A Must-Read for Cat Lovers: Japan’s Top 10 Hotel Signature Cats
Last updated 2026-09-24 — The Japanese Maneki-neko (lucky cat) has a long history, and many Japanese hotels have unexpectedly gained popularity thanks to their adorable resident cats, cementing their status as “signature cats.” The well-known booking website Rakuten Travel has announced the top ten hotel signature cats voted on by netizens...
By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
Japanese Maneki-neko have a long history, and many Japanese hotels have unexpectedly gained popularity thanks to their adorable resident cats, cementing their status as “signature cats.” The well-known booking website Rakuten Travel has announced the top ten hotel signature cats voted on by netizens. From the fierce competition among 49 signature cats, the champion “Milk” won the ranking for her skills in giving guests massages and emitting endless waves of affection. Close behind is “Mai-chan,” known as the “composed female boss,” while “Candy,” who performs aerial dessert catches and offers shoulder-rubbing services, represents Shizuoka Prefecture to take third place.
Japanese Maneki-neko have a long history, and many Japanese hotels have unexpectedly gained popularity thanks to their adorable resident cats, cementing their status as “signature cats.” The well-known booking website Rakuten Travel has announced the top ten hotel signature cats voted on by netizens. From the fierce competition among 49 signature cats, the champion “Milk” won the ranking for her skills in giving guests massages and emitting endless waves of affection. Close behind is “Mai-chan,” known as the “composed female boss,” while “Candy,” who performs aerial dessert catches and offers shoulder-rubbing services, represents Shizuoka Prefecture to take third place.
First place: Milk, the signature cat of “Beppu Onsen Shin Gyokuro Inn.” (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
Japan’s Top 10 Hotel Signature Cats Ranking:
| Rank | Prefecture | Hotel | Signature Cat |
| 1st Place | Oita Prefecture | Beppu Onsen Shin Gyokuro Inn |
Milk |
| 2nd Place | Yamagata Prefecture | Tendo Onsen Matsubatei AZUMA-so |
MaiMai-chan |
| 3rd Place | Shizuoka Prefecture | Izu Highland Petit Hotel fromage |
Candy |
| 4th Place | j閱鞠丶/td> | Yunishigawa Onsen Heike-no-Yakata |
Toguchi |
| 5th Place | Kagoshima Prefecture | Farm Stay Nyamba0?铳蠹/td> |
Yuki |
| 6th Place | Shizuoka Prefecture | Izu Highlands - Nikomame |
Natto |
| Ranked #7 | Shizuoka Prefecture | Ito Onsen - Apple Seed |
Sera |
| Ranked #8 | Fukuoka Prefecture | Hotel Senbo? |
Kuppi |
| Ranked #9 | Nagano Prefecture |
Yamanouchi Onsen Resort0?GoU SuppCairn) |
Tiger |
| Ranked #10 | Shizuoka Prefecture |
Usubi Onsen - Traditional Ryokan Inn Kaifuzo |
Kou |
No one can resist the charm of this attention-seeking feline—visitors love the milk at Shin Gyoku Ryokan!
The top-ranked milk comes from the signature (public interest) cat at Shin Gyoku Ryokan in Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture. Although Milk isn’t too fond of being touched, they’re great at giving massages using their round paws and limbs. Their focused expression during massages has attracted a huge fan following, who affectionately call them the “most heart-melting ‘Milk Massage Therapist.’” Aside from Milk, the inn is also home to over 40 “welcoming cats” that greet every visitor, along with three cat-themed rooms available for cat lovers. In addition to the famous resident cats, the ryokan also offers handmade dishes such as fresh local sashimi and chicken tempura, and the onsen sourced directly from natural springs—definitely not to be missed!
The top-ranked milk comes from the signature (public interest) cat at Shin Gyoku Ryokan in Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture. Although Milk isn’t too fond of being touched, they’re great at giving massages using their round paws and limbs. Their focused expression during massages has attracted a huge fan following, who affectionately call them the “most heart-melting ‘Milk Massage Therapist.’” Aside from Milk, the inn is also home to over 40 “welcoming cats” that greet every visitor, along with three cat-themed rooms available for cat lovers. In addition to the famous resident cats, the ryokan also offers handmade dishes such as fresh local sashimi and chicken tempura, and the onsen sourced directly from natural springs—definitely not to be missed!
The second-place winner is “Tendo Onsen Matsubatei Azuma-so” and its signature cat, Mai-chan. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
Mai-chan the Cat Innkeeper Loves Roasted Seaweed and Is the Picture of Calm
The second-place signature cat is Mai-chan at Matsubatei Azuma-so in Yamagata Prefecture. Appointed as the “cat innkeeper,” Mai-chan greets guests upon arrival. The inn’s owner is often praised by guests for her composed demeanor, and after a day’s work, Mai-chan enjoys her favorite roasted seaweed as a reward. In spring, she also goes bug-catching to stay in shape—she’s quite the energetic one in private. As for the ryokan itself, Matsubatei Azuma-so features an onsen sourced from natural springs, regional Yamagata beef dishes, and traditional mountain vegetable cuisine. Room options include those with garden views and others equipped with cypress wood baths.
The second-place signature cat is Mai-chan at Matsubatei Azuma-so in Yamagata Prefecture. Appointed as the “cat innkeeper,” Mai-chan greets guests upon arrival. The inn’s owner is often praised by guests for her composed demeanor, and after a day’s work, Mai-chan enjoys her favorite roasted seaweed as a reward. In spring, she also goes bug-catching to stay in shape—she’s quite the energetic one in private. As for the ryokan itself, Matsubatei Azuma-so features an onsen sourced from natural springs, regional Yamagata beef dishes, and traditional mountain vegetable cuisine. Room options include those with garden views and others equipped with cypress wood baths.
The third-place winner is “Izu Highlands Petit Hotel fromage” and its signature cat, Candy. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
Stunning Aerial Stunts Make Candy the Star of the Show
The third-place signature cat is Candy, who lives at Izu Highlands Petit Hotel Fromage in Shizuoka Prefecture. After dinner, Candy interacts with the ryokan’s other two feline companions and shows off signature moves like the “super jump” and “shoulder rub service.” Lately, she’s been working on mastering the aerial snack catch. Other highlights of the inn include luxurious Izu cuisine made with ingredients like lobster and red snapper, as well as private outdoor hot spring baths for guests to enjoy.
The third-place signature cat is Candy, who lives at Izu Highlands Petit Hotel Fromage in Shizuoka Prefecture. After dinner, Candy interacts with the ryokan’s other two feline companions and shows off signature moves like the “super jump” and “shoulder rub service.” Lately, she’s been working on mastering the aerial snack catch. Other highlights of the inn include luxurious Izu cuisine made with ingredients like lobster and red snapper, as well as private outdoor hot spring baths for guests to enjoy.
The fourth-place winner is “Yunishigawa Onsen Heike-no-sho” and its signature cat, Tsurushi. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
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