Islands and Animal Towns you must visit in Japan

Japan is an island country that is made up of several islands and each of these has different characteristics: size, climate and population. Some of these islands, more than 6000, are home to various types of animals, dedicated only to them or being shared with humans and offer a pleasant moment for tourists when they visit them. In recent years, the transportation system has been improved allowing more people to visit these isolated islands with greater ease.

Tashirojima, Miyagi – The Cat Islands

It is not just one, but several islands which are called “cat paradise islands” in Japan. Located in Miyagi Prefecture, cats far outnumber humans. In particular, it encourages the worship of its feline inhabitants, even having a sanctuary since cats are considered the guardians of the portal between life and death.

The island is about 11 km² and is home to more than 100 cats living there in harmony with the local people. The communities of these animals are quite calm and friendly, especially if you have a gift/snack for them. The island was once known to be a major producer of raw silk and the cats helped get rid of the rats that ate the silkworms. It is also said that they helped predict the success of fishing according to their behavior.

Ookunoshima, Hiroshima – Rabbit Island

Located in the east of Hiroshima Prefecture, Rabbit Island is a small enclave occupied by hundreds of wild rabbits that roam the forests and fields, chasing tourists in search of food. Just 15 minutes by ferry from the main island, it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

It is said that rabbits were brought to the island after the 2nd. World War to detect leaks of poison gas, since there was a secret factory to produce poison gas weapons that has now been converted into a museum.

Mikurajima, Tokyo – Dolphin Island

Mikura Island is a volcanic island that belongs to Tokyo. It is located about 190 km south of Tokyo with the iconic mountain “Oyama” in the center. Due to the abundance of nature and crystal clear water, it is also known as the home of valuable plants and animals. The highlight of the island are the wild dolphins that inhabit the sea in the area. Tourists can join an exciting tour that offers a swimming experience with dolphins in the ocean! It allows you to observe them up close while exploring the stunning underwater world although touching them is strictly prohibited, so enjoy your time with them while keeping a safe distance.

Kojima, Miyazaki – Monkey Island

Kojima is a small island located about 200m off the east coast of Miyazaki Prefecture. It is only 3.5 km around although it is home to approx. 100 wild monkeys. Visitors usually must take a boat, but you can also walk there. There are also other animals such as rabbits and raccoons, and the island is officially designated a Natural Monument. The monkeys that live on this island have a custom: washing potatoes and submerging them in sea water before eating them. This adds a bit of a salty flavor to the potatoes and surprisingly this habit is passed down to younger generations of monkeys! This could indicate that they are capable of building a new culture just like humans.

Miyajima, Hiroshima – Deer Island

Located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima is known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. You have probably seen on occasion in travel books its iconic and huge red torii gate in the sea. Getting to the island by ferry only takes about 10 minutes and there are several historic sites and shops selling local specialties like oysters and Momiji Manju. It’s also great for viewing the habitat of several wild deer that welcome visitors. They are believed to be messengers of the gods, so they roam freely around the island and visitors can take pictures with them.

Z ao, Miyagi – the Village of Foxes

Although this is not an island, the Fox Village is the place where more than 100 foxes live outdoors in a garden surrounded by nature and you can see them up close and learn about the six different breeds of these animals.

In Japan there is a special reverence for the fox, most prevalent in the various shrines to the Shinto deity Inari . Foxes were historically considered to be intelligent and mystical creatures that could even change their shape to fool humans. Fried tofu is said to be the favorite food of foxes (hence inarizushi or kitsune udon), however in the Zao the Fox Village, you’ll have to settle for feeding them normal fox food.

Which of these places would you like to visit first? Tell us in the comments!

The best way to travel in Japan is by train. And although it is possible to travel by plane, bus or boat, the train offers the best prices and convenience of all . For an even better price, we recommend traveling with the Japan Railways universal pass called JR PASS , which you can purchase on their website. This pass is purchased before traveling to Japan , arriving at the airport or at any train station , you can pick up your pass with proof of purchase .