Japan’s Cat Heaven — 300+ Cats on a Tiny Island 🐈 More Cats Than People / Yushima Island | 猫島 / 湯島

Japan’s Cat Heaven — 300+ Cats on a Tiny Island 🐈 More Cats Than People / Yushima Island | 猫島 / 湯島

An island in southern Japan where over 300 cats live gently and peacefully. The welcome sign said, “Everyone on the island feeds the cats. It’s a funny little island.” 🐱 In the morning, the cats came to the terrace of the inn where I stayed. Fresh seafood from the island, beautiful views, and sweet cats made this trip so healing. Good morning. Today I’m in Kumamoto. To reach Yushima Island, I’ll take a bus and then a ferry. One-way fare: 1,690 yen. This is the Rapid Amakusa bus. It seems IC cards aren’t accepted here. Time to go. The bus stops at Kumamoto Station on the way. The ride takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The five bridges connecting these islands are called the Amakusa Pearl Line. Arrived. I spotted a cute cat. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the ferry terminal. There are five ferry departures a day. The fare is paid on board, so I’ll just get on. Maximum capacity: 77 passengers. I think I’ll sit outside. There are so many seagulls. Off on a 30-minute ferry ride. I’ll pay the 800-yen fare to the crew. The Amakusa Islands are a region made up of more than 120 islands, big and small. Yushima Island is already coming into view. About 230 people and over 300 cats live on this island. A sweet cat came to welcome me. Thank you. This little one was rubbing on everyone—maybe the “luggage inspector” of the island. The island is about 4 kilometers around, with marked cat spots on the map. The sign here says, “Everyone on the island feeds the cats. It’s a funny little island.” Yushima Cat Guardian Statue. Behind the guardian statue, the cats were gathering. Hello. 🐱 Everyone gently comes over, as if saying, “You can pet me.” Maybe this is Q-taro-kun. Nice to meet you. On Yushima Island, every cat has a name. Hold on a moment, okay? Feeding the cats is allowed as long as you follow the rules (as of Dec 2025). Take all trash and leftovers with you, and give only proper cat food. Kaoru-san loves snacks. Kaoru-san, you just had some. Let’s share a little with the others too. For the one waiting in the back as well. Maybe this is Junior-kun. Here you go. They’re all so gentle, waiting nearby for their turn. After snacks, it’s massage time. I don’t have enough hands. Hotate-kun, Possum-kun, and Kaoru-san. Ganmo-kun is fast asleep. These two seem to be relaxing in the ferry waiting room. What are you carrying? Looks like you’re taking it into the restroom. In the restroom, they were quietly batting and tossing the flower bud around like a little toy. The flower they were playing with seems to have been a hibiscus. There are places on the island where you can enjoy fresh seafood. The cats called out to me. Hello. Shimeji-chan and Enoki Hinomaru-kun, a pair of sibling cats. Oh, you’re climbing onto my lap. Such a sweet little one. Too cute. Oh, a little sneeze. Are you okay? Their other sister, Shiitake-chan, is here too. I’ll follow the tabby where she’s trying to lead me. Looks like she wants me to sit in this chair. You really liked the massage. Shiitake-chan is following me. Nice to meet you. Ouch!! 😳 I just got a little cat punch. Would you like some Churu? Everyone in the back, here you go. Oh no— Shimeji-chan came to steal the Churu. Growing kittens are always hungry, aren’t you? Shimeji-chan, grow up big and strong. With all the siblings jumping around, my dress ended up covered in Churu. 😛 A heart-shaped tree. The grand Akou tree, protecting the people of Yushima Island from strong winds. Yushima Fishing Port. They’re resting over there. Maybe that’s Katsu-kun. When I started walking, he followed me from behind. He keeps looking back at me—maybe he wants to lead me somewhere. Let’s follow him. Someone called out to me on the way. Nice to meet you. You’ll let me hold you? A white cat gently slipped under my thigh. Mari-sama, our graceful calico… are you leaving already? Okay, I’m right behind you. Katsu-kun joined us here. Amazing. So this is their little meeting spot. Katsu-kun keeps trying to get her attention. Cats with collars are owned cats here. Too cute… I could watch them forever. Let’s stay like this for a while. Even Katsu-kun, who just got turned down, heads off toward the shade. Mari-sama, you came over here too. It really does seem this is a gathering spot for the cats. At my feet… the same white cat from earlier. There’s a lovely swing here. It looks like I’m allowed to try it. A-amazing… The wooden swing was such a wonderful experience. Mari-sama, the calico queen of Yushima Island, is said to be the secret boss. When a camera is pointed at her, she takes care of other cats or strikes a pose. She really understands the camera. A natural-born actress. This spot is shaded, with a nice breeze passing through. Thank you for coming to see me. What a lovely bikini. Goodbye, Mari-sama. Only the sound of the waves—such a peaceful shore on Yushima Island. I took a short walk along the coast. There’s an elementary school further