A must-visit for cat lovers: Watch kitty cats snatch your lap for a nap at “Cat Forest” in Arashiyama

Reported and photographed by Cai Wenjun / Japan

Arashiyama is a must-visit destination for Taiwanese travelers heading to Kyoto. Now, besides enjoying the natural beauty of the four seasons, there’s a new healing space on the main street of Arashiyama where you can interact with cats—“Arashiyama Hyo Cat’s Forest.” For a limited 30-minute session, spend a peaceful and relaxing time with adorable leopard cats, making it a new hotspot for cat lovers visiting Arashiyama.

▲Meow: I’m here to grab a spot for a nap!(Design dialogue / Photo / Cai Wenjun)

▲%伎砂?倪餍侨嘶嶂鞫?罢摇昂盟?钡拇笸取?

“Arashiyama Hyo Cat’s Forest” is located on the second floor of a souvenir shop on Arashiyama’s main street. The space is home to 11 feline staff members. To allow these adorable kitties to play freely, the interior is designed to resemble a forest, with artificial turf on the floor and tree trunk platforms for the cats to climb and jump on. The lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere make everyone instinctively lower their voices upon entering.

To enter Arashiyama Cat’s Forest, you first need to purchase a ticket at the entrance. The admission fee includes one free drink. After removing your shoes and entering the space, the staff will ask you to sign a board to record your entry time. When the 30 minutes are up, they’ll remind you to leave and explain the rules of the venue. You’ll also need to sanitize your hands with alcohol before finding a seat and waiting for the cats to come and play with you.

Arashiyama Hyo Cat’s Forest
Address: 12-1 Sagatenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Admission: Adults 780 yen, children 580 yen; 30-minute session per person
Business hours: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM