Cat inn in Otaru, Hokkaido “Otarunai Backpackers Hostel Morinoki” | An old folk house guesthouse where you can spend time with your host cat Momo

This article is a research guide based on the inn’s official website as of 2026-08-18, current reservation information, and introductions from the Otaru Tourism Association. This is not an actual accommodation coverage article. Please check the latest information before making a reservation, as the availability of cats, their physical condition, and accommodation conditions may change.

“Otarunai Backpackers Hostel Morinoki” in Otaru, Hokkaido is a renovated private house from the early Showa era and is a guesthouse that has been welcoming travelers since 1999. Inside the inn is home to the host cat, Momo, and was featured in an article by the Otaru Tourism Association as an inn where guests can interact with dogs and cats indoors.

It is not an inn that focuses on private rooms, but a room-only inn where you can stay in shared rooms with bunk beds. You need to understand not only the time with resident cats, but also the structure of the guest house where you share the space with other travelers.

Host cat Momo lives inside the inn

According to the inn’s official website, Momo is a female born in 2010 and came to Otarunai Backpackers Hostel Morinoki after being rescued as a kitten. She is currently inside the inn 24 hours a day, and has been informed that she spends most of her time sleeping.

In consideration of guests with cat allergies, Momo is kept out of the bedroom. Although it is not a guest-room visit type, Neko Yado Research classifies it as B “interaction inside the inn or in a dedicated space” because Momo lives in shared areas and an article by the Otaru Tourism Association confirms interaction inside the inn.

Since Momo is in her senior years, the basic approach is to avoid overhandling her even if you meet her, and simply watch over her when she is sleeping. The official guidance requests that you quietly watch over her after 22:00 to avoid stress. Do not pick her up or give her food; prioritize the inn’s guidance and Momo’s own reactions.

A host dog is also inside the inn.

Morinoki has a host dog. Since this is not an inn with only cats, people who dislike dogs or have animal allergies should be careful. The official website also provides advance notice to people who dislike dogs or cats or have allergies that there are animals inside the inn.

The presence and activity range of dogs and cats may change depending on their health and the inn’s management. If meeting a cat is a prerequisite for choosing an inn, be sure to check with the inn about Momo’s current status before making a reservation.

Female-only and mixed dormitories

All bedrooms are dormitory rooms with bunk beds. The official website states that the female-only dormitory has a capacity of 6 people, the mixed dormitory has a capacity of 8 people, and the total capacity is 14 people.

While dormitories are easy to use even for solo travelers, you will share the bedroom, shower, kitchen, etc. with other guests. It is not suitable for people who value the tranquility of a private room or a private bathroom. Please observe room-sharing etiquette, such as keeping quiet after lights are turned off, organizing your belongings, and using the alarm.

A room-only accommodation where you can cook and do your own laundry.

Inside the inn there is a kitchenette for self-catering, communal showers, paid laundry service, and free Wi-Fi. According to an article by the Otaru Tourism Association, this is a room-only accommodation, so the basic stay involves either going out into town or preparing your own meals.

Since we can confirm facilities that support both self-catering and laundry, we have assigned the attribute “suitable for long-term stays.” However, please follow local instructions regarding the types of cooking utensils, food storage locations, and laundry procedures. If Momo approaches the shared kitchen, it is important not to share other people’s meals.

About 18 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station

The location is 4-15 Aioicho, Otaru. The inn’s official website and the Otaru Tourism Association state that it is about 1.4 km from JR Otaru Station, about an 18-minute walk. The area is affected by hills and snow, so if you have large luggage or in winter, don’t just judge based on the walking time, but also check the road conditions on the day.

Free reserved parking is available on the official website. If you plan to visit by car, please check if parking is available at the time of reservation, as there may be restrictions on the number of parking spaces and vehicle conditions.

Suitable people and things to note before making a reservation

Suitable people

• A person who can quietly enjoy the shared space where Momo can spend time at her own pace.
• People who are traveling alone and are comfortable living in a dormitory or interacting with fellow travelers.
• People who want to walk around Otaru and combine overnight stay and self-catering.
• People who prefer the atmosphere of an inn renovated from an old house to a new hotel.

People who need confirmation before booking

• People looking for an inn with a cat in the guest room
• People who are allergic to cats or dogs, or who don’t like dogs
• Those who request a private room, private bathroom, and meal plan
• People who make contact with Momo a necessary condition for their travels.
• People who go on foot in winter, people who want to use the reserved parking lot

Basic information

Summary

Otarunai Backpackers Hostel Morinoki is a guesthouse where travelers share space in an old private house in Otaru, with a host cat, Momo, in their daily lives. Momo is not a cat who comes to the guest room, but lives at her own pace in the common space.

Suitable for people who do not expect the cat to serve customers and who can respect the cat even when it is sleeping. Momo was born in 2010, so if meeting a cat is important to you, please check with the inn about her current status, physical condition, and rules for interacting with the cat before making a reservation.

Related articles

• List of cat accommodations in Hokkaido
• Summary of cat accommodations suitable for solo travelers
• The difference between “meeting a cat” and “being able to touch a cat”

Sources

• Otarunai Backpackers Hostel Morinoki Official Website
• Otarunai Backpackers Hostel Morinoki Official Profile/Host Neko Momo
• Otaru Tourism Association/Accommodation information
• Unraveling the charm of Otaru Tourism Association/Guest House
• Rakuten Travel Otarunai Backpackers Hostel Morinoki Accommodation Plan