Explore 10 of Japan's Best Cat Islands

Save this map of Japan's cat islands

Miyagi Prefecture: Tashirojima Island

Tashirojima, the most famous cat island in Japan, is located 17 kilometers southeast of Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture. The island's 55 residents traditionally farmed silkworms and fished, keeping over 100 cats semi-wild to control rats. The island even has a "Cat Shrine" and prohibits dogs, except guide dogs, underscoring the sacred status of the cats.

Tashirojima has two ports: Odomari in the north and Nitoda in the south. Take a boat from Ishinomaki City to Odomari and explore the island on foot, and enjoy light snacks at Shima no Eki, a rest stop and shop. You can then return by boat from Nitoda. For an overnight stay, opt for the cat-shaped "Manga Island" camping accommodation designed by Japanese manga artists Tetsuya Chiba and Machiko Satonaka.

Tashirojima Island
Address: Tashirohama, Ishinomaki-shi, Miyagi Prefecture
Access: 7-min bus ride from JR Ishinomaki Station to Ishinomaki Genki Market bus stop. Take a short walk to the Ajishima Line Ishinomaki Central boarding area, and go on a 40-min boat ride to Odomari Port.
Official website: https://www.city.ishinomaki.lg.jp/cont/10053500/0050/3639/3639.html

Kanagawa Prefecture: Enoshima Island

Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture is one of Japan's top ten must-visit cat islands and the closest to Tokyo, making it ideal for a day trip combined with a visit to nearby Kamakura. While cats are harder to spot due to the area's popularity, they can often be found near Enoshima Shrine and the Chigogafuchi Abyss.

Enjoy local delicacies like grilled octopus crackers and shirasu whitebait rice bowls, relax at the Enoshima Island Spa, and enjoy the evening light display. Opt for the JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) for a combined trip to Enoshima and Tashirojima islands.

Enoshima Island
Address: Enoshima, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: 15-min walk from Odakyu Katase-Enoshima Station or Enoshima Station (Enoshima Electric Railway)
Official website: https://discover-fujisawa.jp/en/

Shiga Prefecture: Okishima Island

Okishima is the largest island on Lake Biwa and one of the few freshwater lake islands with inhabitants. The residents have historically kept many cats, earning Okishima the nickname "Cat Island." It’s a soothing destination that pairs well with a visit to Kyoto or the nearby areas of Shiga Prefecture and Omihachiman. The island is a ten-minute boat ride from Horikiri Port in Omihachiman City.

On Okishima, you can wander through nostalgic streets and encounter cats, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city. Climb to the Okishima Observation Deck for views of the Okishima fishing port. Don’t miss trying the local specialty, funazushi, a traditional Shiga dish made by fermenting crucian carp with rice for two to three months, known for its strong flavor.

When traveling in the Kansai Region, opt for the Kansai Area Pass. It offers one to four-day options and covers JR trains in major tourist areas such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, including trains to JR Omihachiman Station. It also comes with a voucher for a one-day Kyoto subway and Keihan Electric Railway pass.

Okishima Island
Address: Okishima-cho, Omihachiman-shi, Shiga Prefecture
Access: 32-min bus ride from JR Omihachiman Station to Horikiri Port, then take a 10-min boat ride to Okishima Port
Official website: https://montekite.com/ (in Japanese only)

Okayama Prefecture: Manabeshima Island

Manabeshima is one of the 20 islands in the Seto Inland Sea, located about 18 kilometers from Kasaoka Port in Okayama Prefecture. As part of the Kasaoka Islands, it retains the charm of an old fishing village. Visitors can interact with friendly cats, enjoy the flowers at Manabeshima Fureai Park, and savor fresh seafood dishes. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking the tranquility of village life.

For traveling in the Seto Inland Sea region, opt for the Setouchi Area Pass. This seven7-day pass covers transportation across Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and the Shikoku cities of Matsuyama and Takamatsu.

Manabeshima Island
Address: Manabeshima, Kasaoka-shi, Okayama Prefecture
Access: From JR Kasaoka Station, walk about 10 mins to Kasaoka Port, then take a 65-min boat ride to Hono Port
Official website: https://www.pref.okayama.jp/site/271/456768.html

Ehime Prefecture: Aoshima Island

With just over ten human residents and more than 100 cats, Aoshima Island is a paradise for cat lovers. Since there are no stores or vending machines on Aoshima, be sure to bring your own lunch for a leisurely stay and cat petting. If you'd like to feed the cats, you can also visit the designated feeding area for the experience, and pop by Aoshima Shrine for amazing sea views.

