Yokohama's Capybara Cafe Caters To Japan's Obsession With The Giant Rodent

Animal lovers can sup coffee or tropical drinks with the world’s largest (and friendliest) rodent at this capybara cafe in Yokohama, Japan. Despite being native to South America, capybaras have become something of an obsession due their amiable nature. They first arrived in the country in the 1960s, but truly surged in popularity in Japan when it was discovered they loved nothing more than bathing in an onsen - a traditional hot spring bath. The Japanese love for the animals is on show at Yokohama’s ‘Capybara Land’ - which opened in 2018 and is home to three capybaras - Miss Potato, Miss Ringo, and Ron Boy . Its owner, Shigeru Uchiyama, says: “We opened in May 2018 with the aim of spreading that capybaras are as intelligent animals or even more than dogs and cats, and are also friendly to humans”. Admission for adults costs 1,600 JPY (£8.65), while children under three years old are admitted free - and get apple juice at no extra cost. While there you can drink Hawaiian coffee, and tropically flavoured beverages while feeding the capybaras - who are playful and also love a bath. With venues like Capybara Land, Japan does not look like falling out of love with its favourite animal anytime soon!.