Old Japan funeral home offers ‘coffin-lying’ service to let people reflect on life and death
‘Coffin cafe’ innovation sees young people flock to funeral home to lie down in open caskets, take photographs, come to terms with death
A 120-year-old funeral home in Japan has introduced a unique “coffin cafe” service where visitors can experience lying in a casket to reflect on life and death.
The funeral home, Kajiya honten, based in Futtsu, Chiba prefecture and founded in 1902 during the Meiji era, recently launched the initiative in collaboration with a funeral supply company.
Located on the first floor of its main building, the cafe opened in September, and features three uniquely designed coffins in gold, green and yellow.
Each are adorned with floral patterns and creative motifs to make the experience more comfortable for visitors who wish to lie inside them and reflect.
Located away from the funeral hall, the cafe also ensures visitors do not encounter any funeral attendees.
The experience costs 2,200 yen (US$14) and has attracted many customers, including couples who take pictures together.
