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.
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.
Image credit: @mycatyugawara
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
For more interesting articles, check out these:
Cover image adapted from: @mycatyugawara and Rakuten Travel
Interact with farm animals, and experience life-sized recreations of sets and popular characters from Shaun…
From seasonal blooms to millions of LED light on display, Nabana no Sato in Mie…
At Shiroi Koibito Park, you can take a peek at how the iconic Hokkaido souvenir…
Flaunt your anime ninja moves and try Naruto's favourite ramen at Shinobi Zato, a Naruto…
With English cottage-style shops and adorable animals, Yufuin Floral Village is the place to be…
One of Hokkaido's most iconic sightseeing spots, Farm Tomita comes alive in summer when rows…