This article is a research list of accommodations whose conditions could be confirmed as of 2026-08-19, based on Neko Yado Research’s published individual articles, audits of distance to cats, and official/current accommodation information confirmed in each article. Please check the official information of each inn before making a reservation, as business hours, cat availability, accommodation plans, and transportation conditions may change.
In Tochigi Prefecture, we were able to confirm two hot spring inns where cats come to play in the guest rooms, two hot spring inns in Shiobara where you can meet cats inside the inn, and one cottage in Nasu where you can interact with Bengal cats. Four out of the five are located near Shiobara Onsen, but the characteristics of the hot springs and the distance from the cats are not the same.
Criteria for posting this list
All 5 published individual articles belonging to Tochigi Prefecture Cat Inn Category will be posted. The order is not a ranking.
A/B/C indicates the distance to the cat, not the quality of the accommodation. Even in A, the cat does not always come to the guest room, and the physical condition and mood of the day, as well as the operation of the inn, take priority.
Accommodation where conditions were confirmed
Yamaguchiya Ryokan
Illustrative imageBasic information
- Location: Nasushiobara/Shiobara Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture
- Distance to cats: A｜Confirming current cases of multiple resident cats walking inside the inn and visiting the guest room
- Check this list: Individual articles that organize information on accommodations and current specific accommodation information
- Accommodation features: Mainly Japanese-style rooms, separate indoor/outdoor baths for men and women, private baths
Features of this inn
This is a hot spring inn where resident cats such as Mimitan have been seen freely spending time inside the inn and visiting the guest room. This is a strong candidate for people in Tochigi Prefecture who prioritize the possibility of a resident cat coming to their room.
Visits are not guaranteed as a service. Be sure to check with the host upon arrival regarding door handling, times you can invite the cat into your room, food and photography rules.
Shiobara Onsen Akazawa Onsen Ryokan
Illustrative imageBasic information
- Location: Nasushiobara/Shiobara Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture
- Distance to cats: A｜Dog and cat staff live there, and there is a public example of a cat visiting the guest room.
- Check this list: Individual articles that organize current accommodation information and published videos
- Accommodation Features: Mostly lukewarm hot spring water, pet-friendly guest room available.
Features of this inn
This is a hot spring inn where dog and cat staff live, and you can see a specific example of a cat visiting a guest’s room. It is also an option for those looking to enjoy a relaxing soak in the warm water or those considering traveling with their pets.
Resident cat visits and pet-friendly guest rooms are separate systems. Please check the supported animal species, required items, and rules for moving inside the inn for each plan you book.
Gensenkan
Illustrative imageBasic information
- Location: Nasushiobara/Shiobara Motoyu Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture
- Distance with cats: B｜rescue cats live inside the inn and may appear in the common space.
- Check this list: Individual articles organizing the official website and official blog
- Accommodation features: 3 private hot springs, nigori hot springs, reservation-based transportation, conditional single night stay
Features of this inn
This inn is a living space for rescue cats and a hot spring inn with three private hot springs. Because the number and location of cats change, we cannot guarantee that cats introduced in the past are still present.
Guest-room visits cannot be confirmed and is classified as B. It is suitable for people who can enjoy cloudy hot springs in the mountains as the main purpose of their trip, even if they cannot meet cats.
Ebisuya
Illustrative imageBasic information
- Location: Nasushiobara/Shiobara Motoyu Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture
- Distance to cats: B｜Multiple resident cats walk inside the inn according to the current guide.
- Check this list: Individual articles that organize current accommodation information
- Accommodation features: Two private hot springs, Kajiwara no Yu and Kobo Yu
Features of this inn
This is a secret hot spring inn deep in the mountains where you can watch resident cats walking inside the inn and enjoy two private hot springs. This is a hotel that is easy to compare for people who value the quality of the hot springs and the environment typical of a spa in addition to meeting cats.
We cannot confirm the current basis for cats coming to the guest room. If you would like to know where you can meet or the current status of cats, please ask the inn before making a reservation.
Bengal no Mori
Illustrative imageBasic information
- Location: Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture
- Distance with cats: B｜Guide to interact with Bengal cats in a dedicated area
- Check this list: Individual articles that organize current accommodation information
- Accommodation features: Independent cottage, all-weather BBQ space, suitable for cars
Features of this inn
The current guide offers the opportunity to interact with seven Bengal cats. Unlike the four hot spring inns in Shiobara, you can combine BBQ and group stays with time with resident cats at Nasu.
The mechanism by which cats visit the regular guest room is unconfirmed, so this is a B. Please check the time and place for interaction and the terms and conditions for children before making a reservation.
Selection by Purpose
- Prioritize the possibility of guest-room visits: Yamaguchiya Ryokan, Akazawa Onsen Ryokan
- Nigoriyu and rescue cat: Gensenkan
- Secret hot spring and resident cat walking inside the inn: Ebisuya
- Independent cottage and interaction with cats: Bengal no Mori
- Pet-friendly options considered: Akazawa Onsen Ryokan, Gensenkan (check conditions in each plan)
Things to check before making a reservation
- Are resident cats still living at the inn and where do they spend their time?
- Is it okay to open the guest room door, and is there a time when it’s okay to invite the cat?
- Hot spring usage hours, reservation conditions, winter road conditions, and shuttle transportation conditions
- Guest room, fees, and necessary belongings when bringing a pet
- Accommodation information regarding cuddles, snacks, and photography
Summary
Of the five properties in Tochigi Prefecture, two are A, where you can see examples of guest room visits, and three are B, where you can interact with cats inside the inn or in a dedicated space. If you prioritize the possibility of people coming to your guest room, compare Yamaguchiya Ryokan and Akazawa Onsen Ryokan, and if you prioritize the hot spring itself, compare the spring quality and location of Shiobara. If you want to stay in a cottage in Nasu, Bengal no Mori is a different option.
Please also take a look at 10 Kanto Cat Inns and How to spend time when a cat comes to the guest room. The basis and sources for each inn are summarized in individual articles that can be accessed from the blog card above.