ahead. Kangoro-kun, you live in such a lovely little house. This cute character house even has a blanket inside. There are other cat shelters too, including tents set up for them. After spending some time here, the cats start talking to you a lot. At the base of the heart-shaped tree. Hatchan, with the little “8” pattern on your forehead. Hatchan, you’re adorable. You want a massage together, don’t you? Good, good. Hatchan got a little upset. Looks like he wanted the massage all to himself. You waited your turn so nicely. Now it’s Karubi-kun’s turn. Switch. Not the backside—got it. Sorry about that. Let me massage your neck then. Karubi-kun, is your leg okay? Are you okay? S-so adorable… My heart has been stolen. The one who kept meowing nonstop was Hatchan. Looks like he found his personal massage master. I’m glad for you. A little thank-you for everyone who played with me. Is your tail okay? Let’s give some to the tabby too. Relaxing time. Time for lunch. They serve freshly caught seafood. The people who run the place are a fisherman and an ama diver. Daily specials, homemade pizza, and sweets. Daily set meal: 1,650 yen. Kaisen-don. Side dishes. I enjoyed plenty of fresh seafood unique to Amakusa. So delicious. Thank you for the meal. The cats here are truly free. We meet again. Such a beautiful calico. Maybe this is Funori-chan. When you give massages on Yushima Island, a line quickly forms. What a lovely chocolate color. You still wanted more massages, didn’t you? That’s a very nice boat you have. There’s a cat flopped right in the middle of the road. I’ve reached the western shore. Hello. A little Churu as a friendly greeting. Here you go. Just a moment. There you go. All finished. Was it good? Hello. Taking a little rest here, I see. The ginger tabby came down too. Looks like they were hungry. A big pot filled with food and water. Hello. With that cute face and lovely coat… maybe this is Kuro-chan. This sweet one is a cat from the inn I’ll be staying at today. I’ll be staying at your family home for the night. Nice to meet you. Thank you for having me. This one is also from the inn. This is Chobi-kun. Oh, sorry Chobi-kun. This is what you wanted to eat. Since it fell, I’ll get you a fresh one. I was able to greet Chobi-kun properly too. Thank you for looking after me. The inn I’m staying at today has an ocean view. A warm, welcoming place run by the lovely owner and her staff. Today’s room is on the second floor, called “Amakusa-no-ma.” A Japanese-style room with a terrace. Wow… what a refreshing view. Yukata, towels, toothbrush, hairbrush. Welcome sweets, tea, and a hot water pot. The restroom and bath are shared. Let’s go for an evening walk. There’s still a cat flopped here… The last ferry leaving Yushima Island is at 4 p.m. It’s the black cat I’ve met several times today. His owner told me his adorable name, but… I forgot it. Rui-kun has come over. Rui-kun noticed me too. Your dad was calling you to head home. Is your house up this hill? A cat came down from the top of the hill. Since they kept staring at each other, I’ll quietly excuse myself. It’s dinner time for the cats. It seems each cat gets their food in their own little territory. This area is where weaker cats or those without a place elsewhere tend to gather. Such a cute, slightly worried face. Tails up—it’s the mealtime they’ve been waiting for. Local volunteers from “Yushima Cat Club” and residents work together to support the cats’ health and daily lives. They also perform neutering, spaying, and vaccinations to maintain a healthy population. Almost your turn to eat. That little one joined the group later, so they eat last. After mealtime, it’s cuddle time. Cats in this area are known for being especially gentle. I visited the shop where a resident cat also lives. They sell food, daily goods, and treats for the cats. Bon-chan, the son of one of Yushima Island’s star cats. Bon-chan lives in his own little world. Bon-chan, you’re so cute. Such a lovely shape. Kotsume-chan, whose face looks just like a small-clawed otter. A wonderful scratching post. A sofa made of roof tiles. The cats are all appearing one after another. For everyone who didn’t get a snack earlier. Funori-chan. While resting on the bench, more and more cats came out to greet me. Kiyo-kun. Mine-chan. He may be a leader, but he’s such a sweet, affectionate boy. You take care of everyone like a big brother. That’s wonderful. So cute. It seems they allowed me to join their evening gathering. Yushima Island is also known as “Dango Island,” or the Island of Discussion. In 1637, people resisting the shogunate gathered here to plan their strategy. Yushima Island has long been an important historical place. In the evening, many residents were feeding the cats around the island. When I headed back to the inn, a cat followed me and walked me home. Thank you. Before dinner, the owner kindly invited me to enjoy a bath. The bath was for private use. It felt so nice. The stay includes dinner and breakfast. 