Ryokan Aji To Yado Kagetsu

We held a meal after our memorial service here and really appreciated the thoughtful hospitality. The pick-up and drop-off service was handled with care, the food was delicious, and the reception hall felt very pleasant, classic, and meticulously maintained. It also has a superb location overlooking the sea. And the cat was adorable.

The broth was delicious, and I chose the meat option, sukiyaki, with little side dishes. The 1,980 yen lunch also came with clear soup, rice, coffee in a demitasse cup, and pudding, so it was very satisfying. Four friends and I went together. It's up a bit of a hill with stairs, but they provided rides to and from the restaurant. The building has a charming old-fashioned atmosphere. My husband said famous people used to come here. Apparently there are about 30 cats in the courtyard, and in spring it seems popular to see the cherry blossoms up close through the windows.

We stayed one night, November 18-19, and had such a peaceful, relaxing time. The food was delicious, and the staff were very pleasant. The place has the atmosphere and charm you'd expect from a former guesthouse. A whole family of cats greeted us at the entrance: mother cat Bibi-chan, kittens Jiji, Mario, and Hana, and their uncle Shimajiro. There were lots of them, and they were so soothing to be around. I heard that the vegetables sold beside the front desk help pay for the cats' food and vet bills. I'd love to come back.

At the foot of Sumaura Park, this restaurant offers spectacular views alongside exquisite Japanese-style kaiseki. It also appeared on Iwago's World Cat Walk, and around 30 cats play around the restaurant. News reports published on February 19th said the restaurant had burned down. We're concerned about the cats' safety and hope it reopens safely.