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My Cat Yugawara: Traditional Japanese Inn Where You Can Have Cats As Roommates

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My Cat Yugawara ryokan

From exquisite cuisine to soothing hot springs, the amenities make staying in a traditional Japanese inn (旅館; ryokan) a not-to-be-missed experience. Now, you can take your stay up another notch by rooming with a cat at My Cat Yugawara, a ryokan located in the hot spring town of Yugawara. 

Snuggle with a cat roommate of your choice

My Cat Yugawara - cats lounging around
Image credit: @mycatyugawara

For those who’ve always wanted a feline companion but have never able to have one, you can now live out your dreams by snuggling with furry roommates at this cat ryokan. 

My Cat Yugawara - cat on window ledge
Image credit: @mycatyugawara

My Cat Yugawara - cat lounging around
Image credit: @mycatyugawara

My Cat Yugawara offers a trial package that allows their guests to share their room with a cat for the night. First-time visitors will be required to spend time at the ryokan’s cat cafe first and interact with the animals. Once they’ve gotten to know them better, they can invite their preferred cats to their room by informing the staff.

My Cat Yugawara - cats lounging around
Image credit: My Cat Yugawara

The trial period starts from 5.30PM and ends at 9AM the next morning. Guests will have to return their roommates to the reception area by the designated time for breakfast, lest they feel the wrath of hungry meowing cats.

Rooms at My Cat Yugawara are priced from ¥4,950 (~USD47.87) per night, and the trial package costs an additional ¥2,200 (~USD21.27) per cat. 

Experience life as a cat owner

My Cat Yugawara - cats lounging around
Image credit: @mycatyugawara

The owner, Akihiro Ochi, started this service as he wanted to provide an environment where cat lovers can experience what it’s like to take care of a pet before getting one. 

My Cat Yugawara - cat litter box
Litter box that comes with the trial package 
Image credit: My Cat Yugawara

Taking care of a cat is hard work, which is why the trial isn’t all fun and games. Guests are responsible for clearing the cat’s litter box, making sure that they are well behaved, and even dealing with their persistent meowing in the wee hours of the night.   

Staying at My Cat Yugawara

My Cat Yugawara - entrance of ryokan
Image credit: My Cat Yugawara

Situated in a quaint hot spring town near the popular Hakone, My Cat Yugawara is the purrfect respite for travellers who are looking to escape the tourist crowd. There are only 6 rooms available at the humble establishment, so make sure to check the availability here and make a reservation in advance if you are planning to visit. 

Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily (Last check in at 10PM)
Address: 244-1 Fukuura, Yugawara, Ashigarashimo District, 259-0311, Kanagawa
Telephone: 0465-43-8651
Website

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Cover image adapted from: @mycatyugawara and Rakuten Travel