Inn features
- Shuttle available
- Hot spring
Only features verified through published information or reporting are shown.
This article is an unreported research guide based on the official website as of 2026-08-11 and information from the Japan Secret Hot Springs Protection Association. Please check with the facility before making a reservation, as the availability of cats, appearances, and closing dates may change.
About the photo: it does not show this inn or its resident cats
This illustration does not document the rooms or cats currently in residence.
Illustrative image (not a photograph of Yuna or the facility) / Photo: Ömer Taha Çetin, Pexels
Yurakutei, located in Yumigahama Onsen on Oyanojima in Kamiamakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a hot spring inn known for its family-built cave bath and Amakusa seafood. Resident cat “Yuna” lives inside the inn.
Resident cat Yuna snuggles up to people
According to the official website, Yuna appeared at the inn around the summer of 2019. The cat’s affectionate rubbing against people led the inn to take care of it. A child staying at the inn chose the name, inspired by the 湯 (yu) in Yurakutei and the cat’s familiarity with people.
The inn introduces the cat as a “cat with a special connection” that comforts many guests. This site classifies it as B because we can confirm specific customer service in which people get close to the cat and rub their bodies against it. The current guidance to come to the guest room cannot be confirmed. Cats may come and go outside, so please do not close the door to keep the cat in the guest room AND do not wake a sleeping cat, and follow the instructions of the inn.
The official website says the inn responds flexibly when guests who dislike cats or have allergies mention this at booking or check-in. Check all companions’ sensitivities before booking.
Large hand-dug cave and two types of hot springs
The main features of Yurakutei are the hot springs and red hot springs, which have different properties, and the large, hand-dug cave bath. We may be temporarily closed for hot spring piping adjustments or cleaning, but we will inform you that Wednesdays are the standard closing days. Please check business information before staying.
There are 16 guest rooms in total, under the guidance of the Japan Secret Hot Springs Association. There are rooms with baths and toilets, and there are no elevators in the building. If you need to use the stairs or require auxiliary equipment, please consult at the time of reservation. Inside the Inn, all rooms are non-smoking, and guest room Wi-Fi is also provided.
Seafood and access in Amakusa
Dinner is a Kaiseki meal featuring seafood from Amakusa. In addition to the basic plan, there are plans that include spiny lobster, and the contents and prices vary depending on the season and reservation date. There are options for staying overnight with breakfast and without meals, so you can choose depending on what is important to you: cats, hot springs, or food.
For public transportation, take a bus bound for Amakusa from Misumi Station and get off at “Sanpal”.With prior consultation, transportation from Sanparu will be arranged. If you are driving, be sure to check the roads and arrival time on the island.
Basic information
| Item | Contents |
|---|---|
| Facility name | Yurakutei |
| Location | 5190-2, Oyano-cho, Kami-Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 869-3602 (local address: 〒869-3602 熊本県上天草市大矢野町上5190-2) |
| resident cat | Yuna |
| Distance with cats | You can interact with cats if they approach you inside the inn |
| guest-room visits | unconfirmed |
| guest room | 16 rooms in total |
| Features | Two types of hot springs, hand-dug cave bath, Amakusa seafood cuisine |
| Official website | Yurakutei |
Location and Google Maps
Yurakutei (大洞窟の宿 湯楽亭)
〒869-3602 熊本県上天草市大矢野町上5190-2
Related video
[Kumamoto Amakusa] A resident cat comes to greet your room at Yumigahama Onsen "Yurakutei" [Travel for two] A trip to Kyushu that you want to go to again and again
Channel: 二人の旅の備忘録│関西50代夫婦のゆる旅
Summary
Yurakutei is an inn where you can have a chance encounter with Yuna, who is used to people, and enjoy a hand-dug cave hot spring. The facility does not guarantee time with resident cats, so plan your trip so that you can enjoy hot springs and Amakusa cuisine even if you cannot meet them.
