Cat inn “Seihouen” in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima | A 130-year-old traditional house where you can meet Mei and Satsuki

This article is a research guide based on official information as of 2026-08-14 and information on farmhouses in Fukushima Prefecture. This is not a local coverage article. Meetings and contact with resident cats will depend on the cat’s intentions.

“Seihouen” is located in the Satoyama area of Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, and is an inn where you can experience rural life and local cuisine in a 130-year-old traditional house. Resident cats Mei and Satsuki live inside the inn, and the natural encounters with cats are officially introduced as one of the attractions of the inn.

Friendly Mei and modest Satsuki

Official website says that Mei is friendly and will sometimes sit on guests’ laps on a whim. Satsuki is shy and greets people from a distance.

This site classifies it as B because the official website shows specific examples that can be interacted with inside the inn. Since we are not providing guest-room visits, we do not give A. It’s not a guarantee that Mei will come to your knees either, and avoid trying to get Satsuki out of her hiding place.

How to interact with the cat depending on its personality

When May approaches, first let her smell your hands, and only gently pet her if she stays. It is important not to hold the cat in your lap or stop it from trying to get off.

For a cautious cat like Satsuki, it is best to avoid constant eye contact and spend time in the same space as the host while talking to them. Please do not share meals or give human food, and check the rules of the accommodation regarding photography and snacks.

Digital detox in a 130-year-old traditional house

Seihoen is an old folk house that retains the texture of its beams and wood. Officially, inside the inn does not have clocks or televisions, and is a place where you can spend time away from electronic devices. Rather than the uniform facilities of a typical hotel, this is a place to stay that includes the life of a farm and the history of the building.

The Fukushima prefecture farmhouse inn profile offers accommodations for up to 7 people, Japanese-style rooms, Wi-Fi, 2 Western-style toilets, baths, wood-burning stoves, and fan heaters. Conditions change depending on the season, guest room, and reservation status, so be sure to check the latest information when making a reservation.

Local cuisine using the bounty of the fields

The meals are mainly farm-style dishes made with vegetables that can be harvested at that time of year. Please consult with us before making a reservation regarding the number of meals included in your accommodation plan, as well as accommodations for foods you don’t like or allergies. The content of the farming experience also changes depending on the season and weather.

Even if the cat comes near during mealtime, do not feed it human food. For the health and hygiene of cats, check with the inn about the rules for dining tables and cooking areas.

Please consult in advance for access to Satoyama.

The location is 38 Shionosaku, Higashishinden, Nihonmatsu City. Prefectural documents list the nearest stations as Nihonmatsu Station or Funahiki Station, and provide information on shuttle services that can be discussed at the time of reservation. If you are driving, please check the site, local road conditions, and winter snow and ice. There are 5 designated parking spaces.

• There is no official announcement that the cat will be in the guest room.
• Please check the steps, bathroom, air conditioning, and other necessary facilities of the old folk house before making a reservation.
• There are some items you will be asked to bring, such as pajamas.
• Please discuss transportation, agricultural experiences, and dietary requirements when making a reservation.
• If you are allergic to cats, please check with the inn about your living area.

Basic information

Summary

Seihoen is an inn where you can enjoy an old folk house, rural food, and time with the resident cat as one stay. The friendly Mei and the cautious Satsuki have different ways of interacting with each other. It is suitable for people who want to keep a distance from cats and follow the rhythm of life in Satoyama while keeping cats in mind.

Sources

• Seihouen Official Website
• Fukushima Prefecture/Farmer Inn Profile
• Rakuten Travel Seihoen’s current accommodation plan
• Nihonmatsu City Farm Inn and Farm Experience