Gunma/Minakami cat inn “Pension Be” | Resident cat Torako and private hot spring inn

This article is a survey guide that has not yet been interviewed and is based on tourist association and accommodation reservation information as of 2026-08-11.Cat enrollment and accommodation conditions may change, so please check with the facility before making a reservation.

“Pension Be” in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture is a hot spring pension near Minakami IC.We have a private hot spring bath and free drinks, and our resident cat, Torako, and our signature dog, Koro, welcome guests.

Torako appears in the 2026 Rakuten Travel resident cat ranking. This cat is rarely shy and loves to greet guests, and when it senses the presence of guests, it sits down to greet guests.

Torako is introduced as having zero shyness.

According to comments from the facility, Torako is charming because they are friendly and open up to people they meet for the first time. When guests arrive, they are shown waiting as if preparing to welcome them. The current page of the Minakami Town Tourism Association also states that a tiger cub and a dog named Koro are waiting for you.

This site classifies it as B because there are specific instructions for coming close to people, and there is a high possibility of interacting with nature inside the inn. On the other hand, the basis for visiting the guest room cannot be confirmed, so it is not A.

This is an inn with both cats and dogs. The inn controls the distance between the animals and where you can meet them inside the inn, so please do not call them out without permission and follow the staff’s instructions. If the cat is eating or sleeping, it is best to watch over him without touching him.

A small pension with a private hot spring

Minakami Town Tourism Association describes Pension Be as “a pension with a private hot spring right after getting off the Minakami IC.”It is listed as a hot spring inn with an open-air bath, and you can check the current reservation information for stays with private open-air baths.

Unlike large inns where the public baths are separated by gender depending on the time of day, this is a pension where you can reserve the baths for private use. Please check each plan for usage hours, reservation method, bathing tax, and open-air bath status in winter.

There is a current plan where you can choose a twin room with a bath and toilet for the guest room. Since yukata may not be provided, it is a good idea to bring a loungewear that can be used for moving inside the inn. Please check the facilities and amenities for the room type you are booking.

You can choose to stay with meals or without meals.

The tourist association also provides information on accommodation without meals. The current lodging plans include options with two meals and without meals, so you can choose according to your travel plans. While current information for guests mentions fish dishes, desserts, and drinks/snacks in the lounge, the meals change depending on the season and plan.

Inside the Inn’s free drink corner will have coffee available, according to the tourist association. The ability to relax in a shared space while waiting to meet the resident cat is a perfect fit for people looking for cat accommodation.

Location close to Minakami IC

The location is 836 Konita, Minakami Town. If you are driving, it is close to the Minakami IC on the Kanetsu Expressway and can be used as a base for touring around Mt. Tanigawa and Minakami Onsen. If you are visiting by public transportation, please check at the time of reservation whether you will be able to get there from the nearest station and whether there is a pick-up service.

Minakami is an area where snow accumulates in the winter. When traveling by car in winter, be sure to equip yourself with studless tires and other equipment, and check road conditions and weather forecasts.

Basic information

Summary

Pension Be is a cat inn where you can not only meet friendly tabby cubs but also enjoy private hot springs and a stay typical of a small inn. This plan does not guarantee contact with cats, so be sure to plan your itinerary to include the possibility that you may not be able to meet them. While your main purpose is to visit the hot springs and sightseeing in Minakami, we recommend that you quietly interact with Torako when she comes to pick you up.

Sources

• Minakami Town Tourism Association/Pension Be
• Rakuten Travel/Pension Be
• Rakuten Travel 2026 resident cat ranking