In conjunction with “Cat Day” on February 22, we will be celebrating the “Cute! I want to meet him! and “I’d like to meet him!” to decide the best signboard cat in Japan. Thirty-nine signboard cats were entered from lodging facilities across Japan, and the ranking was compiled from among more than 3,900 votes cast by Rakuten members.
Top 5 Inns in Japan in 2023, ranking of the top 5 signboard cats in the country.
No.1: Omochi, Shintama Ryokan, Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture
No.2: Kiriya Ryokan “Mugi” in Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture
No.3: Anzu, Yufuin Laughing Cat Inn, Oita Prefecture, Japan
No.4: Minami-ya “Kii”, an inn for playing with mountains and cats, Nagano, Japan
No.5: Mad Cat Hostel Osaka “Kogoro”, Osaka
First place went to “Omochi,” the signature cat of “Nyantama Ryokan,” a.k.a. “Beppu Onsen Shintama Ryokan” in Oita Prefecture. He is a gentle, big brotherly cat who takes good care of newly arrived cats, and his friendly personality is also popular, as he spoils guests by sitting on their laps. The inn is home to about 80 cats, most of which were rescued by the innkeeper, who is a cat lover, and the cats are being streamed live on video 24 hours a day.
No. 2 is “Mugi” from “Nozawa Onsen Kiriya Ryokan” in Nagano Prefecture, who was rescued in 2021 from the Oyu Street in Nozawa Onsen and named after the color of Mugi’s fur. She is an energetic and friendly cat who is not shy and loves to be touched and petted. There are a total of six cats living at the inn, and Mugi is in training to be a signature cat while learning from the older cats. She warms the guests’ knees and slippers.
In third place is “Anzu” from Yufuin Laughing Cat Inn in Oita Prefecture. She is the friendliest of the seven cats at the inn, and will even come running when her name is called. She is a pampered cat who also likes to ride on people’s shoulders and knees.
For more details on the other top 20 rankings, please visit the Rakuten Travel web page.
© Source travel watch