The islands are the animal mecca in Japan

On some islands in Japan, visitors can see rabbits, cats, deer … everywhere, the number is even more than the people on the island.
Several islands off the coast of Japan are home to large numbers of certain species of animals, many of which have lived there for centuries.

Tashirojima Cat Island The most famous animal island in Japan is Tashirojima, where there are more cats than people. Tashirojima is a small island located off the coast of Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture. There are over 100 cats that live in harmony with the locals. Tashirojima Island was once known as a famous silk producer. The cat boom on the island dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). At this time, islanders raised cats to help protect silkworms from mice and other pests. Tashirojima is not the only cat island in Japan. Aoshima in Ehime Prefecture and Ainoshima in Fukuoka Prefecture are also home to more than 100 native cats. Today, on the island there is still a cat shrine called the Cat Shrine. Photo: Unusual Places. Okunoshima Rabbit Island Located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Okunoshima is one of the islands with the most “animal inhabitants” in the world. Currently, there are about 1,000 wild rabbits living on the island. Located in the Seto Inland Sea, the island was home to a chemical weapons factory during World War II. The rabbits currently living here are believed to be descendants of rabbits that were once used as test subjects for chemical weapons. Today, Okunoshima is famous as a charming destination with sandy beaches, many cycling paths and friendly rabbits. In fact, there are far more rabbits than the population on the island. Photo: Chris McGrath. Kojima Monkey Island Kojima Island is located about 200 meters off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture. The island’s name literally means “happy island”. Kojima has beautiful sandy beaches and warm surrounding waters. There are about 100 wild monkeys on the island. The monkeys that live here have a unique habit of washing potatoes and dipping them in seawater before eating. The sea water gives the potatoes a salty taste, and this habit is passed down among generations of monkeys on the island. This has led many to assume that monkeys are capable of building cultures just like humans. In addition, Kojima Island also has other animals such as rabbits and pandas. No people live on Kojima Island. Photo: Das Gebiet. Itsukushima Deer Island Itsukushima in Hiroshima Prefecture is home to about 500 deer. The island, also known as Miyajima (which means “temple island” in Japanese), is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan with its distinctive red tori gate standing in the middle of the sea. Deer have lived in Itsukushima for at least 800 years. They are honored by local residents as messengers of God and are worshiped at Itsukushima Shrine on the island. Today, visitors can see deer roaming freely around the island and they are allowed to take pictures with them Visitors are more likely to encounter deer in the pier shopping street and in the woods than in the main temple grounds. Photo: Insider. Yonaguni ngựa Horse Island Located at the westernmost tip of Japan, Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its scenic spots, blue ocean and beautiful white beaches. The Yonaguni horse is also one of the island’s signature features. It is an indigenous breed and is one of the eight types of horse of Japanese origin. Coming to Yonaguni Island, visitors can participate in many experiences with horses such as horseback riding on the beach, horseback riding around the island or horseback riding into the sea… Yonaguni horses are quite small, averaging 110 to 120 cm in height. Photo: ZEKKEI Japan. Yagishiri Sheep Island Yagishiri Island is located 25 km west of Hokkaido. About a third of the island is covered with forests. With beautiful nature, many scenic spots and a variety of flora and fauna, the island is an attractive destination for visitors to explore throughout the year. Yagishiri is also known as the Suffolk breed of sheep, which originated in England. Visitors can watch them relax and graze on a large grassland. Suffolk lamb is tender, is a high quality and expensive ingredient. Yagishiri Island is a popular destination for nature lovers. Photo: Threepinner.