This article is a research guide based on local government and current reservation information as of 2026-08-12. We have confirmed that there is a resident cat, but please check with the inn before making a reservation regarding how to interact with it.
Update on 2026-10-09: The reference for the cat information and the meal conditions have been clarified against current listings. A plan mentioning a welcome from the resident cat is available on Yahoo! Travel, while the listed Rakuten Travel plan is room-only. Neither meeting nor interacting with the cat is guaranteed.
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 the inn cat or guest room) / Photo: Rin Gakusho, Pexels
Guesthouse KURIHAI in Ota, Oita City offers a stay in a natural setting away from the city center, with a resident cat mentioned in its accommodation information.
“Resident cat welcomes you” in current plan
The accommodation plan on Yahoo! Travel states that a cat-loving couple and a resident cat welcome guests, and its notes also say that cats and dogs are on the grounds. The property is listed there as 星ふる森の宿KURIHAI. This confirms that cats are still presented as a feature of the accommodation, but does not mean you are certain to meet them.
However, public information alone does not establish the cats’ names or number, where they spend their time, whether guests may pet them, or whether they visit guest rooms. We classify the accommodation as C and do not infer permission to interact with the cats from the description of the hosts as cat lovers.
Guesthouse where you can enjoy the forest environment
The location is 1703-6 Ota, Oita City. It is also listed as an accommodation facility on Oita City Work Portal, and you can choose an environment that is different from business hotels in the city center.
Because it is located in nature, if you are traveling only by public transportation, please check in advance the nearest stop, whether there is a shuttle service, and how to arrive at night. If you are driving, it is best to ask the inn for the final route and parking location using the navigation system.
Check the guest room and meals in the plan
A room-only plan for renting the whole cottage is listed on Rakuten Travel. Do not assume meals are included based only on the booking site’s name; check the selected plan and ask the accommodation about meal arrangements and use of the eating facilities on the grounds. The rooms and bedding used may vary with the number of guests, so check the room photos and occupancy limit on the booking page.
Unlike hotels, guest houses do not necessarily have all the facilities in the guest room. It is safe to check in advance whether the bath/toilet is private or shared, amenities, food and drinks you can bring in, and check-in times.
Thoughts when choosing this accommodation
- People who want to enjoy meeting resident cats as part of their stay in the forest
- People who want to choose a quieter environment than the city center in Oita City
- People who like small accommodations that are close to the host.
If you require guaranteed time to interact with the cats or visits to your guest room, ask the accommodation specific questions before booking. Avoid building expectations before receiving an answer; this respects both the cats and the accommodation.
Basic information
| Item | Contents |
|---|---|
| Facility name | Guesthouse KURIHAI |
| Location | 1703-6 Ota, Oita City, Oita Prefecture 870-1214 (local address: 〒870-1214 大分県大分市太田1703-6) |
| Distance from cats | The current plan clearly states that resident cats are present. Touching range unconfirmed |
| Accommodation method | Small guest house in the forest |
| Meals | The listed plan is room-only; confirm meal arrangements when booking |
| Reservation | Rakuten Travel |
Location and Google Maps
Guesthouse KURIHAI (星またたく森のゲストハウスKURIHAI)
〒870-1214 大分県大分市太田1703-6
Summary
KURIHAI’s current plan confirms information about resident cats, but few interaction rules are published. Choose by considering the natural setting, interaction with the hosts, and meal conditions, without assuming how close you can get to the cats. Ask for the latest cat information when booking.
Related articles
Don’t just decide on this inn; it will be easier to choose by comparing the distance to the cat and transportation conditions with other inns in the same region. Before making a reservation, please check with the inn about the conditions that can change, such as the presence of cats and where they are located.
