Cat Cafes in Beppu, Oita

Beppu, Oita

Aratama Ryokan is a small hot spring inn in the old Hamawaki onsen district of Beppu, about five minutes on foot from JR Higashi-Beppu Station. Founded in 1923, it is now home to around 80 rescued cats taken in by the owners, many of them with health conditions that mean they cannot be rehomed. The cats live in their own rooms, and guests meet them during set cat sessions in a dedicated cat room, changing into clothes provided for the room and following strict hygiene rules. Overnight guests get cat time as part of their stay, and day visitors can book an early-afternoon cat session together with a private bath in the inn's own spring. One of the cat rooms is streamed live on YouTube around the clock. Booking by phone or online is advised. The inn puts the cats' welfare first and keeps firm house rules.