Is there a Cat Island near me?
Japan’s Cat Island is one of the most famous in the world. Japan is home to many “Cat Islands,” where numerous cats live alongside local residents, attracting visitors from around the world. These islands are particularly popular among cat lovers who enjoy interacting with the friendly feline inhabitants.
There are 16 representative Cat Islands in Japan, each with its own unique charm. This article provides detailed information on these islands, including their characteristics, access methods, and essential visitor guidelines.
Geography of Japan and the Location of Cat Islands
Cats can be found on many islands in the western part of Japan. Japan can be divided into Eastern and Western regions, with the Western region further categorized into smaller areas. Many of the so-called “Cat Islands” are concentrated in Western Japan.
- Eastern Japan: Includes Tokyo and Hokkaido, with Cat Islands in Miyagi and Kanagawa Prefectures.
- Shikoku Region: A major island in western Japan, home to Cat Islands in Ehime and Kagawa Prefectures.
- Kyushu Region: Located west of the Chugoku region, home to Cat Islands in Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Kumamoto Prefectures.
- Okinawa Region: Japan’s southernmost region with a warm climate, featuring a notable Cat Island in Taketomi.
- Chugoku Region: Located west of the Kinki region (which includes Kyoto and Osaka), home to Cat Islands in Yamaguchi and Okayama Prefectures.
1. Eastern Japan : Tashirojima – The Original Cat Island in the Pacific Ocean | Miyagi Prefecture
Tashirojima, located in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous Cat Islands. Traditionally, cats were considered a symbol of good luck for fishermen, leading to their long-standing protection on the island.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Tashirojima is home to over 100 cats, outnumbering the human residents. The cats are used to visitors and live a relaxed and friendly life.
How to Get to Tashirojima
- From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Sendai (1.5 hours) → Take a local train to Ishinomaki Station (1 hour) → Take a ferry from Ishinomaki Port (45 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- Feeding the cats is prohibited.
- Limited accommodation options, so a day trip is recommended.
2. Eastern Japan : Enoshima – A Popular Tourist Destination and a Major Cat Island | Kanagawa Prefecture
Enoshima, located in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a charming coastal island that combines history and natural beauty and also a famous tourist attraction known for its cat population. Its tranquil shrines have held cultural importance for generations, attracting individuals seeking spiritual solace. Scattered around the island are diverse shrine structures that contribute to its distinct character.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Enoshima has dozens of cats that roam freely. They are accustomed to people and are often found lounging in various spots around the island.
How to Get to Enoshima
- From Tokyo: Take the JR or Odakyu Line to Fujisawa Station (1 hour) → Take the Enoshima Electric Railway to Enoshima Station (10 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- The island is a busy tourist spot, so cats may hide during peak hours.
- Feeding the cats is prohibited.
3. Chugoku : Iwaishima – A Historic Cat Island | Yamaguchi Prefecture
Iwaishima is a small island in Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its traditional architecture and cat population. It is said that dozens of wild cats inhabit the island. This island is famous as the location where renowned Japanese wildlife photographer Mitsuaki Iwago captured stunning images of cats.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Cats here are well-integrated into the local lifestyle and can be seen resting on historic stone walls.
How to Get to Iwaishima
- From Yamaguchi: Take a ferry from Yanai Port (40 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- Be respectful of the local culture and history.
- Do not leave food scraps behind.
4. Shikoku : Sanagishima – A Scenic Island with Friendly Cats | Kagawa Prefecture
Sanagishima is located in the Seto Inland Sea and is known for its stunning coastal views and a significant population of friendly cats. While the island is home to around 100 cats, which isn’t a large number, it gained fame on social media for images of cats leaping across breaks in the seawall against the backdrop of the beautiful ocean.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Cats roam freely around the island, often seen resting on fishing boats or near local houses. They are well-fed by the local community and visitors.
How to Get to Sanagishima
- From Takamatsu: Take a ferry from Tadotsu Port (50 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- Be mindful of the local fishing industry.
- Feeding is discouraged to maintain a balanced diet for the cats.
5. Kyushu : Kakarashima – A Small Island with a Big Cat Community | Saga Prefecture
Kakarashima is another Cat Island in Saga, known for its rural charm and friendly cats. It is said that hundreds of cats inhabit this island. The island boasts around 45,000 naturally growing camellias, which bloom magnificently in February, creating a stunning landscape. It is definitely a place to visit during winter.
Cat Population and Characteristics
The cats on Kakarashima live harmoniously with the local residents, who take good care of them.
How to Get to Kakarashima
- From Saga: Take a ferry from Karatsu Port (30 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- Be mindful of local customs and rules.
- Do not feed the cats to maintain their natural diet.
6. Okinawa : Taketomi Island – Japan’s Southernmost Cat Island | Okinawa Prefecture
Taketomi Island, in Okinawa, is famous for its tropical scenery and relaxed cat community. This island retains traditional townscapes with red-tiled roofs, coral stone walls, white sand roads, and vibrant flowers in bloom, allowing visitors to experience the beautiful, original scenery of Okinawa. You can tour the island on a cart pulled by water buffalo. Although the island was once known for its cats, current regulations require cat ownership to be registered, and there are no longer any wild cats.
Cat Population and Characteristics
The cats on Taketomi are well cared for and often seen near traditional Okinawan houses.
How to Get to Taketomi Island
- From Naha: Take a ferry from Ishigaki Port (15 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- Enjoy the slow pace of island life and respect the culture.
- Avoid feeding the cats without permission.
Other 10 Cats Island
The following islands are also known for being home to dozens to hundreds of cats. However, in some of these islands, volunteer-led spay and neuter programs have been conducted, gradually reducing their numbers.
