Japan's adorable animal islands: Where cats, rabbits, and foxes rule

Japan's unique islands dedicated to cats, rabbits, and other animals

Japan's adorable animal islands: Where cats, rabbits, and foxes rule

Japan has taken its love for cute animals to a whole new level with entire islands and villages dedicated to furry residents. These quirky destinations have become social media sensations and bucket-list spots for animal lovers worldwide. Let's explore ten of the most charming places where animals outnumber humans and cuteness overload is guaranteed.

Tashirojima: The original Cat Island

Image: Nathalie Jolie

Located off the coast of northeastern Japan, Tashirojima is home to hundreds of cats that freely roam this tiny fishing island. The feline population actually outnumbers the human residents, who are mostly elderly fishermen. Locals believe cats bring good luck and prosperity, so they've been feeding and caring for them for generations.

The island even features cat-shaped shrines and accommodation huts designed to look like cats. There's a "cat code" here too: Dogs are banned from the island to keep the cats happy and stress-free.

Aoshima: Where cats outnumber people 36 to 1

Image: Ibrahim Qandily

Aoshima takes cat obsession even further than Tashirojima. This small island in southern Japan has roughly 120 cats and only about 3-4 human residents. The cats were originally brought to control mice on fishing boats, but they multiplied rapidly once they discovered island life was pretty sweet.

Tourists must bring their own food and water since there are no shops, restaurants, or vending machines on Aoshima. The ferry only runs twice daily, and visitor numbers are limited to prevent overwhelming the island.

Okunoshima: Rabbit Island's dark history

Image: Janan

Okunoshima, nicknamed "Rabbit Island," is now an adorable paradise filled with hundreds of friendly bunnies hopping around freely. However, this island has a darker past—it was once the site of a secret poison gas factory during World War II. The original rabbits were test subjects that were supposedly released after the war ended.

Today's rabbit population likely descended from pets released by schoolchildren in the 1970s. The bunnies have no natural predators and have thrived in this safe environment. Visitors can purchase rabbit food at the island's visitor center and spend the day being swarmed by hungry, affectionate bunnies looking for snacks and attention.

Zao Fox Village: Not an island, but just as magical

Image: Nathan Anderson

While not technically an island, Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture deserves mention for its unique concept. This sanctuary houses over 100 foxes of six different species, including the adorable Arctic fox. Visitors can walk through the village where foxes roam freely in a semi-wild environment.

For an extra fee, you can even hold a fox for a photo opportunity. The village also has a small petting area with younger, more socialized foxes. Just remember that these are still wild animals with sharp teeth, so respecting boundaries is important.

Miyajima: Deer Island near Hiroshima

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Miyajima, officially called Itsukushima, is famous for its floating torii gate, but the island's wild deer population runs a close second in popularity. Over 1,000 deer roam freely throughout the island, particularly around the ferry terminal and near Itsukushima Shrine. Unlike Nara's deer, Miyajima's deer aren't fed by tourists, so they're generally calmer and less aggressive.

These deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion. They'll still approach visitors hoping for food, but feeding them is discouraged to maintain their natural behavior.

Enoshima: Cats with an ocean view

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Enoshima is a small island near Tokyo that's easily accessible by bridge and train, making it perfect for a day trip. While known for its shrine, caves, and stunning views of Mount Fuji, the island also has a thriving cat community. These street-smart felines know exactly where the best fishing spots and tourist feeding stations are located.

The cats here have adapted to the tourist lifestyle and are quite photogenic, often posing near scenic spots. Unlike more remote cat islands, Enoshima offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions, so you can enjoy both cats and conveniences.

Ainoshima: The lesser-known cat paradise

Image: Kevin Woblick

Ainoshima is another cat island in Fukuoka Prefecture that flies under the radar compared to Tashirojima and Aoshima. With about 80 cats and roughly 200 human residents, it maintains a better balance between feline and human populations. The cats here are equally friendly but face fewer tourist crowds, making for a more relaxed experience.

The island itself is charming, with traditional fishing village scenery and peaceful walking paths. Getting there requires a 20-minute ferry ride from Shingu Port, and the journey feels like stepping back in time.

Sanagishima: Cats and art combined

Image: Helga Pettersen

Sanagishima is part of the Setouchi Triennale art festival islands, meaning you get cats plus contemporary art installations. The island has a significant cat population that's become accustomed to the influx of art tourists visiting the outdoor sculptures and installations. It's a unique combination that appeals to both art enthusiasts and animal lovers.

The cats often interact with the art pieces, creating spontaneous photo opportunities that artists probably never intended. During festival years, the island gets quite busy, but in off-years, it returns to its sleepy fishing village atmosphere.

Muzukijima: The Wild Cat Colony

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Muzukijima, near Fukuoka, has a somewhat wilder cat population compared to the more tourist-friendly islands. The cats here are more feral and less socialized to human contact, making them better suited for observing rather than petting. This might actually appeal to photographers looking for more natural, candid shots of cats in their element.

Access is limited, and the island doesn't have much infrastructure for tourists. It's really for dedicated cat enthusiasts who want to see how feral colonies naturally behave without heavy human intervention.

Kadarashima: The newest cat hotspot

Image: Anastasija Puskas

Kadarashima is gaining attention as an emerging cat island destination in Ehime Prefecture. With fewer than 20 human residents and a growing cat population, it's following in the paw prints of more famous cat islands. The cats here are still relatively unaccustomed to heavy tourism, making them curious and approachable.

The island retains an authentic, undiscovered feeling that the more famous spots have lost to crowds and commercialization. There's minimal tourist infrastructure, so come prepared with supplies and low expectations for amenities.