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Last Updated on 6 August 2026 by Vanessa
Aoshima and Tashirojimaare the names most people know when they hear the term “cat island.”
But did you know that Japan is home to 27 different cat islands? Yet I’ve never seen them all brought together in one place. Most lists focus on the same famous few, leaving many others surprisingly hard to find.
So, I put them all together in one guide, including information on where each island is located, what makes it unique, and what you can expect if you decide to visit.
All 27 cat islands in Japan: where are they and what are they like
Japanese cat islands: interactive map
1. Tashirojima
Location: In the north of Japan, at the same height as the city of Sendaï and more precisely off the coast of Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture.
Highlights: Tashirojima has a population of approximately 150 cats. They are the principal attraction of this island that counted over 1,000 inhabitants in the 1980s. There was even a school, now in ruins. Today, between 50 and 60 fishermen, of whom the average age is 60 years old, are left.
🐱 Read more: Tashirojima Cat Island: the ultimate travel guide
2. Aoshima
Location: In the Seto Inland Sea, near Ehime Prefecture. Nearby cities include Matsuyama and Imabari.
Highlights: This was once Japan’s most famous cat island. Its mix of nature and cats made it a popular stop for cat-lovers looking for a more quiet destination.
❗️ Aoshima reached a tipping point when caring for hundreds of cats became too much for its older residents. Authorities sterilized all the cats, and no kittens have been born since. Today, Aoshima is home only to aging cats, and their numbers decline dramatically. Within a few years, Aoshima will have no cats left at all.
🐱 Read more: Everything you’ve always wanted to know about Aoshima Cat Island
3. Enoshima
Location: Near Kamakura, more precisely in the Sagami Bay of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Kanagawa Prefecture.
Highlights: Don’t miss the iconic Enoshima Shrine, perched on a hillside with breathtaking ocean views. You can also check out the Samuel Cocking Garden with its variety of plants and the old lighthouse, and climb the Enoshima Sea Candle for clear, wide views of the coastline and the sea. Overall, Enoshima is a wonderful place to visit, but the cat population has decreased quite significantly over the past few years.
4. Okishima
Location: In Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture. Nearby cities include Otsu and Nagahama.
Highlights: Okishima is called “Cat Island” for a reason. Cats roam around everywhere, and it’s easy to spend hours watching them wander through the small villages. It’s also famous for being Japan’s only inhabited island in a freshwater lake. Lake Biwa is huge, by the way, with plenty of space to go boating or fishing. The combination of calm scenery and all the friendly cats makes it a pretty unique experience.
5. Muzukijima
Location: In the Seto Inland Sea. Imabari and Matsuyama are the nearest cities.
Highlights: Muzukijima Island is full of cats, and that’s exactly what draws cat lovers and travelers from all over. It’s also a lovely spot to enjoy the calm views of the Seto Inland Sea.
6. Manabeshima
Location: In the Seto Inland Sea, off the coast of Okayama Prefecture. The most notable city nearby is Okayama, which offers easy access via ferry.
Highlights: Besides spending time with the cats, you can take in the island’s rural charm and see what everyday life is like. There are scenic walking paths, fishing spots, and other simple island activities to enjoy. With its calm atmosphere and authentic vibe, the island is a great place to relax and connect with nature.
7. Ainoshima
Location: In the Gankai Sea, near Shingu Town in Fukuoka.
Highlights: Ainoshima is a quiet spot where you can relax and enjoy nature. The island has calm beaches, open landscapes, and great views, all wrapped up in a peaceful, cat-friendly atmosphere.
📍 The best way to enjoy this cat island is through this Ainoshima Guided Tour With Ferry Ride From Fukuoka.
🐱 Read more: For a more detailed look, including transport from Fukuoka and tips for exploring the island, see my full guide to Ainoshima here.
8. Sanagashima
Location: In the Seto Inland Sea, within Kagawa Prefecture on the northern side of Shikoku. Ferries connect it to the mainland, but access is still limited enough to keep it quiet.
Highlights: This is one of the more recognizable cat islands. Cats gather right by the harbor and along the steep stone paths leading into the village. They are quite active and visible. The setting also helps, since the narrow alleys and layered walls create ideal photo spots.
9. Ikeshima
Location: Near the city of Nagasaki, in the East China Sea. It is part of Nagasaki Prefecture.
Highlights: I also found quite a few cats on Ikeshima. Combining a visit with the island’s abandoned coal mine tour makes for a truly fascinating trip. There are ongoing discussions around cat population management on Ikeshima, but recognizing the island as a potential tourism resource might help improve the situation over time.
10. Aijima
Location: Located in the Genkai Sea, just off Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Highlights: Leisurely walks along the coastline are once again part of the package. The island’s simplicity offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the urban hustle and experience this peaceful retreat.
11. Ogijima
Location: In the Seto Inland Sea, just off Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture.
Highlights: Ogijima is a small island known for its steep hills, narrow lanes, and traditional houses built close together along the slope. The island is very pretty, but there are fewer cats here compared to many of the other cat islands.
For the best experience I would visit Ogijima together with Megijima. The ferry actually docks in Megijima on the way to Ogijima, so combining both makes sense.
12. Iwaishima
Location: Near the town of Kaminoseki, in the Seto Inland Sea. It is part of Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Highlights: Iwaishima promotes sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and anti-nuclear activism. This makes it an interesting destination for those interested in environmental initiatives. Cats are present, though in smaller numbers and without much visibility.
13. Koteshima
Location: In the Seto Inland Sea, part of Marugame City in Kagawa Prefecture.
Highlights: Koteshima is a small, quiet island in the Shiwaku Islands with a traditional fishing village atmosphere. Don’t expect major attractions or crowds here — instead, you can enjoy peaceful coastal views, a slower pace of life, and a glimpse of everyday island living in the Seto Inland Sea.