13,200 yen on weekdays, 14,300 yen on Saturdays and holidays. Sashimi, tempura, small dishes, and sea bream rice. So much fresh sea bream sashimi. And the sea bream rice is full of sea bream too—so luxurious. Firm texture with a refined, sweet flavor. Local specialty: Sea bream somen. Every dish had such generous portions and was truly delicious. Back in my room, I hear a cat meowing from the terrace. Who could it be? Cats aren’t allowed inside the guest rooms, so we spend time together on the balcony. Kuro-chan and Chobi-kun are a mother and son pair. Kuro-chan is the mom. With the sound of the waves, I spent such a peaceful evening. It was a truly wonderful day. Good night. Good morning. Good morning, Chobi-kun. Good morning, Kuro-chan. The tabby came too. Good morning. Looks like this one is from the neighboring house. A perfect little bridge pose. Such an unbelievably happy moment. Another one came over. There’s still a line of cats saying, “Pet me.” Unable to wait, he climbed onto my lap. When I petted another cat afterward, this one gently nipped my finger. Then Chobi-kun, the inn’s cat who was watching over us, got upset. I only said softly, “It’s your turn,” and “No biting,” but Chobi-kun seemed to understand. He really is the proud little son of the inn. Kuro-chan, come sit on my lap. I think I’ll go for a walk soon. See you later. See you later, Chobi-kun. Thank you. I’m okay. See you all again. A cat sleeping under a blanket of fallen leaves. You came from so far away. Good morning. 🐈 It looks like the fisherman is about to head out. It’s breakfast time, and everyone is gathering. You’re so good at climbing trees. Waiting inside the feeding box. That tail standing straight up was just too cute. Supplies for the island’s cats are sent from all over Japan through an Amazon wish list. Kaoru-san and Q-taro-kun. Members of the Yushima Cat Club are out feeding the cats from early morning. Each cat has different needs—their appetite and condition vary. Their daily care must be incredibly hard work. I truly admire everyone who continues to look after them. It seems the locals fed the cats earlier today, so fewer came here this morning. Shiro-chan looks just like the Cat Guardian now. After eating, it’s time to roll around and relax. Before I knew it, we somehow ended up taking a walk together. Good morning. Good morning, Karubi-kun. Air kneading. Karubi-kun has been so sweet—he’s had my heart since yesterday. It seems my lap makes a good pillow for him. He froze with his leg stretched straight out. Too cute… Karubi-kun, I’m heading out for breakfast for a bit, okay? When I said goodbye, he flopped over again. This adorable loop repeated three or four times. Hatchan. Good morning. I’m back at the inn. Breakfast is a Japanese-style meal. Miso soup. After the meal, I enjoyed persimmon and coffee. A cat has come into the garden. Thank you for everything. After checking out, I’ll head to the shrine. Such a warm, heartfelt inn. Thank you so much. I found a cicada out of season. You caught the cicada so well, only to have it taken by your sibling… Maybe it’s okay, since you two feel like family. A fight has started under the inn. Two against one. It’s Chobi-kun. Chobi-kun is so reliable—he firmly protects his area when other cats come close. Neither one is giving in. It looks like this one has stepped away from the fight. Since this is Chobi-kun’s area, I gently suggested they could stop now. Let’s head to the shrine. At a house selling 100-yen vegetables, a cat was “on duty” while taking a nap. I said thank you for taking care of me these two days. I spent such a wonderful time here. Thank you so much. When I turned around, there was a cat behind me. Good morning, Yuzu-chan. Over there too—completely relaxed with a belly-up flop. So many sweet rubs and cuddles. Yuzu-chan is doing little loops on her walk. Your friend wandered off, didn’t they? Yuzu-chan. Ten-chan. While filming Ten-chan, another cute little line formed… Maybe that’s Katsu-kun and Mine-chan. Mine-chan, you’ve played with me so much. Mine-chan is looking for a shady, comfy spot. Maybe this place didn’t feel right—she’s moving under the bike. Now Ten-chan is inspecting the spot too. Looks like it wasn’t right for Ten-chan either. What’s wrong? 😊 With a collar on, you must be someone’s cat. I got to see Mari-sama again. There are kittens here I didn’t meet yesterday. Everyone is gathering at the meeting spot again. The cats really know where the coziest places are. Mari-sama, the hidden queen of Yushima Island. So dignified and beautiful. It seems my feet were right where Katsu-kun likes to use the toilet… Thank you, everyone! See you again. I got to see Karubi-kun one last time. Karubi-kun, thank you for letting me give you so many massages. Take care. I’ll come back again. You’re balancing so well. Bye-bye. One amazing thing about Yushima Island is how cats just relax anywhere. I’ll pick up some charity goods for the cats at the shop before heading back. Negi-chan. The proceeds from the cat goods are donated entirely to the cats and used for medical care. Bon-chan and the Cat Guardian keychains — 1,100 yen total. The same cat who greeted me when I arrived saw me off as well. Thank you. Stay well. Thank you so much for watching until the end. See you in the next video. 🐈

