe, is Usagi Cafe Ohisama (Rabbit Sun Cafe), that was launched last year by a pet shop operator in the Shimokitazawa area in Setagaya Ward.  This coffee shop is also buzzing on weekends and most of the customers are women, said cafe manager Asami Yoshimura.  The cafe has about 30 of the animals.

Operating in the same area, is Usagi no Ehon (Rabbit Picture Books).  Given the many live music houses and small theaters nearby, it has turned into a gathering spot for musicians and actors.  “I want our cafe to be a healing space for stressed-out people,” said Etsuko Kawasaki, who has been running the cafe with her family for the past two years.  In addition, the café displays picture books and sell rabbit-themed merchandise.

So, the question remains will we see such cafes make their way down under?  Maybe, the Japanese are onto something?  A coffee drunk in the presence of such serene animals, taking the stress away from a chaotic city.

Source:  Japan Times