Japan’s 120-Year-Old Funeral Home Launches Coffin Cafe, Guests Lie in Caskets

In a unique take on traditional funeral customs, a 120-year-old funeral home in Japan has introduced a “coffin cafe,” where visitors can lie inside a casket and reflect on life and death. This innovative initiative, designed to offer a peaceful and introspective experience, has captured attention for its thought-provoking concept.

The Kajiya Honten funeral home, located in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, was established in 1902 during the Meiji era and has served the community for over a century. In September, the funeral home teamed up with a funeral supply company to launch the coffin cafe, situated on the first floor of its main building. The cafe features three coffins in varying colors—gold, green, and yellow—decorated with floral patterns and artistic motifs, creating a tranquil environment for visitors.

Each coffin is designed with comfort in mind, allowing guests to lie down and contemplate life and their eventual passing. To ensure privacy, the cafe is located away from the funeral hall, so visitors do not encounter grieving families.

The coffin cafe experience costs 2,200 yen (approximately US$14) and has attracted a diverse clientele, including couples who visit to take photos inside the coffins. For many, the opportunity to reflect on life’s fleeting nature is a rare and valuable experience, with some even choosing to briefly close the coffin lid for further contemplation.

Kiyotaka Hirano, the 48-year-old president of Kajiya Honten, explained that the concept was inspired by his own experience of unexpectedly losing his father when he was just 24. “While most young people think about weddings, few consider funerals,” Hirano remarked. “This experience allows them to reflect on how they’d like to live before their time comes.”

Hirano also believes that the coffin cafe offers a form of rebirth. “Coming out of the coffin can symbolise a rebirth, a reset of one’s life,” he said. “I hope people leave feeling they can begin anew.”

The Japanese funeral industry has been facing declining costs and demand in recent years. According to a 2023 survey by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the average cost of a funeral has decreased by 16% over the past decade. In response, Kajiya Honten has focused on enhancing customer satisfaction rather than just reducing prices. The funeral home offers personalized coffin and floral arrangements and has introduced services such as custom memorial urns.

The coffin cafe represents a bold move by Kajiya Honten to adapt to modern trends while continuing its long-standing legacy, providing a thoughtful and engaging experience for those who visit.