Neco Republic Osaka – Capsule hotel with cat cafe
Capsule hotels are favoured by travellers for being a no-frills and budget-friendly form of accommodation. After all, your priority is simply to get a clean, peaceful, and private space for some quality shut-eye. But with Neco Republic Osaka, you’ll get quite the elevated capsule hotel experience.
Located in Japan, this one-of-a-kind establishment combines a capsule hotel with a cat cafe. That’s right, felines will frolic around your place of lodging. The hotel is even themed after ryokans and onsens – AKA traditional Japanese inns and hot springs respectively. Prepare for a unique spa retreat experience, complete with kitties in every corner.
The current exchange rate is ¥100= ~S$0.87 as of 24th January 2025.
What to expect at Neco Republic Osaka, a hotel & cat cafe in Japan
Image credit: Neco Republic Japan
Neco Republic Osaka operates mainly as a capsule hotel, with a range of compact and minimalist rooms priced from ¥20,182/night. The rooms are said to be cosy and well-maintained, with soundproof partitions so light sleepers need not worry about the loud snores of fellow travellers.
Image credit: Neco Republic Japan
Of course, the highlight of this hotel is the in-house cat cafe. Guests can rest and recharge with some tranquil cat-watching after a day of bustling vacation activities. And falling asleep with adorable felines sauntering back and forth, possibly even stopping by your capsule to have a peep if you’re lucky, is a next-level experience we never knew we needed.
Image credit: Neco Republic Japan
Those who are concerned about allergies or are slightly afraid of cats need not worry, as you can admire them through a secure barrier. The capsule bed area is right next to where the felines frolic, and this cat cafe zone is open to visitors daily, 12pm-9pm.
How much does it cost to go to Neco Republic Osaka?
Image credit: Neco Republic Japan
Neko Republic Osaka’s cat cafe space is open to the public. For those who aren’t staying at the hotel but would still like to interact with the feline residents, admission rates are as follows:
| Weekdays | ¥200 per 10-min slot, or ¥1,500 per 60-min slot |
| Weekends | ¥250 per 10-min slot, or ¥1,800 per 60-min slot |
All hotel guests will receive a complimentary 2-hour cat cafe admission voucher, so you can enjoy some cat-snuggling therapy during your stay.
Image credit: Neco Republic Japan
Because Neco Republic Osaka has a spa and ryokan theme, expect tatami mats to get comfy on and the option to have a relaxing foot bath (¥500 for 10 min). The spa area is also part of the cat cafe zone, so you may very well find a feline friend nestling in your lap as you enjoy your foot soak. To maximise your chances, you can purchase a packet of cat kibble (¥300) to entice them.
Is Neco Republic Osaka ethical?
As with other animal cafes, you may be concerned about whether the furry residents are well taken care of. All cats staying at Neco Republic Osaka are actually rescued foster cats awaiting adoption.
Image credit: Neco Republic Japan
The regular human interaction is beneficial for them to become more domesticated and comfortable around people, which then makes the transition into being adopted pets that much smoother.
The staff take hygiene and safety standards seriously, so all guests are required to wear socks. They also make sure that guests thoroughly disinfect their hands before entering the cat cafe and cat spa spaces, so as to prevent the spread of germs or infections.
Image credit: Neco Republic Japan
A portion of the proceeds from the capsule hotel business goes towards food, well-being, and medical expenses for the kitties. Guests who are particularly passionate about feline friends can even opt in for Neco Republic Osaka’s cat care experience.
You basically get to chip in with the staff’s duties for maintenance of the cats’ living spaces, performing simple tasks like vacuuming the rooms, cleaning the windows, replenishing their food, and so on. This opportunity allows you to get up close and personal with them, and who knows? The kitties may just be so grateful that they’ll be extra manja to you.
The windows of time for guests to partake in the cat care experience are 10am-12pm, and 9pm-10pm daily.
Where is Neco Republic Osaka located?
The bustling Dotonburi district, Osaka’s shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.
Neco Republic Osaka is about a 10-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro Line, conveniently connecting you to the rest of the city. The iconic Dotonbori district is just 1 metro stop away, or 15 minutes on foot.
And very importantly, the hotel is right across the street from a Lawson, giving you access to Japan’s next-level convenience store food for late-night suppers and snack attacks. Just check out one of the many stellar reviews available online:
Neco Republic Osaka review: “The staff are very accommodating and friendly. We could hear the cats running around after hours which was entertaining. The hotel is close to many conbinis and food establishments. I enjoyed my time here and would recommend it to anyone looking for an experience unlike staying at a normal hotel. The room is very private, which was nice.” – Miranda, via Agoda
Stay at Neco Republic Osaka if you’re a cat & capsule hotel lover
Image credit: Neco Republic Japan
Neco Republic Osaka is certainly the ideal lodging spot for those who love cats and minimalist accommodations. It’s a unique concept that will make your Japan trip that much more memorable, and you might very well bond with some feline friends throughout your stay.
Find out more about Neco Republic Osaka
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Cover image adapted from: Neco Republic Osaka