Off the coast of Kyushu in southern Japan, there’s a small, quiet island called Yushima — a place lovingly known as one of Japan’s “cat island.” 🐾
More than 300 cats live peacefully on this tiny island, which is only about 4 km around. The cats we met were incredibly welcoming — some would walk right up to greet us, others followed softly beside us, and a few even seemed to guide us as we explored the island. There’s a sign on the island that reads: “Everyone on the island feeds the cats. It’s a funny little island.”
And it truly felt that way. In the evening, we saw locals walking around, feeding the cats as part of their daily routine — simple, warm, and full of kindness.
During our stay, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a local ryokan —a full course of fresh sea bream, beautifully prepared. And the next morning, when I stepped out onto the terrace, the ryokan’s own cats came over to visit — gentle, curious, and so sweet. It was such a peaceful, heartwarming moment. With the gentle cats, the slow rhythm of the island, and the kindness of the people, the whole trip felt deeply soothing.

📍Yushima Island / 湯島
🔸Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rT14tWEBKjkyaGoN8
🔸Address: Yushima Island, Oyano-machi, Kami-Amakusa City, Kumamoto, Japan

📍Hinodeso Inn / 旅館 日の出荘
🔸Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mqFRhTwZu5kD2zMi6
🔸Address: 913 Yushima, Oyano-machi, Kami-Amakusa City, Kumamoto, Japan

#japanesecat #catisland #yushima

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🐈 Chapters 🐈‍⬛
00:00 Opening
00:32 Kumamoto Bus Terminal
01:42 Bus Stop & Ferry Port for Yushima Island
02:07 Boarding and Departure
03:20 Arriving on Yushima Island
04:01 Cats Behind the Shop
06:58 Cats Around Ebisu-sama
10:30 Guided by Cats to the Harbor Area
16:28 Akou Tree & Local Cats
19:34 Lunch and Cats Near the Eatery
22:12 Cats on the West Coast
26:48 Checking In at the Inn
28:03 Evening Walk & Dinner Time for the Cats
36:11 Dinner at the Inn
37:14 The Inn’s Cats Come to the Terrace
38:04 Morning with the Inn’s Cats
42:34 Morning Walk & Breakfast Time for the Cats
48:45 Breakfast at the Inn
49:15 Check-out & A Small Cat Dispute
51:03 Cats at the Shrine
53:54 Island Stroll

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【日本最大級の猫島】300匹以上の猫パラダイス🐈九州の猫島に泊まったら癒されすぎた | 熊本県上天草市 湯島

九州・熊本の沖に浮かぶ小さな島、「湯島」。一周わずか4kmほどのこの島は、「猫の島」としても知られています🐾 島には 300匹以上の猫たちがのんびりと暮らしていて、出会った猫たちはどの子も驚くほど甘えん坊でした。話かけてきてくれたり、横を一緒に歩いてくれたり、「こっちだよ」と案内してくれるような子もいました。島には、「島民みんなで猫に餌をやるおかしな島です」と書かれた看板があり、夕方になると島の方たちが日課のように猫たちにごはんをあげている姿があちこちで見られました。その光景がとても温かく、胸がじんわりしました。今回宿泊した旅館では、新鮮な鯛づくしの夕食をいただき、これが本当においしかったです。そして翌朝、テラスに出ると、旅館で暮らす猫ちゃんたちが遊びに来てくれて、穏やかで可愛い時間を一緒に過ごすことができました。優しい猫たち、ゆったりとした島の空気、そして島の人々の温かさに包まれた心が静かに癒される旅でした。