Being an animal lover, visiting Japan opens the possibility of greater enjoyment in your travel. The country has unique animal destinations that promise to fill visitors with warm fuzzies. From the domestic charm of cats and dogs to the wild allure of monkeys and deer, the diverse range of animals inhabiting these places has captivated visitors.

 

These creatures, whether native to the area or not, have become synonymous with their environments, drawing crowds to witness their unique behaviors and interactions. Check out must-visit spots in Japan and find out where to meet these lovely animals!

 

1. Tashirojima Island: Visit this paw-some paradise for cat lovers in Miyagi Prefecture

 

Photo Credit: Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization

 

Tashirojima, or Cat Island, located in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, gained popularity in recent years with tourists coming in droves thanks to its feline residents – despite the quaint rural island located 45 minutes to an hour away from the city by ferry. The cats are so numerous that they outnumber the human population on the island, which is about more than 100 cats to 48 people when compared in number.

 

How did the cats get there, and why are there so many of them? The island was once a silk production hub, so the residents needed the cats to protect silkworm cocoons from rats. In return for their service, these farm guardians were fed with fish from the sea and properly cared for. When activity in silk production reduced and the human residents tending to them aged, the cats multiplied and served as predictors for the weather and catches in the sea based on their behavior. Later on, with media exposure, the island and the cats began attracting local and international tourists.

 

The cats of Tashirojima are respected as much as they are adored. The Neko Shrine sits in a forest on the island in memory of a cat who was killed when one of the rocks used by fishermen to make weights for their nets hit them. The islanders believe in the divine power of cats, so visitors are encouraged to say prayers at the shrine for good luck.

Photo Credit: Ishinomaki City Tourism Division

 

Guests who plan to stay the night have the option of staying in the island’s cat-inspired lodges, collectively called the Manga Island Cabins & Campground, which boast colorful interiors decorated with cat-themed art drawn by famous Japanese manga artists. It offers an affordable, cozy place to stay, with showers, cooking facilities, and a stunning view of the ocean. As accommodations are available only from April to October, prior booking is required. 

 

A few shops and restaurants also cater to visitors, like the Shima-no-Eki, a resting area and souvenir shop that sells cat-themed goods and serves meals such as “Nyan Curry”, “Kitsuneko Udon”, and “Oyster Shiojiru.” Visitors can bring their food and drinks but are encouraged to eat inside the store and keep their garbage with them. 

 

2. Okunoshima Island: Spot the hopping little bunnies on Rabbit Island in Hiroshima Prefecture

 

 

Okunoshima, located in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is an island inhabited by rabbits, hence its nickname, Rabbit Island. It is difficult to ascertain exactly how many rabbits live on the island, but being a small island where you can cover its circumference in an hour on foot, you’re sure to find bunnies anywhere you go.

 

The rabbits have grown accustomed to the presence of humans who visit the island for the hopping furballs and beautiful sights. But as much as visitors want to admire their cuteness, there are certain rules that guests must follow, such as no holding/chasing the rabbits, feeding them on the road, leaving food leftovers near their nests, or feeding them with human food.

 

History buffs, however, know more about the island than just its rabbits, including a dark secret kept until decades after the fact. In 1929, Japan established a factory on the island that produced chemicals like mustard gas and tear gas until the end of World War II in 1945. Secluded and removed from maps to maintain secrecy, the facility’s existence was only revealed in 1984. The government later offered financial and medical support to those affected by chemical exposure. This dark chapter is commemorated at the island's Poison Gas Museum.

 

Related to this is one theory about the introduction of rabbits to the island, which holds that the first rabbits on the island came from the factory. On the other hand, there’s also another theory that says the rabbits grew in number from an initial batch of 8 bunnies brought there by students in 1971. Whichever the true origin is, the rabbits have made the island their home and serve as a reminder that life can blossom despite a less-than-ideal past. 

 

Aside from admiring the cuteness of the rabbits, visitors can also explore the island’s various tourist attractions. Guests can enjoy biking around the island, soaking in the hot springs, relaxing or swimming on the coastal waters, visiting the lighthouse while admiring the oceanic view, and getting a taste of local delicacies after a fulfilling day at The National Park Resort Hotel. 

