“Hanashinobu”, a cat inn in Sujiyu Onsen, Oita | An inn where the cat proprietress Kabosu sometimes comes to the guest room

An image photo of two cats relaxing by the window.Not Hana Shinobu's cat Illustrative photograph; not a photograph of this inn or its resident cats.Illustrative image Cat inns

Inn features

  • Car recommended
  • Hot spring

Only features verified through published information or reporting are shown.

This article is an uncovered guide based on official information as of 2026-08-11 and current information provided by the facility. This article does not guarantee that cats will come to the guest room.

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.

Image of two cats relaxing by the window

Illustrative image (not a photograph of Shinobu Hana’s cat or guest room) / Photo: exequiel san martin, Pexels

“Hanashinobu” is a small hot spring inn located in Sujiyu Onsen in Kokonoe Town, Oita Prefecture, where all rooms are separate. The facility itself introduces that “Kabosu”, who came in second place in the 2026 resident cat ranking, serves as the cat hostess and sometimes relaxes in the guest room of guests.

This is an inn where you can check the possibility of a resident cat coming to the guest room of its own will, which is what this site is looking for. However, cat visits are not a service included in the plan.

Kabosu, the second generation cat proprietress

According to the facility comments on Rakuten Travel 2026 Resident Cat Ranking, Kabosu is the second generation resident cat who succeeded the previous cat. In contrast to her dignified expression, she is said to like people and will show her belly when she is treated kindly.

There are comments from current hotels that they sometimes stay in the guest room to keep warm, so this site classifies it as A.This does not necessarily mean that the cat will come to the guest room, but only if the cat chooses that room.

Prioritize the freedom of cats even when they come to the guest room

Even if Kabosu visits, do not close the door to keep the cat there or bring it onto the futon. If the cat shows signs of wanting to leave, clear its path and do not give it food or hot-spring souvenirs.

If you particularly hope for a guest-room cat visit, ask the inn before booking about the cat’s current presence, whether any rooms are more likely to receive visits, and how to handle the doors. If a companion has a cat allergy, discuss that with the inn in advance as well.

5 guest rooms with the feel of separate cottages, and private baths

Sujiyu Onsen Tourism Association introduces us as an inn with a total of 5 separate guest rooms. Some guest rooms will be renewed in 2024.Each room has a different floor plan and facilities, so please check the requirements such as bed, sink, toilet, etc. on the reservation screen.

The hot springs have private baths, including one open-air bath and three indoor baths, which guests can use during their free time. Night hours may change due to the winter season or for safety reasons, so please give priority to same-day information.

Rock salt plate grill and open kitchen

Official website lists the inn’s special feature as cooking dishes on rock salt plates. The restaurant features an open kitchen where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients while feeling the sounds and aromas of cooking.

The tourist association says that there are almost no restaurants in the Sujiyu hot spring town. If you choose a no-meal plan, you must plan your meals and shopping before check-in.

Sujiyu hot spring at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters

The location is 637 Yutsubo, Kokonoe Town. Transportation by public transportation only is limited, so please check with your inn for the latest routes and transportation conditions. By car, head towards Sujiyu Onsen from Kokonoe IC.In winter, there is snow and ice, so winter tires are required.

Official social media

You can also check the inn’s official accounts for current opening information and news about its resident cats.

Basic information

Item Contents
Facility name Sujiyu Onsen Hanashinobu
Address 637 Yutsubo, Kokonoe-cho, Kusu-gun, Oita Prefecture 879-4912 (local address: 〒879-4912 大分県玖珠郡九重町大字湯坪637)
resident cat Kabosu
Proximity to cats Likes people and may stay in the guest room
guest room 5-room detached guest room
Hot springs Multiple private indoor baths and open-air baths
Official website Hanashinobu

Location and Google Maps

筋湯温泉 宿房 花しのぶ
〒879-4912 大分県玖珠郡九重町大字湯坪637

Related video

[Oita Prefecture Travel] Sujiyu Onsen Hanashinobu A healing inn with cats
Channel: ざしきTV

Watch on YouTube

Summary

Hanashinobu is a cat inn in A where you can check the possibility of the resident cat Kabosu coming to the guest room based on the current facility information. As well as time with the cats, you can enjoy private hot springs and cuisine, and visit and stay as the cats choose.

Sources

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