Text by Alex
Cats that often linger in one spot can end up becoming ambassadors. Local examples include Tsim Sha Tsui’s Cream Cat, while Japan’s most famous case is probably the cat stationmaster of Kishigawa Railway. Recently, netizens noticed a cat frequently appearing at a foot onsen, seemingly acting as its tourism ambassador. While many commented on how therapeutic its sleeping poses are, what intrigued them most was how it manages to get up onto the large rock in the middle of the pool—does it swim or jump?
▲ Passersby at the foot onsen are all curious about how the cat gets up onto the big rock.
This foot onsen is located in Yuuyu Plaza in the hot spring district of Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture. It’s open 24 hours and free to use, making it a resting spot for locals and tourists alike. Some residents say that many visitors initially can’t tell whether the cat napping on the big rock is real or a statue. Once they find out it’s alive, they’re often surprised and wonder how it gets up there.
▲ (Photo by rutumi @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by rutumi @Twitter)
Other netizens who haven’t had the chance to see the cat in person have also left comments asking when they might encounter it at the foot onsen. However, even nearby residents aren’t entirely sure about the cat’s background—they can only guess that it might not be a pet. With the recent cold weather, the cat is sensitive to warm spots, and the foot onsen is a great place to keep warm, so it’s often seen there.
▲ The cat frequently appears at the foot onsen, almost like its tourism ambassador. (Photo by rutumi @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by tojo_picacount @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by tojo_picacount @Twitter)
▲ Even nearby residents aren’t quite sure about the cat’s origins, guessing it might not be a house cat. (Photo by ginkigurumi @Twitter)
▲ Some netizens have captured photos of the cat in places other than the foot onsen. (Photo by Gucchii_JAPAN @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by ttkm2 @Twitter)
Source: Grapee