Aoshima Island  
Address: Aoshima, Nagahama-cho, Ozu-shi, Ehime Prefecture  
Access: Walk 6 mins from JR Iyo-Nagahama Station to Nagahama Port, then take a 35-min ferry ride to Aoshima Port
Official website: https://ritou.ehime.jp/guide/aoshima/ (in Japanese only)

Kagawa Prefecture: Ogijima Island

Being part of Shikoku, Ogijima Island’s winding slopes have led locals to use handcarts called onba for transporting goods, making it a unique cultural feature of this cat island. It's recommended to stroll up to Toyotamahime Shrine at the island's highest point for stunning views. Afterward, relax at a local cafe with a coffee, enjoy the sea view, and spend time with the cats.

For those exploring Shikoku, including Kagawa, Kochi, Ehime, and Tokushima prefectures, opt for the All Shikoku Rail Pass. It offers unlimited rides on JR Shikoku lines and local railways, and also includes ferry rides to popular destinations like Shodoshima Island, making travel around the region easy and convenient.

Ogijima Island
Address: Ogicho, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa Prefecture
Access: From JR Takamatsu Station, walk 5 mins to Takamatsu Port and take a 40-min boat ride to Ogijima Port
Official website: https://meon.co.jp/ogijima

Fukuoka Prefecture: Ainoshima Island

Located northwest of the Kanmon Straits, Ainoshima is a charming cat island perfect for a day trip from Kokura or Kitakyushu cities. After disembarking, it takes about 40 minutes to walk to the island's most scenic spot, the Senjojiki Rocks. Along the way, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, play with the cats, and soak in the island’s rustic charm. Be sure to take a break at the island’s only cafe, Kana Cafe, for a cup of coffee.

Ainoshima Island
Address: Ainoshima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: From JR Kokura Station, walk 12 mins to Kokura Port and take a 40-min boat ride to Ainoshima Port
Official website: https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/kokurakita/file_0077.html (in Japanese only)

Fukuoka Prefecture: Ainoshima Island

Located northwest of the Shingu Coast, there is another island also named Ainoshima, famous for being named one of the "World's Six Best Cat Islands" by CNN in 2013. It was also historically a port for Korean envoys. As you disembark on the island, you’ll be greeted by many friendly cats.

A two-hour walk around the island lets you explore historical sites such as the Ainoshima Burial Mounds from the Kofun period (300-538 AD) and the Hanagurise basalt sea cave, also known as Glasses Rock. Take a rest at Maruyama Shokudo near the port, and enjoy fresh sashimi fish slices and seafood ramen made from the island’s daily catch.

Ainoshima Island
Address: Ainoshima, Shingu-shi, Kasuya-ku, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: From JR Fukko-dai-mae Station, take a 10-min bus ride to Shingu Port, then take a 17-minute boat ride to Ainoshima Port
Official website: https://www.town.shingu.fukuoka.jp/soshiki/sangyo_shinko/8/1/2/1844.html

Okinawa Prefecture: Taketomi Island

Just a ten-minute high-speed boat ride from Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island is one of Okinawa’s charming cat islands. It features nostalgic red-tiled roof villages and sandy beaches, making it a must-visit destination in the summer. In the warm climate of Taketomi Island, you can often see cats lounging in the sun by the roadside or on the beach, perfect for capturing adorable photos.

For a day trip from Ishigaki Island to Taketomi Island, buy your round-trip ferry tickets through WAmazing Transport. Simply show the ticket on your phone and pay the fuel surcharge of JPY 360 at the port.

Taketomi Island
Address: Taketomi, Yaeyama-ku, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10-min boat ride from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal to Taketomi East Port
Official website: https://www.town.taketomi.lg.jp/english/

Okinawa Prefecture: Ojima Island

Located in Nanjo City, Ojima Island is a small fishing village renowned for its sunshine, clear beaches, and friendly cats. It's a great spot for a relaxing day trip, with a 20-minute walk taking you around the island. Enjoy the clear waters with the cats, and visit local tempura snack shops and a fish market for fresh sashimi.

Ojima Island
Address: Ojima, Tamagusuku, Nanjo-shi, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 56-min bus ride from Naha Bus Terminal to Ojima Iriguchi stop, from there it’s an 18-min walk
Official website: https://visitokinawajapan.com/travel-inspiration/charms-ojima-island/

Explore Japan's adorable cat islands

When visiting Japan's unique cat islands, remember to respect the residents and follow the feeding regulations while you enjoy your visit. Additionally, be mindful of the environment and do not disturb the natural habitat of the cats and other wildlife on the islands.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.