Neko-Yokujo combines a bathhouse, cafe, and overnight stay with the wholesome loveliness of cats. Whether you’re here to enjoy a footbath with a cat in your lap or to observe cats up close on their rarely seen nightly escapades, a visit here will surely warm your body and heart.
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Neko-Yokujo invented the “cat bath health method”, which – just like sunbathing or forest-bathing – soothes your mind and energises your body.
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To emulate the peaceful ambience of a hot spring, Neko-Yokujo is modelled after a traditional Edo-style bathhouse with Mount Fuji wall murals.
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The cats here work hard by just being themselves: they provide “gorogoro therapy” when they purr in contentment. These low-frequency vibrations have been found to relax tense muscles and increase blood circulation.
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The act of petting cats is called “mofumofu therapy”, and squishing their toe beans is called “nikkyu therapy”. Finally, there’s “cat warm compress therapy”, where you hug a cat while soaking your feet in a warm bath for 10 minutes (¥500, ~USD3.39).
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These interactions don’t just benefit you – they also help the cats get used to human interactions so that they can be fostered and adopted. Neko-Yokujo hopes to be a place where wonderful encounters between humans and cats are born.
Every visitor helps to socialise these rescued cats. While most of them are comfortable with people, some may still be traumatised from prior experiences.
Image credit: @necorepublic.osaka
Cafe staff will teach visitors about cat-handling and respecting their boundaries. There’s also a booklet with extensive information about the cats’ personalities so you can better connect with them.
If your inner cat is not a fan of getting your feet wet, hang out at the cat cafe instead. Enjoy having cats fawn over you by feeding them a crunchy snack (¥300, ~USD2.04) or liquid snacks (¥400, ~USD2.72).
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Neko-Yokujo also runs Neko-Hotago, a dormitory-style inn where you can fall asleep while cats watch over you.
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Instead of counting sheep to sleep, count cats to sleep here – or maybe stay awake the whole night because these furry companions are too adorable.
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If you’ve ever wondered exactly what goes on when cats get the zoomies, Neko-Hotago offers you front row seats to the night show. A glass pane between the cats’ play area and the guests’ sleeping compartments serves as a window into the world of cats.
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You can even play with the cats via radio-controlled toys.
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Neko-Hatago’s wooden furnishings bring to mind an Edo-period ryokan (旅館; traveller’s inn). The wallpaper features cat patterns drawn by the famous ukiyo-e (浮世絵; Japanese woodblock paintings) artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
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The lodging shares amenities with The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi, a large hostel located on the 2nd floor of the same building. You’re free to use the spacious lounge with comfortable sofas, a large kitchen and shower rooms. All toiletries are provided.
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An overnight stay comes with additional perks: you can learn about cat care from the staff first-hand before the cafe opens, from 10am – 12pm, and after closing from 9pm – 10pm.
The experience costs ¥16,500 (~USD112) and can accommodate up to 8 pax. The 1st level holds 4 individual sleeping units while the 2nd level has 2 units for a pair of guests each.
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You’re free to bring in food and drinks or order UberEats for your overnight cat-viewing party. Talk about a purrfect vacation!
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What sets Neko-Yokujo apart from most cat cafes is that all the felines here are rescues. Revenue is channelled to cat food and medical care – a concept pioneered in Japan by Neco Republic, the animal welfare company behind Neko-Yokujo.
Image credit: @els4gats
Before this business model, rescued cats in Japan mainly lived in non-profit animal shelters that struggled to remain in operation on limited donations. Its founder, Asaka Kawase, strives to change the “unclean” image of rescued cats through fun activities and refreshing interior design.
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Committed to the mission of “Save The Cat”, Neco Republic aims to bring cat euthanisation rates down to zero. The Neco Republic Instagram page provides live updates of rescued cats and also hold Kitten Transfer Programmes and crowdfunding campaigns for feline medical emergencies.
Updates on stray cat Tora mama, who gave birth to 5 kittens.
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Guests can even become a cat’s foster parent. The staff will conduct an interview to assess the eligibility of the guest’s family and the compatibility of guest and cat personalities before they’re allowed to bring their furry friend home.
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As an establishment dedicated to the well-being of its feline employees and guests, Neko-Yokujo has a few ground rules in place to ensure a good time for everyone. You’re advised to wear socks and sanitise your hands to prevent transference of infectious diseases.
Image credit: @necorepublic.osaka
First-timers will have to fill in a form, after which you’ll be issued your very own Neko-Yokujo passport that’ll grant you discounts for your subsequent visits.
Post your best shot of your time at the bathhouse with the hashtags #catbathhouse and #nekorepublic. If your photo is chosen for the month, you’ll receive a free 10-minute ticket to the cat bath.
Getting there:
Admission:
Address: 1-14-29 Shimanouchi, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, 542-0082, Osaka
Opening hours: 12pm-8pm, irregular holiday once a month for cat health
Contact: 0647-08-3889 | Neko-Yokujo website
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Cover image adapted from: neco-republic, neco-republic, neco-republic
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