This Is What a True "Maneki-neko" Looks Like! Top 20 Japanese Ryokan Signboard Cats That Bring Popularity Wherever They Go!

When traveling to Japan, beyond the basic considerations of cleanliness, safety, comfort, and price, what else might guests look for? Sometimes, travelers hope for extra perks at their accommodations-like convenient shuttle services, famous hot springs, or even a cute cat serving as a friendly greeter!

In fact, a recent poll in Japan, the 2023 Japan Ryokan Signboard Cat Ranking, selected 20 inns featuring irresistibly cute cats that add charm and memorable experiences for guests. While some inns have multiple cats, each has a special "lucky cat" that symbolizes good fortune for visitors. Backpackers seeking cat-friendly lodgings should not miss these unique spots!

Top 20 Japanese Ryokan Signboard Cats (2023)

• 20th: Kusatsu Onsen Pension Blue Bell (Gunma Prefecture) – Sasuke

• 19th: Rikuzentakata Tamano-yu (Iwate Prefecture) – Sakura

• 18th: Asama Kogen Hotel (Gunma Prefecture) – Ponpon

• 17th: Seaside Pension Haneoto (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Marie

• 16th: Isobe Onsen Yuyake Koyake no Oyado Takadai Ryokan (Gunma Prefecture) – Peasuke

• 15th: Yudaue Onsen Nostalgic Inn Suehirokan (Niigata Prefecture) – Teto

• 14th: Yutagawa Onsen Sensou Yutagawa (Yamagata Prefecture) – Nabi

• 13th: Rental Villa Lake Villa Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi Prefecture) – Hana

• 12th: Kusatsu Onsen Nakamuraya Ryokan (Gunma Prefecture) – Kotaro

• 11th: Sujiyu Onsen Shukubo Hanashinobu (Oita Prefecture) – Hana

• 10th: Izu Kogen Cat-Friendly Inn Petit Hotel Fromage (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Myu

• 9th: Ito Onsen Dog-Friendly Inn Appleseed (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Uni

• 8th: Yufuin Onsen Healing Inn Takakatsu (Oita Prefecture) – Koyuki

• 7th: Kishu Onsen Saika no Yu Futagojima-so (Wakayama Prefecture) – Gaa

• 6th: Usami Onsen Onsen Minshuku Umikaze-so (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Rai

• 5th: Mad Cat Hostel Osaka (Osaka Prefecture) – Kogorou

• 4th: Minamiya, the Inn to Play with Mountains and Cats (Nagano Prefecture) – Kii

• 3rd: Yufuin Waraneko no Yado (Oita Prefecture) – Anzu

• 2nd: Nozawa Onsen Kiriya Ryokan (Nagano Prefecture) – Mugi

• 1st: Beppu Onsen Shintama Ryokan (Oita Prefecture) – Omochi

With the help of these lucky cats, it's no wonder that guests keep coming back to these inns for unforgettable stays filled with warmth and charm.