*AI Translated
February 22nd is a special day in Japan known as "Neko no Hi" or "Cat Day." To celebrate, the popular Japanese travel magazine "Jalan" has released the results of a survey highlighting the most charming "signboard cats" (看板猫, kanban-neko) at traditional Japanese inns (旅館, ryokan) and hotels.
These feline ambassadors aren't just cute faces; they each have their own unique way of welcoming guests and providing a special touch of hospitality. Some might greet you at the entrance, others might curl up beside you as you relax, and some might even lead you on a tour of the grounds!
"Cat Day" is the perfect opportunity to experience this unique aspect of Japanese culture. Why not plan a trip to meet these adorable hosts and enjoy a purr-fectly memorable stay?
*If you purchase or book any products mentioned in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
What is "Cat Day"? When?
"Cat Day" was established in 1987 with the purpose of "giving thanks for the happiness of living with cats and celebrating this joy with cats." The reason why it was done on February 22 is because it is a pun on the cat's meow "Nyan (2) Nyan (2) Nyan (2)".
In "Jalan", a survey is being conducted on the signboard cats of inns and hotels to coincide with this day.
Jalan I want to meet you! Inn's signboard cat ranking 2025
Let's take a look at the ranking results.
| rank | Signboard Cat Name | Name of the inn | prefecture |
| 1 | Fuku-chan (and Love) | Villa Katsuyama Avail | Chiba |
| 2 | Kurun, Chato, Chibi | Himeyado Hanakazashi | Aichi |
| 3 | Kuma-kun | Polaris | Hokkaido |
| 4 | MyuNagomi no yado Kakujoro | Nagomi no yado Kakujorou | Aichi |
| 5 | Choco-chan and Nana-chan | Sakihana Onsen Kahan no yado Hekisuisou | Niigata |
【Survey Summary】Internet Survey / Survey Period: December 18, 2024 (Wednesday) ~ December 20, 2024 (Friday) / Survey target: 20s ~ 50s living in 47 prefectures / Number of valid responses: 1,032 people / Multiple responses (Select up to 2 signboard cats that you would like to meet from the inns with signboard cats posted in "Jalan": Image selection method)
1st place: Fuku-chan (and Love)
Fuku-chan is Love's brother and sister cat who won the "No. 1 Billboard Cat" in 2023. It seems that Fuku-chan was a little small-minded because of his susceptibility, but recently he has grown into a leader among the 8 customer service cat teams! She actively runs up to her customers, makes adorable gestures, and when she points the camera at her, she shows a pose like a model, attracting visitors.
details of Villa Katsuyama Avail [Chiba] 👉Click here
2nd place: Kurun, Chato, Chibi
Kurun, who has a "squeaky tail", Cha, who has "beautiful yellow-green eyes", and Chibi, who is "a little petite", are ranked among the three of them. All three cats are accustomed to people and will run to you as soon as a customer comes. Since each of them began to spend time in the vicinity of "Himeyado Hanakazashi", the proprietress of the inn protected them and opened a shelter cat café "Nekoyado Hanahana". Now, there are a total of 13 cats living lively.
details of Himeyado Hanakazashi [Aichi Prefecture] 👉Click here
3rd place: Kuma-kun
Kuma, a black cat who lives in the northern land of Hokkaido, has a special seat around the heater at the entrance. It seems that the round and selfish body are the charm points. One of his charms is that he is a little whimsical, but his specialty is to go around the customer. Ever since the inn opened, it has been loved as a "signboard cat".
details of Polaris [Hokkaido] 👉Click here
4th place: Myu
It seems that it is a third-generation signboard cat that came to "Nagomi no Yado Kakujorou", which has valued cats for generations as a beckoning cat. Embodying the inn's motto "Enjoy the time when you don't do anything", Myu often spends time relaxing on the porch. However, it seems that she also has a good side of customer service, greeting customers at the entrance when it is time to arrive.
details of Nagomi no Yado Kakujorou [Aichi Prefecture] 👉Click here
5th place: Choco-chan and Nana-chan
Choco-chan, who has a characteristic mouth area like a little beard, is friendly and loves to play. On the other hand, Nana, who has grown up, is often seen as a solid person and enthusiastic about her work patrolling the building. From welcoming customers to guiding them to their guest rooms, to seeing them off at check-out, they are two hard-working cats that can be called a mirror of the signboard cats.
details of Sakihana Onsen Kahan no yado Hekisuirou【Niigata Prefecture】 👉Click here
Experience the charm of Japanese hospitality and meet the lovable mascot cats at various inns!
Information provider: Jalan (Recruit Co., Ltd.)
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