Cat inn “Nishiya” in Shirabu Onsen, Yamagata | An inn where you can interact with the resident cat brothers in the morning lobby

This article is a research guide based on official information as of 2026-08-11.This is not an actual accommodation coverage article. Cat appearance times and accommodation conditions may change, so please check the official website before making a reservation.

“Nishiya” located in Shirabu Onsen in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a small hot spring inn known for its thatched main building and “Yutakiburo” where hot water flows down. Inside the Inn, resident cat brothers “Onden” and “Kagura” live.

Although this is not an inn where cats come to the guest room, the official website provides clear guidance on when cats will appear in the lobby in the morning and how they can be interacted with. This cat inn is easy to choose for people who want to plan their itinerary knowing where and when they can meet cats.

resident cat is Onden and Kagura’s brother

According to the official resident cat introduction, Onden and Kagura are brothers born in September 2013.Shortly after birth, they were adopted by Nishiya along with their other siblings, and after three of them left for foster homes, two of them became part of Nishiya’s family.

Because they grew up with people, they are introduced as being friendly to guests they meet for the first time. Two cats also appeared in the Official Notice in April 2026, so you can check their current presence.

You can meet the cat in the lobby from 8am to 10am

According to the official information, the two cats will be in the lobby from 8:00 to 10:00.Because it clearly states, “please tell me/us,” this site classifies it as B, “inside the inn, where you can interact with the cats in a dedicated space.”

However, cats are living creatures. It is not guaranteed that they will show up at the same time every day, or that you will be able to hold them or have long-term contact with them. The basic rule is to be calm when approaching, and not to chase when they are asleep or want to leave.

Breakfast time is from 7:30 to 9:00, so it will be easier to move around if you wait in the lobby before or after your meal. If you want time with resident cats to be a top priority, be sure to ask at check-in about the day’s schedule.

Please note that this is not a guest room visit type.

The meeting place that can be confirmed in Nishiya’s official information is the lobby. Since we cannot confirm the current notification that a resident cat comes into the guest room, it is not classified as A “Cats may come into the guest room.”

The conditions are different for people who are looking for accommodation where they can spend the night with their cat in a guest room. On the other hand, it is an easy-to-understand system for people who want to meet the cats in the common area at a set time while still following the cats’ daily rhythm.

Old building and hot water waterfall bath

Nishiya is a wooden hot spring inn that has remained in Shirabu Onsen for a long time. The famous hot water waterfall bath has a structure in which the source water falls forcefully into the bathtub. The official FAQ states that the structure has maintained almost the same appearance as it did about 300 years ago.

It is an inn where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a historic building, rather than the uniform facilities of a new hotel. There is no bath in the guest room; only the detached type has a toilet and sink. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the inn. Smoking is prohibited both indoors and outdoors on the premises, and accommodation is limited to middle school students and above.

Facility conditions differ depending on the room type, so if you require a private toilet, sink, or air conditioning, please check the room name and facilities on the reservation screen.

Meals are mainly obanzai, typical of a mountain inn.

In Official Cooking Guide, dinner is a combination of appetizers, small dishes, and daily obanzai. Depending on your plan, you can add Tengen pork shabu-shabu, Yonezawa beef sukiyaki/shabu-shabu.

Meals are served at Yunohana Dining on the second floor, and are not served in your room or in a private room. It is clearly stated that menu changes are not made for food allergies and picky eating habits, so please be sure to check before making a reservation if you have such allergies.

Access and winter precautions

The nearest station is JR Yonezawa Station. The official FAQ states that it takes about 40 minutes by bus from Yonezawa Station to Tengendai Yumoto Station. Currently, there is no pick-up service from the hotel.

By car, it takes about 30 minutes from Yonezawa Hachimanhara IC via the Yonezawa city area. There is a parking lot for about 15 cars opposite the inn. Studless tires are required in winter, and Nishi-Azuma Sky Valley is closed seasonally and at night. During the snowy season, check the road information for the day.

Nishiya is suitable for people

• People who want to choose an accommodation that officially shows the time to meet the resident cat
• People who want to enjoy not only cats but also historic wooden inns and hot spring baths
• People who prefer a quiet stay typical of a mountain spa rather than the latest facilities.
• People who also value meals using Yonezawa beef and local ingredients

On the other hand, people who require a stay in a guest room with a cat, complete barrier-free access, a bath in the guest room, and private meals should carefully compare the conditions.

Basic information

Summary

Nishiya is an inn in Shirabu Onsen where you can meet resident cats Onden and Kagura in the lobby in the morning. The fact that the official website specifically shows the presence of cats, their appearance locations, times, and interactions is a great reassurance when choosing an inn without having been interviewed.

Although it is not a cat guest-room visit type, you can enjoy time with resident cats along with the history as a hot spring inn, the characteristic hot water waterfall bath, and typical Yamagata food. Before making a reservation, please check with the inn about the cat’s physical condition, the scheduled appearance on the day, and the desired guest room facilities.

Sources

• Nishiya “How to enjoy Nishiya/Introduction to resident cat”
• Nishiya “Cooking Guide”
• Nishiya “Frequently Asked Questions”
• Nishiya “Notice for April 2026”