14. Izu Ōshima
Location: Izu Ōshima is a volcanic island south of Tokyo. It is part of the Izu Islands and is situated in the Philippine Sea.
Highlights: Izu Ōshima is the largest of the Izu Islands and a great place to combine cat-seeing with outdoor activities. You can walk across volcanic landscapes shaped by Mount Mihara, hike along coastal paths, soak in hot springs, and find cats around the villages.
Don’t plan a trip to Izu Ōshima alone, though. Combine it with other islands in the area, such as Kōzushima, Shikinejima, and Hachijōjima, to experience more of the Izu chain. The same idea works for the Kerama Islands, where you can visit places like Zamami Island, enjoy the clear waters, and still meet the local cats.
15. Fukashima
Location: Off the coast of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu.
Highlights: Fukashima is quiet and slightly isolated. Cats rest along walls, roads, and near the waterfront, and they are relatively easy to find. The island feels less curated than others, which gives the experience a more natural tone.
🐱 Read more: Fukashima Island: a hidden gem in Oita Prefecture
16. Sanuki Hiroshima
Location: Located in the Shiwaku Islands, the same archipelago as the famous Sanagashima (though ferries dock at different ports).
Highlights: The island is larger and more industrial in parts, with a history tied to stone quarrying. Cats exist, but they are spread out and not especially noticeable. Most travelers do not associate this island with cats at all.
However, Sanuki Hiroshima does offer several places to stay. You can use it as a base to island-hop to Koteshima, which is a hidden gem for cat lovers.
17. Megijima
Location: Off the coast of Takamatsu in Kagawa, making it one of the easier islands to reach in the region.
Highlights: Megijima is better known for its folklore and seasonal art events. There are cats around the port and residential areas, but they are not especially numerous. The island’s identity leans much more toward culture and tourism than toward cats.
18. Genkaishima
Location: Off Fukuoka in northern Kyushu, within easy reach of the city.
Highlights: The island was largely rebuilt after a major earthquake, so it feels newer than many others. Many cats live there, but they are not concentrated in any obvious way. Visitors rarely mention them as a highlight.
19. Himejima
Location: Located in the Genkai Sea, off the coast of Itoshima City in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Highlights: Himejima is known more for its seafood and local folklore than anything else, and Kishi Fishing Port (where the ferry departs) is lined with oyster huts in winter and buzzes with visitors looking for fresh oysters. There are plenty of friendly cats here, too, but access is a bit inconvenient.
20. Ikishima
Location: Between Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula, within Nagasaki Prefecture.
Highlights: Iki is a full-scale travel destination with beaches, shrines, and a long history. A lot of cats live there, but they are dispersed across a large area, and it’s hard to find them just by wandering around aimlessly. The island is far too developed and expansive to feel like a true “cat island.” However, I often see stunning cat photos taken here, so visiting coastal areas around sunset seems to offer a great chance to capture gorgeous photos of the local cats.
21. Kakarashima
Location: Off Saga Prefecture in Kyushu.
Highlights: The island is very small and sparsely populated. A long-standing absence of dogs allowed cats to thrive over time. As a result, they are easy to spot around homes and near the harbor. The atmosphere is simple and largely unchanged.
22. Yushima
Location: Part of the Amakusa region in Kumamoto Prefecture, off the coast of Kyushu.
Highlights: Yushima has a small but noticeable cat population. What makes it unusual is the way locals gently support visitors, even putting up signs that point toward common cat areas. The experience is slightly more organized without losing its quiet character.
23. Taketomijima
Location: Just off Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture, within the Yaeyama island group.
Highlights: Taketomijima is famous for its preserved Ryukyu-style village and sandy streets. Cats live among the houses and walls, but they are not central to the experience. Visitors come mainly for the cultural landscape.
24. Ouijima
Location: Near Okinawa’s main island and connected by a bridge.
Highlights: Ouijima island is small and easy to explore in a short time. Cats wander casually through the streets, though they are not especially numerous. It feels more like an extension of the mainland than a distinct cat destination.
25. Tokashikijima
Location: Part of the Kerama Islands, west of Okinawa’s main island.
Highlights: Tokashikijima is known for its clear water and beaches, which attract divers and swimmers. You can spot the cats near residential areas, though they are not a major feature. The focus is firmly on the natural environment.
26. Ishigakijima
Location: In the Yaeyama Islands in the far southwest of Japan, closer to Taiwan than to mainland Honshu.
Highlights: Ishigaki is a major regional hub with resorts, transport links, and a busy town center. Cats are present in quieter neighborhoods, but they are not concentrated. The island’s identity is shaped by tourism and nature rather than animals.
27. Miyakojima
Location: Between Okinawa’s main island and Ishigaki, forming part of the Miyako island group.
Highlights: Miyakojima is known for its beaches and long bridges connecting nearby islets. Tourism is the dominant activity. Cats exist, but they are scattered and not especially noticeable. It does not function as a cat island in practice.
Conclusion
Have you visited any of these cat islands in Japan? Which is your favorite?
If you’d like to visit but don’t know where to start, check out my favorite cat islands in Japan and how to visit them (based on 27 islands visited).
It’s important to note, however, that the populations of cats on these islands varies. The level of cat-centered tourism infrastructure, too, can differ from one island to another.
As Japan is becoming a true cat nation, the concept of cat islands has gained popularity. This means that more locations with resident cat populations have come to the attention of cat enthusiasts and travelers.
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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.
With special thanks to cat island specialist Chieko Shiraishi for completing the information.
Related: Book spotlight: Neko Land by Alexandre Bonnefoy and Delphine Vaufrey.
