Kochi and Shimanto Cat Inn “Daichanchi” | A Traditional House Guest Room Where Two Black Cats Live, Accepting Only One Group Per Day

This article is a research guide based on the current reservation information posted by the host, Kochi Prefecture Tourism and Convention Association “Kochi Tabi Net” as of 2026-08-19. This is not an actual accommodation coverage article. Please check the latest information before making a reservation, as the conditions for cats, their physical condition, where they can be seen, their diet, and facilities may change.

Daichanchi, a traditional house guest inn in Shimanto, Kōchi Prefecture, is an old farmhouse-style inn located at the foot of a remote mountain. Accommodations are limited to one group per day, and the distance to the host’s residence, where guests stay, feels like a short trip to visit the host’s home. Two black resident cats live inside the inn.

The host’s explanation on the reservation page states that the cats are fickle and you may or may not be able to meet them. This is not an inn that only promises encounters with cats, but an inn where you can spend time in the countryside surrounded by mountains and rivers, away from TV and Wi-Fi, and wait for the cats to show up.

An inn where two black cats live

Rakuten Travel’s current facility information states that there are two black cats, and Booking.com’s text provided by the host also clearly states that there are two cats. Since business information can be checked on the Kochi Prefecture official tourism website and multiple current reservation locations, we have written this article as a candidate for checking the current information on accommodations and cats.

On the other hand, it is not possible to check the room the cat usually stays in, the range within which guests can touch it, whether it is possible to hold it or not, and whether it may enter the guest room from the information available on the host. Therefore, Neko Yado Research classifies it as C “meeting a resident cat (unconfirmed contact).”

Having two resident cats does not mean that you will definitely meet the two cats during your stay. The inn’s host explains that on some days guests can meet them, and on other days they cannot. If meeting the cats is a priority, check whether they currently live at the inn and how they usually behave before booking.

Even if only one group is scheduled per day, we prioritize the cats’ living range.

Daichanchi accepts only one group of guests per day, but the building also serves as the host’s residence. Since the arrangement differs from renting an entire villa for exclusive use by guests, please follow the guidance provided upon arrival regarding which areas you may enter and the scope of common areas.

When you see a cat, do not chase it, but wait for it to approach you. Please check with the host first to see if you can touch it, take photos, or use treats. Avoid flash photography and loud voices, and give the cat space if it tries to leave.

Just because it is limited to one group does not guarantee that you will be able to freely interact with the cats. Please prioritize the rules for each accommodation, such as not entering the cat’s resting area, not waking up a sleeping cat, and not taking it to the guest room.

Stay in one room of an old folk house, mainly without meals

Rakuten Travel states the total number of rooms is 1, and Booking.com indicates it is an inn accommodating 1 group per day. This is an inn utilizing an old farmhouse, and it is not a facility where guest rooms have individual plumbing fixtures or new amenities like a hotel.

According to the host, there is no TV or Wi-Fi, and since a typical wall-mounted air conditioner cannot be installed in the bedroom, a window air conditioner in the next room will be used. The bath and toilet are in a separate building, and the toilet is described as a pump-in type.

The mountain environment, including old buildings and insects, is also part of the inn. We are informed in advance that there are many mosquitoes, moths, spiders, centipedes, etc. in the summer. This will be attractive to people who want to get away from digital devices and the conveniences of the city, but if you are concerned about the facilities, be sure to check carefully before making a reservation.

Please consult in advance for meals and BBQ

Basically, you will be staying overnight without meals, and if you wish to have breakfast or dinner, you will need to consult in advance. Rakuten Travel has information about their breakfast service, and Booking.com’s host explains that you should contact them in advance when ordering food.

If you wish to have a BBQ in the garden, there are certain conditions such as equipment, additional fees, and who will prepare the ingredients and charcoal. The contents may change depending on where you book and the time of year, so please do not think of it in the same way as a meal plan, but rather tell the inn specifically what you want.

Whether the cat comes to the eating area is unconfirmed. Do not feed the cat human food and do not use treats unless the host has prepared them for you.

Information for people with cat allergies: Stay not available.

Current guidance from Rakuten Travel and Booking.com clearly states that people with cat allergies should refrain from staying overnight. Even on days when the cat is not seen, cat hair and allergens can remain in your living space.

Also, the terms and conditions for bringing your pet with you may not match depending on where you book. Booking.com says they do not accept pets, and Rakuten Travel says prior consultation is required. If you wish to bring your pet, please contact the inn directly before making your reservation and prioritize their response.

Prepare for visiting by car

The location is 575 Isaihara, Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture. Kochi Prefecture’s official tourism website says it’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from the Chuo Interchange in Shimantocho on the Kochi Expressway, and Rakuten Travel says it’s about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Kochi Ryoma Airport. Free parking is also available.

The host says it’s about a 15-minute drive to town where you can shop. Since we are unable to confirm any directions that allow you to easily arrive by public transportation, we have added the attribute “Car travel is recommended” in this article. It is safe to gather food, drinks, and necessary daily necessities in the city area before heading out.

If you use a car navigation system from the direction of Kochi City, you may be directed to National Route 439. The host recommends the safe route from National Route 56 via Tosa Saga and Kuroshio Town. Do not rely on your navigation system; check the recommended route and road conditions on the day of your reservation when making your reservation.

Suitable people and things to note before making a reservation

Suitable people

• A person who can quietly wait for the two black cats to appear without getting too excited.
• A small, old farmhouse that accommodates one group per day, ideal for those who wish to enjoy a stay with a close distance to the host.
• People who want to digitally detox in an environment without TV or Wi-Fi
• People who can accept rural nature, including mountains, rivers, and insects, as part of their journey.
• People who come by car and can prepare meals and supplies in advance

People who need confirmation before booking

• People who require contact with cats or guest room visits as a prerequisite for lodging.
• People with cat allergies
• People who require a bath, flush toilet, and stable air conditioning in the guest room
• People who need to use Wi-Fi to work or communicate
• For those who wish to have a meal, BBQ, or bring their own pet.
• People who plan to visit only by public transportation

Basic information

Summary

Daichanchi is a traditional house inn where two black cats live, accommodating one group per day. It is a small inn that also serves as the host’s residence, offering a stay in a mountainous environment without a TV or Wi-Fi, including time spent playing in the river or in the garden, like visiting a rural home.

Cats are fickle, and the host explains that they are sometimes available and sometimes not. The classification is C because the contact area and guest room visits cannot be confirmed. Do not make the cat your only goal; make time for the old house and nature your main purpose. When you do meet the cat, respect the distance it chooses for itself.

Related articles

• List of cat accommodations in Kochi Prefecture
• Compare cat accommodations in Shikoku
• How to have fun when you can’t meet the cat at the cat inn
• The difference between “meeting a cat” and “being able to touch a cat”

Sources

• Kochi Prefecture tourism information website “Kochi Tabi Net”・Daichanchi
• Rakuten Travel Daichanchi
• Rakuten Travel/Accommodation Plan
• Booking.com・Inns and Lunch Daichanchi