 

3. Odate City: Meet a bunch of cute and fluffy Akita Inus in Akita Prefecture

 

Odate City in Akita Prefecture is the place of origin of the Akita Inu, one of the six native dog breeds of Japan. It is the biggest of all the breeds, standing at 65 centimeters on all fours and extending to over 160 centimeters when balancing on its hind legs. Akita Inus are characterized by their pointy ears rising from the edge of a wide face. They have hefty paws and long legs, with a fluffy and curly tail adding to their charm.

 

Visitors can learn more about Akita Inus by visiting the Akita Dog Visitor Center (Akita Inu no Sato), a good place to meet Akita Inus and learn all about their history. Inside the place is an exhibition room that allows visitors to admire the dogs from up close without touching and mingling with them. The Akita Inu Museum can also be found there, boasting a photo spot with an Akita Inu stuffed toy tower. The facility also has a souvenir shop full of Akita Inu-inspired goods.    

 

Despite not having a large population, the breed has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to the heartwarming story of the most famous Akita Inu, Hachiko. The dog, born in 1923 on a farm near Odate City, is remembered for its steadfast loyalty to its owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, who took Hachiko to Tokyo as a pet. Hachiko and Ueno spent just a year together—from 1924 to Ueno's death in 1925—but the loyal dog, who greeted Ueno every day after work at Shibuya Station,  continued to wait for him at the station every day for nearly ten years. This touching story of devotion has been memorialized by building Hachiko’s statue in front of the station.

 

Apart from meeting Akita dogs in their hometown, visitors can also see them up close in several locations such as the Furusawa Hot Springs, Ani Ski Resort, and Royal Hotel Odate where two Akita Inus greet the guests in the lobby. Some other activities also await visitors in Akita Prefecture, such as hiking in lush forests and canoeing in Lake Towada with an Akita dog for companionship.

 

4. Yakushima Island: Explore the rich wildlife and spot the roaming macaques and deer in Kagoshima 

 

 

Fans of the iconic animated film “Princess Mononoke” (1997) by Hayao Miyazaki may know Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture as an inspiration for the setting of the movie. But apart from the otherworldly beauty of the island’s forested area, Yakushima is also noted for its rich wildlife, including its large populations of Yakushima macaques and Yakushima deer. 

 

It has long been said that there are an estimated 20,000 macaques, 20,000 deer, and 20,000 people on the island. The deer and macaques have a mostly harmonious relationship with their human cohabitants. Nevertheless, visitors to the island are advised to limit their interaction with the animals. After all, they are wildlife. 

 

Macaques, in particular, can negatively interpret cues such as smiling and eye contact, so it is best to keep a neutral expression around them. Offering food to the deer and macaques is also prohibited.

 

Visitors can also explore other parts of the island that boast stunning scenery of the forested area such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, admire Yakushima’s largest cedar tree called “Jomon Sugi”, enjoy the lovely view of the skies at Wilson’s Stump, and be in awe of the picturesque view of the sea at Mt. Mocchomu.

 

5. Nasu Animal Kingdom: Experience feeding the lovable Capybaras and Alpacas in Tochigi

 

Photo Credit: ©︎ Nasu Animal Kingdom

 

The town of Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture is known primarily for its hot springs. It is also the location of the Japanese Imperial Family’s Nasu Imperial Villa, which was built in 1926. But to animal lovers in the know, Nasu is where one can find the Nasu Animal Kingdom, where around 600 animals with 150 varieties are cared for, including capybaras and alpacas. 

 

Photo Credit: ©︎ Nasu Animal Kingdom

 

The wildlife park has two main sections: the indoor facilities called “Town,” where visitors can observe animals at a close distance, and the expansive outdoor area called “Farm,” which is inhabited by the bigger animals, including alpacas. Guests can feed the animals, including capybaras, but only with food bought from the park. Some designated areas also allow visitors to touch the rabbits and guinea pigs. Watching wildlife up close and personal should bring enough joy for any animal lover visiting the park. 

 

One can also enjoy other facilities and activities in the park such as animal performances (birds, cats, sheep, etc,.), grab a snack at the restaurants and cafes, or enjoy a tasty meal at their BBQ Garden. Visitors can also take home memorabilia of their visit by shopping for souvenirs at the stores, which offer a range of merchandise inspired by the animals. 

 

Animal lovers visiting Japan will certainly have more reason to enjoy their trip with these options for animal destinations!

 

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