If you love cats and islands (like myself) you will be interested in this post. It’s possible you already know Aoshima or Tashirojima, maybe the most famous Japanese cat islands (Nekojimas), but there are a few others! Cat islands are not just a Japan thing, but Japanese people are much more friendly to them and see them as a symbol of good luck and fortune. I am definitely planning a Japan tour around this list.
Aoshima
This is a tiny fishing island with more cats than humans, approximately only 15 humans live there! It has become a popular Japanese tourist spot.
Tashirojima
Cats live everywhere as free creatures, never treated as pets. There’s an area called “Manga Island” with cat shaped houses.
Genkaishima
Maybe not as well known as others but this one used to be the island with a bigger number of cats until 2005.
Kadarashima
There’s an interesting legend around this island that involves a dog making angry the island deity. That explains why you won’t find any dogs there.
Aijima
On the Sea of Japan we find Ajima, one of the easiest islands to reach if you want to visit some nekojimas.
Iwaishima
Situated in the Inland Sea, it has been part of a nuclear plant controversy. But residents and cooperatives voted against its construction.
Manabeshima
Very popular between filmmakers, a few films have found beautiful locations here, also the book Manabe Shima
Muzukijima
This island is in the middle of a lake! And they have the best oranges in Japan!It makes a big contrast with the fishing nature of many other cat islands.
Sanagishima
This one is situated in Kagawa, the smallest prefecture in Japan. As you can see in the map there are a few cat islands in the Inland Sea area.
Okishima
Another island in the middle of a lake. If you are a bicycle lover this is your place, that’s the main transportation in this small nekojima.
Enoshima
This island has a lot of summer visitors for its wonderful beaches, the cats are just a plus cute factor here.
Go to Fubirai’s blog to see lots of pictures.
