Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department Compiled & Reported
Japanese lucky cats have a long history, and many Japanese hotels have unexpectedly gained popularity thanks to their adorable resident cats, solidifying their status as “signature cats.” A well-known booking site, Rakuten Travel, has released a list of the top 10 hotel signature cats voted on by netizens. From a fierce competition among 49 signature cats, the champion “Milk,” who excels at giving massages to guests and emitting endless waves of affection, took the top spot. Close behind is “Mai-chan,” known as the “composed female boss,” while “Candy,” who performs aerial treat catches and offers shoulder-rubbing services, represents Shizuoka Prefecture, taking third place.
Japanese lucky cats have a long history, and many Japanese hotels have unexpectedly gained popularity thanks to their adorable resident cats, solidifying their status as “signature cats.” A well-known booking site, Rakuten Travel, has released a list of the top 10 hotel signature cats voted on by netizens. From a fierce competition among 49 signature cats, the champion “Milk,” who excels at giving massages to guests and emitting endless waves of affection, took the top spot. Close behind is “Mai-chan,” known as the “composed female boss,” while “Candy,” who performs aerial treat catches and offers shoulder-rubbing services, represents Shizuoka Prefecture, taking third place.
No. 1 Signature Cat Milk from “Beppu Onsen Shin Gyokuro Ryokan.” (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
Japan’s Top 10 Hotel Signature Cats Ranking:
| Rank | Prefecture | Hotel | Signature Cat |
| No. 1 | Oita Prefecture | Beppu Onsen Shin Gyokuro Ryokan |
Milk |
| No. 2 | Yamagata Prefecture | Tendo Onsen Matsubatei Azuma-so |
MaiChan |
| No. 3 | Shizuoka Prefecture | Izu Highland Petit Hotel fromage |
Candy |
| No. 4 | j閱鞠丶/td> | Yunishigawa Onsen Heike-no-Yakata |
Tosuke |
| No. 5 | Kagoshima Prefecture | Farm Stay Nyamba0?銃蠹/td> |
Yuki |
| No. 6 | Shizuoka Prefecture | Izu Plateau Nokomamechi |
Togichi |
| Ranked #7 | Shizuoka Prefecture | Ito Onsen Apple Seed |
Sera |
| Ranked #8 | Fukuoka Prefecture | Hotel Senbo? |
Kuppi |
| Ranked #9 | Nagano Prefecture |
Yamanouchi Onsen Riz0?KuupusouCairn) |
Tiger |
| Ranked #10 | Shizuoka Prefecture |
Usami Onsen – Traditional Ryokan Inn Kaifusei-so |
Kou |
Its charm and milky presence are irresistible – the internet’s favorite milk at Shintama Ryokan
The #1 star is Milk from Shintama Ryokan in Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture. Although not a fan of being touched, this cat is a master at giving massages using its round paws and legs. Its serious expression while working has won it a huge fan following, earning it the adorable nickname “The Most Melt-in-Your-Heart Massage Cat.” Aside from Milk, the ryokan is also home to over 40 other “hospitality cats” that greet every guest. There are even three cat-themed rooms available for feline lovers. Other highlights include fresh local seafood sashimi, chicken tempura, and handcrafted dishes, as well as the inn’s renowned onsen hot springs.
The #1 star is Milk from Shintama Ryokan in Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture. Although not a fan of being touched, this cat is a master at giving massages using its round paws and legs. Its serious expression while working has won it a huge fan following, earning it the adorable nickname “The Most Melt-in-Your-Heart Massage Cat.” Aside from Milk, the ryokan is also home to over 40 other “hospitality cats” that greet every guest. There are even three cat-themed rooms available for feline lovers. Other highlights include fresh local seafood sashimi, chicken tempura, and handcrafted dishes, as well as the inn’s renowned onsen hot springs.
Ranked #2: “Tendo Onsen Matsubatei AZUMA-so” and its signature cat, Mai-chan. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
Cat innkeeper Mai-chan loves roasted seaweed and is incredibly composed
The #2 signature cat is Mai-chan from Matsubatei AZUMA-so in Yamagata Prefecture. Appointed as the resident cat innkeeper, Mai-chan greets guests upon arrival. The calm demeanor of the inn’s owner is often praised by visitors. After work, Mai-chan rewards herself by devouring her favorite roasted seaweed. In spring, she also goes insect-catching to stay in shape—she’s quite the active one off-duty. As for the ryokan facilities, Matsubatei AZUMA-so offers onsen baths sourced from natural springs, as well as local Yamagata beef and mountain vegetable dishes. Room options include those with garden views and others featuring cypress wood baths.
The #2 signature cat is Mai-chan from Matsubatei AZUMA-so in Yamagata Prefecture. Appointed as the resident cat innkeeper, Mai-chan greets guests upon arrival. The calm demeanor of the inn’s owner is often praised by visitors. After work, Mai-chan rewards herself by devouring her favorite roasted seaweed. In spring, she also goes insect-catching to stay in shape—she’s quite the active one off-duty. As for the ryokan facilities, Matsubatei AZUMA-so offers onsen baths sourced from natural springs, as well as local Yamagata beef and mountain vegetable dishes. Room options include those with garden views and others featuring cypress wood baths.
Ranked #3: “Izu Plateau Pension Fromage” and its signature cat, Candy. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
Impressive aerial stunts – Candy the cat has serious stage presence
The #3 signature cat is Candy, who resides at Izu Plateau Pension Fromage in Shizuoka Prefecture. After dinner, Candy interacts with the ryokan’s two other feline companions and shows off her signature moves: the “super jump” and the “shoulder rub service.” Lately, she’s been working on a new trick: catching treats mid-air. The ryokan itself also boasts Izu cuisine featuring luxurious seafood such as lobster and red snapper, along with the option of enjoying private outdoor baths (rotenburo) using the inn’s hot spring facilities.
The #3 signature cat is Candy, who resides at Izu Plateau Pension Fromage in Shizuoka Prefecture. After dinner, Candy interacts with the ryokan’s two other feline companions and shows off her signature moves: the “super jump” and the “shoulder rub service.” Lately, she’s been working on a new trick: catching treats mid-air. The ryokan itself also boasts Izu cuisine featuring luxurious seafood such as lobster and red snapper, along with the option of enjoying private outdoor baths (rotenburo) using the inn’s hot spring facilities.
Ranked #4: “Yunishigawa Onsen Heike-no-sho” and its signature cat, Togenashi. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
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