Cat inn in Chichibu, Saitama “Urayama Sanso” | A mountain inn where you can spend time with friendly cats

This article is a investigation guide based on official information as of 2026-08-16 and current accommodation information. This is not an actual accommodation visit article. Please check with the inn before making a reservation, as the whether cats are present, where they are, and transportation, etc. may change.

“Urayama Sanso” in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture is a ryokan built in the mountains of Chichibu. Inside the inn information on the official website has an item called “Inn with cats,” which introduces cute cats waiting for guests.

This is not a facility that only features cats, but a type of inn where you can enjoy encounters with cats, along with dishes using local ingredients, a garden bath, and a relaxing Japanese-style rooms. It is within walking distance from Urayamaguchi Station, and transportation is also available depending on your requirements.

“Inn with cats” offered by the official website

Inside the inn guide of Urayama Sanso clearly states that the inn is “Inn with cats.”Current guest reviews also include specific records of being greeted by friendly cats and spending time close to them, and confirm that guests may be able to meet cats inside the inn.

However, the official page does not include the names of the cats, the number of cats, where they usually stay, or how long they can be petted. Cats are living creatures, so whether they show up or approach you depends on their physical condition and mood on that day. Prioritize the cats’ wishes, even if you can’t meet them.

Distance to cat is classified as B

Neko Yado Research classifies Urayama Sanso as “B｜inside the inn/You can interact in a dedicated space.”This is because in addition to the official presence information, there is current information that shows that you have interacted with a friendly resident cat inside the inn.

On the other hand, we have not been able to confirm any information officially announcing that cats may enter guest rooms. If you are looking for an accommodation where you can spend time with cats in a guest room, please ask the inn directly before making a reservation, “Where do cats usually stay?” and “Do they ever come to the guest room?”At this time, we will not classify it into Category A based on guest room visits.

Guest rooms are mainly Japanese-style rooms

Guest room information lists 7 rooms with a toilet, 8 rooms with a bath/toilet, and one connected guest room. There are 16 rooms in total, with a capacity of 80 people. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00.

Each guest room has different facilities, so it is best to check the need for a private bathroom, stairway access, non-smoking policy, etc. at the time of reservation. If you have a cat allergy, you will need to consult with the inn in advance regarding areas where cats can enter and cleaning procedures.

Chichibu stone garden bath

Bath Guide introduces natural stone garden baths constructed from stones taken in the Chichibu region. The unique feature of this inn is that you can take a bath while looking out at the stone’s expression and the garden.

Since it is not possible to check the quality of the hot spring water or the labeling under the Hot Spring Law on the official page, this article does not conclude that it is a “onsen inn.”If you are concerned about the type of hot springs, usage hours, availability of private baths, etc., please check with the inn before making a reservation.

Dishes using ingredients from the mountains and rivers

Cooking Guide includes examples of dishes that let you feel the mountains and rivers of Chichibu, such as wild vegetables, river fish, salt-grilled iwana, and tempura. The menu changes depending on the season and stock, so the dishes shown in the photos may not always be the same.

If you have food allergies or foods you prefer to avoid, discuss them with the inn early rather than after your booking is confirmed. Follow the inn’s rules: do not give cats human food or call them over while they are eating.

Location easy to reach by train

From the nearest Chichibu Railway Urayamaguchi Station, it is about a 15-minute walk according to official information. If you make a request by phone in advance, one person can be picked up and dropped off at Urayamaguchi Station. Transfers to and from Seibu Chichibu Station are provided for groups of 10 or more.

If you are coming by car, head towards the Kanetsu Expressway Hanazono IC and there is a parking lot for 50 cars. Please confirm your arrival time and pick-up location with your accommodation on the day of your trip, as pickup and drop-off conditions and road conditions are subject to change.

Suitable people/People you want to check before booking

Suitable people

• People who want to enjoy Chichibu’s nature, Japanese food, baths, and a chance encounter with a resident cat.
• People who don’t chase cats and wait for them to approach.
• People who want to visit by train, foot, or pre-booked transportation

People who especially need confirmation before making a reservation

• People who prioritize staying when a cat comes to the guest room
• People who are allergic to cats and want to understand their cat’s range of activity
• People with individual requirements such as a private bathroom, steps, and dietary restrictions.

Basic information

Summary

Urayama Sanso is an inn located in the mountains of Chichibu where you can enjoy a Japanese-style room, cuisine, and a natural stone garden bath while waiting to meet a friendly resident cat. The fact that the official announcement is that it’s an inn with cats is a big factor in making a decision, but it doesn’t specify where the cat is or whether guest-room visits are available.

Rather than expecting to meet a cat without fail, it is best to enjoy it by quietly interacting with the cats while watching them if you can meet them inside the inn during your stay. Before making a reservation, please check the current cat status, where interaction is possible, desired guest room facilities, and transportation conditions.

Related articles

• List of cat accommodations in Saitama Prefecture
• How to get along with cats at a cat inn? How to interact with cats while respecting their wishes
• The reason why Neko Yado Research divides the distance from cats into A, B, and C

Sources

• Urayama Sanso・inside the inn information
• Urayama Sanso・guest room information
• Urayama Sanso・Bath
• Urayama Sanso・Cooking
• Urayama Sanso・Transportation Information
• Rakuten Travel/Urayama Sanso Customer Testimonials