An island surrounded by animals and nature is the perfect destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rejuvenate their mind and body!
Today, we introduce to you "islands where you can encounter animals" as recommended travel destinations, where you can spend leisurely time with cats and rabbits!
【Hokkaido】Yakushima Island
Yakushima Island is a small island floating off the east coast of Hokkaido. It is a remote island that preserves untouched nature and pristine forests.
On the island, you can see many seabirds and wild birds, but the most famous animals are sheep. Vast farms raise black Suffolk sheep, earning it the nickname "Sheep Island"!
Despite being a remote island with a population of fewer than 200 people, it offers bicycle rentals and sightseeing taxis. If you want to experience something you can't enjoy in the city, this is definitely a recommended tourist destination.
[Address] Roast Chicken Island, Haporo-cho, Tomamae-gun, Hokkaido
[Access] Take a high-speed boat from Haporo Ferry Terminal to Roast Chicken Island, about 35 minutes, or take a ferry for about 1 hour
【Miyagi】Tashiro Island
Tashiro Island in Miyagi Prefecture is a small island about 45 minutes by boat from Ishinomaki City. It is known as "Cat Island," home to about 60 residents and over 100 cats.
In the fishing-rich Tashiro Island, cats are revered as guardians of the abundant catch, with even a Cat Shrine built in their honor! Everywhere on the island, you can encounter leisurely felines whose adorable demeanor is sure to enchant you ♡
Moreover, surrounded by azure seas and jungle-like forests, Tashiro Island's charm lies in its ability to showcase the breathtaking beauty of nature.
[Address] Tashirohama, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
[Access] Approximately 45 minutes by boat from Ishinomaki/Old Kitakami River Mouth Port
【Hiroshima】Okunoshima Island
Okunoshima Island is located about 15 minutes by boat from Tadanoumi in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is a small island with no private residences, only accommodation facilities.
The most prominent feature of Okunoshima Island is the approximately 1000 rabbits that freely roam the island. As soon as you arrive at the port, you'll encounter many rabbits, sure to be charmed by their fluffy adorableness ♡
There are plenty of friendly rabbits you can feed and interact with. Just remember, while it's delightful to play with them, they are wild animals!
[Address] Tadanoumi-cho, Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Access] Approximately 15 minutes by ferry from Tadanoumi Port
【Hiroshima】Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture is a renowned tourist destination, famous for its beautiful scenery and considered one of Japan's three scenic spots. It is home to many friendly deer.
In Miyajima, deer are regarded as messengers of the gods, and you can encounter them strolling and grazing throughout the island. Unique experiences such as photographing deer against the serene Seto Inland Sea await you.
Feeding deer on Miyajima Island is generally prohibited. Please take note!
[Address] Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Access] Approximately 10 minutes by ferry from Miyajima-guchi Port
【Kagawa】Ogijima Island
Ogijima Island in Kagawa Prefecture is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, known as the "Cat Island." Many artworks adorn the island's landscape, earning it the title of the venue for the Setouchi Triennale.
The charm of Ogijima Island lies not only in the abundance of cats you can see gathered together but also in the serendipitous encounters with cats as you wander through its pastoral landscapes. Another intriguing aspect is the numerous sightseeing spots, including rustic restaurants, chic cafes, and the island's lighthouse.
Stroll through the maze-like alleyways, where you can touch upon art scattered throughout the island and occasionally encounter a cat. You'll surely have an exhilarating time here ♡
[Address] Ogicho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
[Access] Approximately 40 minutes by ferry from Takamatsu Port (via Megijima)
【Ehime】Aoshima Island
Aoshima Island is a small island floating in the Seto Inland Sea. Despite its small population, it is home to over 100 cats, making it a popular destination and earning it the nickname "Cat Paradise" by the Japanese media.
Aside from the ubiquitous presence of cats, what makes Aoshima's scenery so special is the preservation of buildings that narrate the island's historical tales in their original form. The unique atmosphere is sure to ignite your sense of adventure!
With only two round trips per day from Nagahama Port, be sure to plan your itinerary carefully!
[Address] Aoshima, Nagahama-cho, Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture
[Access] Approximately 35 minutes by boat from Iyo Nagahama Port
【Fukuoka】Aino Island
Aino Island is one of the islands known as "Cat Islands," where cats outnumber humans. Fishing has been prevalent here for a long time, and cats are carefully kept to prevent mice from gnawing holes in the hulls of fishing boats.
When you arrive on the island, you'll encounter many cats. However, there are no other sightseeing spots, shops, or restaurants on the island, so it's advisable to bring food in advance. For those looking to relax and play with cats, it's a perfect tourist destination.
[Address] Kita-ku, Kokura, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Access] 5 minutes walk from JR Kokura Station North Exit to Kokura Tobata, then approximately 35 minutes by boat from Kokura Tobata
【Fukuoka】Aishima Island
Aishima Island is a small solitary island floating in the Genkai Sea. In recent years, it has gained worldwide attention as a cat island with numerous cats and was selected by CNN as one of the top 5 cat-friendly destinations globally.
It's said that over 100 cats live on the island, offering opportunities for interaction with them. For cat lovers, it's truly a relaxing haven.
[Address] 1382 Aishima, Shingumachi, Haru, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Access] Ferry JR Fukkodai-mae Station Community Bus Marinex Sorando Line Clockwise Route Shingumachi Port (Aishima Ferry Terminal) Shingumachi Port Town Ferry Shingumachi Approximately 20 minutes
【Miyazaki】Sachishima Island
Sachishima Island is a small island located near the southern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture. It's only a 5-minute boat ride away, making it a conveniently accessible tourist destination.
The island is home to approximately 100 Japanese macaques. Despite being wild animals, they are renowned for their high intelligence, and you can observe them swimming in the sea, washing sweet potatoes in water, and eating them!
Additionally, you can see Japanese macaques living on beaches with clear seawater, a sight unique to Sachishima Island.
[Address] Kikoshima, Kushima City, Miyazaki Prefecture
[Access] Approximately 5 minutes by boat from Kojima Ferry Terminal
