The coasts of Japan are dotted with several “Cat Islands,” where you can be sure to meet many furry friends. Calling to attention cat lovers both domestic and international, these islands range from those where you can interact with a few friendly local felines, to those where cats outnumber the residents. While some islands were made famous by cat photo books, all have cherished cats for a long time. In this article, we discover eight cat paradises.
Tashirojima
Miyagi Prefecture
Tashirojima is a small island off the coast of Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. Within a circumference of 11 kilometres, over 100 cats live in harmony with the residents. Tashirojima is said to be the “original Cat Island,” and its history dates to the Edo period. In the past, the silk farm industry flourished, and cats were cherished for their ability to exterminate rats, the natural enemies of silkworms. Since then, the number of cats on the island has only increased. On the island, there is a Cat Shrine, “Neko-Jinja,” where the cat god is revered. All these years later, it is evident that cats are still cherished throughout the island.
Access by Public Transport
From JR Ishinomaki Station, take the Miyako Bus (Yamashita-Kadowaki Line) and get off at the Kadowaki 2-chome bus stop. It is a 5-minute walk to the Ajishima Kadowaki ferry terminal, and then a 45-minute ferry ride to Tashirojima.
Aoshima
Ehime Prefecture
Aoshima is an island which makes up part of Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture. Known for its feline population which outnumbers the number of residents, this is another island commonly known as “Cat Island.” The cats on the island are very friendly, allowing visitors to play with and feed them. However, feeding is only allowed in designated areas within the island, so please be mindful of the rules. Additionally, the regular ferry service to the island only operates two round trips per day. There are no convenience stores, vending machines, or accommodation facilities on the island, so visitors must leave the island on the afternoon ferry of the same day as their arrival.
Access by Public Transport
From JR Matsuyama Station (Ehime), take a 1-hour train ride to Iyo- Nagahama Station (JR Yosan Line). It is a 5-minute walk from the station to Nagahama Port. Aoshima can be reached by a 35-minute boat ride from Nagahama Port.
Sanagijima
Kagawa Prefecture
Sanagijima, located in Tadotsu Town, Kagawa Prefecture, is a small island with a circumference of just four kilometres. The island is home to many cats, and you may well encounter them as soon as you step foot on land. You can see cats using the concrete quay at the port as a jumping platform, or along the shore, leaping between breakwaters. With the beautiful Seto Inland Sea as a backdrop, you can capture photos of cats gracefully jumping. As long as you take your rubbish with you and do not disturb the island residents, you can also feed the cats.
Access by Public Transport
From Tadotsu Station (JR Yosan Line), it’s a 20-minute walk to Tadotsu Port, and from there, a 50–60-minute ferry ride to Sanagijima.
Okishima
Shiga Prefecture
Okishima, about 1.5 kilometres off the coast of Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, is the largest island in Lake Biwa. It is also the only inhabited island in a freshwater lake in Japan. The presence of people living on an island in a freshwater lake is so rare that it is of worldwide academic interest. There are 10 to 12 public boat trips to Okishima daily, each taking about 10 minutes, but many households own private boats so that they can travel to and from the mainland at their leisure. Cats can be seen everywhere, often loitering around the boats and the harbour seawall.
Access by Public Transport
From Omihachiman Station (JR Biwako Line), take the Omi Railway Bus bound for Kyukamura via Chomeiji and get off at Horikiri Port after approximately 32 minutes. From Horikiri Port, it’s about a 10-minute boat ride.
Ainoshima
Fukuoka Prefecture
Ainoshima is a globally renowned cat island in Shingu, Fukuoka Prefecture. It was nominated by CNN as one of the “Six Great Cat Spots of the World.” Ainoshima is situated in the Genkai Sea and is home to nearly 100 cats living peacefully with the island’s residents. The island is also famous for its sea fishing, attracting many tourists for that very purpose. It’s not uncommon to see the island’s cats receiving fish from the local fishermen. Visitors to the island can also enjoy delicious Japanese seafood dishes, making it a delightful destination not only for cat lovers but for food enthusiasts as well.
Access by Public Transport
From Nishitetsu Shingu Station (Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line), or Fukkōdaimae Station (JR Kyushu Kagoshima Main Line), take the Malinks Ai-land Line bus and get off at the Ainoshima Ferry Port bus stop. From the port, take the town-operated ferry for 17 minutes.
Manabeshima
Okayama Prefecture
Manabeshima is a small island that makes up part of the Kasaoka Islands in the Seto Inland Sea, Okayama Prefecture. It is known for its old fishing village scenery and has been used as a filming location for movies and historic TV dramas. In recent years, the number of cats on the island has surpassed that of the human population. The island has two settlements, each about a 20-minute walk from each other. The larger settlement around Manabe Port, where passengers alight from the ferry, retains the nostalgia of a traditional fishing village. Cats can be found in both settlements, so if you want to explore the island thoroughly, be sure to visit both areas.
Access by Public Transport
From Kasaoka Station (JR Sanyo Main Line), walk 5 minutes to Kasaoka Port (Sumiyoshi Terminal). It takes approximately 45 minutes by high-speed boat (or 60 minutes by regular boat) to reach Manabeshima Honura Port.
Iwaishima
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Iwaishima, in Kaminoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is an island that borders Suonada and Iyonada, two of the Seto Inland Sea’s most prominent straits. The island has a long history, having even been mentioned in the ancient Man’yōshū poetry collection, Japan’s oldest existing poetry anthology. Today, the residents make their living through fishing, organic farming, and tourism. The island is known for its many cats, especially seen near the ferry landing, where they can be found looking for food. Highlights of the island include its beautiful natural scenery, the picturesque town with stone walls, and the majestic Kagura fishing dance rituals that have been passed down for over a thousand years.
Access by Public Transport
Get off at Yanaiminato Station (JR Sanyo Main Line). Walk approximately 5 minutes to Yanai Port, and take a scheduled ferry for about 1 hour and 10 minutes to Iwaishima Port.
Yushima
Kumamoto Prefecture
Yushima, located in Kami-Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a small island with a circumference of about four kilometres. Situated in the centre of the Ariake Sea, the island’s leisurely pace seems to complement the cats’ lifestyle perfectly. Also known as “Cat Island,” Yushima attracts many cat enthusiasts who look forward to meeting their feline friends, some of which have reached Famous Cat status. Since the cats are taken care of by residents and receive fresh seafood from fishermen, they enjoy a comfortable life. There are signs installed throughout the island to inform tourists of the cats’ frequent spots.
Access by Public Transport
From JR Kumamoto Station, walk to the Kumamoto Ekimae bus stop (Number 5), and hop on a Rapid Amakusa-go Bus bound for Sanko Shako-mae (Amakusa). After about 80 minutes, alight at the Sun Pearl bus stop. Walk for 10 minutes to Ebito Port and then take a 25-minute ferry ride to Yushima.