7. Manabeshima – A Picturesque Island with a Thriving Cat Community | Okayama Prefecture
Manabeshima is a scenic island in the Seto Inland Sea, known for its stunning coastal views, peaceful atmosphere, and large population of friendly cats.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Manabeshima’s cats are well cared for by the local community. They are used to human interaction and can often be found near fishing boats and houses, basking in the sun or exploring the island.
How to Get to Manabeshima
- From Okayama: Take a train to Kasaoka Station (50 minutes) → Walk to Kasaoka Port → Take a ferry to Manabeshima (1 hour)
Visitor Guidelines
- Limited shops and accommodations are available, so plan accordingly.
- Respect the island’s local residents and their lifestyle.
8. Mushima – A Remote Cat Island with Stunning Coastal Scenery | Okayama Prefecture
Mushima is a quiet and remote island off the coast of Okayama, part of the Kasaoka Islands. It is known for its breathtaking ocean views and a friendly cat population. Dozens of cats inhabit the island.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Mushima’s cats are well adapted to island life, often seen wandering near the fishing docks and local homes. The island’s low human population allows the cats to live freely and peacefully.
How to Get to Mushima
- From Okayama: Take a train to Kasaoka Station (50 minutes) → Walk to Kasaoka Port → Take a ferry to Mushima (1 hour 20 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- The island has very few amenities, so visitors should bring their own supplies.
- Be mindful of the local environment and avoid littering.
9. Aoshima – A Cat Paradise with 20 Times More Cats Than Humans | Ehime Prefecture
Aoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea known for having a cat population far exceeding the number of human residents. The island was once a thriving fishing community, but as the population declined, the number of cats grew, making it a well-known Cat Island.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Aoshima has around 120 cats, while the human population is under 10. The cats are well-fed and enjoy a peaceful life, often seen basking in the sun or interacting with visitors.
How to Get to Aoshima
- From Tokyo: Fly to Matsuyama Airport → Take a bus or train to Nagahama Port → Take a ferry to Aoshima (30 minutes, limited services)
Visitor Guidelines
- No shops, restaurants, or accommodations are available.
- The ferry service is limited, so plan your trip carefully.
10. Mutsukijima – A Small Island with a Procession of Ginger Cats | Ehime Prefecture
Mutsukijima, another Cat Island in Ehime, is known for its peaceful rural setting and a large population of ginger-colored cats.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Most of the cats on Mutsukijima are ginger-colored and often move in groups, resembling a royal procession.
How to Get to Mutsukijima
- From Matsuyama: Take a ferry from Takahama Port (limited service)
Visitor Guidelines
- Limited transportation and services, so bring supplies.
11. Ogijima – The Artistic Island Full of Cats | Kagawa Prefecture
Ogijima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, known for its artistic atmosphere and friendly feline inhabitants. The island is part of the Setouchi Triennale art festival, attracting visitors who come for both the cats and the art.
Cat Population and Characteristics
The cats on Ogijima are friendly and well cared for by the islanders. Many can be seen relaxing around the artistic installations and small fishing ports.
How to Get to Ogijima
- From Takamatsu: Take a ferry from Takamatsu Port (40 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- The island is small, so walking is the best way to explore.
- Respect the locals and the art installations.
12. Ainoshima – A World-Famous Cat Island | Fukuoka Prefecture
Ainoshima, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of the most famous Cat Islands in Japan. It has gained international recognition for its large and friendly cat population.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Ainoshima is home to hundreds of cats, outnumbering human residents. These cats are used to visitors and often approach them for attention.
How to Get to Ainoshima
- From Fukuoka: Take a bus or train to Shingu Port → Take a ferry to Ainoshima (20 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- Feeding the cats is not allowed.
- Respect the local community and avoid disturbing the peaceful environment.
13. Aijima – A Peaceful Cat Island | Fukuoka Prefecture
Aijima is another Cat Island in Fukuoka, known for its quiet atmosphere and friendly feline residents.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Aijima has a moderate population of well-cared-for cats. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful time interacting with them.
How to Get to Aijima
- From Fukuoka: Take a ferry from Kokura Port (30 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- There are no shops or restaurants, so bring necessary supplies.
- Keep the island clean and respect the local residents.
14. Genkaijima – A Scenic Island with Cats | Fukuoka Prefecture
Genkaijima, located off the coast of Fukuoka, is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and friendly cats.
Cat Population and Characteristics
The cats here are accustomed to visitors and often roam around fishing boats and houses.
How to Get to Genkaijima
- From Fukuoka: Take a ferry from Hakata Port (35 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- The island is small, so it is best explored on foot.
- Follow local rules regarding cat interactions.
15. Fukashima – A Paradise for Cats and Coral | Oita Prefecture
Fukashima, in Oita Prefecture, is unique among Cat Islands due to its stunning coral reefs and feline population.
Cat Population and Characteristics
The cats here are accustomed to tourists and enjoy lounging near the coastal areas.
How to Get to Fukashima
- From Oita: Take a ferry from Saiki Port (30 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- Avoid littering and keep the island clean.
- Respect the island’s marine environment.
16. Yushima – An Island with More Cats than People | Kumamoto Prefecture
Yushima, located in Kumamoto, is known for its large cat population, which outnumbers human residents.
Cat Population and Characteristics
Yushima is home to many stray and community cats that are friendly toward visitors.
How to Get to Yushima
- From Kumamoto: Take a ferry from Misumi Port (30 minutes)
Visitor Guidelines
- There are limited accommodations, so a day trip is recommended.
- Do not disturb the local ecosystem.
Conclusion
These Cat Islands offer unique experiences for visitors looking to explore Japan’s feline-friendly destinations. Whether you prefer a bustling island with plenty of human activity or a quiet, secluded retreat, each island has something special to offer.
