Last Updated on 24 January 2026 by Vanessa
Welcome to Okinawa, where the beaches are warm, the vibes are chill, and cats run the place. Often dubbed a “cat island” like its famous cousins Tashirojima and Aoshima, Okinawa is crawling (and purring) with feline charm—from sleepy strays sunbathing on ancient stone walls to mischievous moggies prowling temple grounds.
But this isn’t just a cute-and-fluffy story (okay, it’s mostly that). We’re diving into the rich tapestry behind Okinawa’s feline fame—uncovering how history, weather, and a unique human-cat connection have shaped this purr-fect little kingdom.
So grab your sunhat and your curiosity—this is one “tail” you don’t want to miss! 🐾
Okinawa has thousands of felines waiting for you!
Where is Okinawa Island?
Okinawa is located in the southernmost part of Japan, in the East China Sea. It is actually a prefecture consisting of over 150 islands, stretching from Kyushu (Japan’s southernmost main island) all the way toward Taiwan. Okinawa Island is the most populous and is situated approximately 640 kilometers (400 miles) south of mainland Japan.
Why are there so many stray cats on Okinawa Island?
“I stroll through the covered and slightly dilapidated downtown shopping streets of Naha, on the Japanese island of Okinawa,” writes Alexandre Bonnefoy in his coffee table book Neko Land. “I see a cat in a very narrow lane; I follow him; and I arrive in a half-abandoned park where dozens of stray cats bask in the sunlight. It’s hot; the park is almost deserted; time seems to have stopped.”
But not for the cats…
Military bases
Out of the island’s roughly 1.5 million people, many are U.S. military personnel and their families stationed at local bases.
These have had an unexpected effect on the street cats.
While living on the island, many military members bond with local cats and adopt them as pets. But when their service ends, some cats get left behind or abandoned, which adds to the growing stray cat population.
Historical and cultural influence
Cats have historically played a role in Okinawan culture, valued for controlling pests like snakes and rodents.
Over time, they became part of the island’s ecosystem, with local communities looking after them.
However, as lifestyles have changed and modernization has taken hold (more people living in urban areas, increased pet ownership without spaying or neutering, and less traditional outdoor care), stray cat populations have grown. As more homes replaced farmland, cats lost natural hunting grounds and relied more on human care, while busy city life meant fewer people could look after strays, leading to more cats living on the streets.
Climate and environment
Okinawa’s subtropical climate provides favorable conditions for cats to thrive. The warm weather and abundance of food sources contribute to the survival and reproduction of stray cats.
Financial struggles
Tourism plays a significant role in the economy, with Okinawa’s beautiful beaches, unique culture, and historical sites attracting both domestic and international visitors.
However, in terms of the economy, Okinawa has faced some challenges compared to other parts of Japan. The prefecture does have a lower GDP per capita compared to the national average, and unemployment rates have been relatively higher. This limited income makes it difficult to allocate sufficient funds for the spaying, neutering, and overall wellbeing of the cats.
Irresponsible pet ownership
Irresponsible pet ownership, especially failure to spay or neuter cats, contributes to the increasing population of stray cats.
Efforts are being made by local organizations and individuals to address the issue of street cats in Okinawa. These include trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, adoption initiatives, and raising awareness about responsible pet ownership. These measures aim to control the population and improve the well-being of street cats on the island.
Is Okinawa a “cat island”?
Okinawa Island is not officially recognized as a “cat island.”
The term “cat island” typically refers to specific islands in Japan, such as Aoshima, Tashirojima, and Enoshima, where the population of cats significantly surpasses that of humans, and cats are considered a major attraction.
While Okinawa Island does have a notable population of stray cats, it is not primarily known or promoted as a designated “cat island” like the aforementioned locations. However, it’s important to note that the term “cat island” is not an official designation and can be subjective based on the criteria used to define it.
📍 Check out our list of all the Japanese cat islands!
What else can you do on Okinawa Island (if you are a cat lover)?
Apart from the cats themselves, Okinawa Island offers a variety of other attractions and cultural experiences that cat enthusiasts may find interesting. Here are some cat-related activities and places to consider when visiting Okinawa Island:
Shuri Castle
This popular tourist attraction has a resident cat population. You can often spot cats roaming around the park, adding a charming touch to this UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
📍 To visit these cats, we recommend booking this full day bus tour combining Shuri Castle and Okinawa World.
Okinawa Island Cat Village
Near Nago City in northern Okinawa Island, there is a community known as the Okinawa Island Cat Village (Okinawa Island Neighbourhood), where local residents care for stray cats. It’s a heartwarming place to witness the community’s efforts to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these cats.
Cat cafés
Okinawa Island has several cat cafés where you can relax, enjoy a beverage, and spend time with resident cats. These cafés provide a cozy environment for interacting with friendly felines while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.
📍 Check out the best cat cafés in Japan!
How to get to Okinawa Island?
Dreaming of visiting this cat-filled paradise? Here are the main ways to get there:
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By air: Flying is the easiest way. Naha Airport (OKA) is the island’s main hub, with direct flights from major Japanese cities and international flights from places like China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. Check airline websites for schedules.
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Domestic ferry: For a scenic trip, take a ferry from ports like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kagoshima to Okinawa’s Naha Port or others. Ferries take much longer than planes and usually require advance booking.
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Cruise ship: Some cruises stop in Okinawa. If you’re on a cruise vacation, see if Okinawa is on the route.
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Military transport: U.S. military members and their families can use military flights to Okinawa, which run regularly for authorized personnel.
Final thoughts
Are you now curious about Okinawa Island and its cuddly cats? Then check out this 7-Day Okinawa Itinerary, which answers all the questions you may have.
Be sure to snap a few photos of your new furry friends while you’re there (and share them with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
About the photographer
Alexandre Bonnefoy lived in Japan from 2010 to 2012 and publishes books on everyday culture, traditions, and animals.
His most famous book is Neko Land, which explores the lives of stray cats in Japanese cities and fishing islands.
He also works as a children’s book illustrator and has done so since 2003.
Related: Book spotlight: Neko Land by Alexandre Bonnefoy and Delphine Vaufrey.
One Response
An island full of cats…sign me up!!