photo by photozou.jp
Island nation Japan. Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa; Japan is made up of more than 6800 different sized outlying islands. Among the many islands, the ones secretly creating a craze are the islands full of animals. There are so many islands in Japan that are alluring for fluffy lovers, so i’ll introduce them here.
Okinawa Hatomajima Island |Island full of wild goats
photo by yamaguchinaoki.com
Floating north of Iriomoteshima Island is the small ‘Hatomajima island,’ with a circumference of 4km and a population of about 50 people. Another name for this island is ‘goat island’where wild goats live freely. It appears that domesticated goats escaped resulting in the current numbers. Wild goats are typically very cautious. Physical contact is possible with newborn kids, friendly goats, or goats that are tied down. To get to Hatomajima Island first take either an airplane or ferry to Ishigakijima Island. There are direct flights from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka into Ishigakijima Island. From Ishigaki Island to Hatomajima Island is about a 40 minute high-speed boat ride. Since it’s a small island there are not that many people or shops, so you have a lot of leisurely time to spend. Since there are plenty of places to stay, you probably won’t have a hard time finding a place to sleep. By the way, the island doesn’t sell cigarettes, so smokers beware.
Address: Okinawa prefecture Yaeyama-gun Taketomi-cho Hatoma
Access: bus + high speed boat
1. New Ishigaki Island Airport ~50 minute route bus ride to Ishigaki Port Outlying Island Terminal (one-way 520 yen)
2. Ishigaki Island ~ 40 minute high speed ferry ride to Hatomajima (One-way adults 300 yen/ children 150 yen)
Ehime prefecture Aoshima |15 islanders and paradise of 100 cats
photo by Gigazine
There are approximately 100 cats for the 15 islanders ; no doubt a paradise of cats ’Setouchiaoshima Island’. No one in particular is the owner and the islanders collectively takes care of them. Once you get off the boat, a horde of cats come to greet you. Further, the area where you feed the cats is incredible. After being featured on television, the number of people making their way to Aoshima is rapidly rising. The ocean liner has little capacity and does just two trips, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Because there is a lot of competition to go see the cats, it is wise to go as early as possible. Periodically, people can’t make it onto the afternoon boat so if you are intent on leaving the same day, you should be waiting on the boat at least an hour before it is scheduled to leave. By the way, there are no accommodations other than a campground on the island. Also, there are no vending machines or stores, so be prepared and bring your own food and drink. It is an irresistible island for people who love cats, but it is an island where considerable resolve is required.
Address: Ehime prefecture Ozushi city Nagahama-cho Aoshima
Access: Train + walk + liner service
1. Matsuyama station ~ 1 hr 15 mins on JR Yosansen to Iyonagahama Station (one-way 760 yen)
2. Nagahama Station ~ 2 mins walk to Nagahama Port
3. Nagahama Port ~ 35 min ride on passenger ship ‘Aoshima’to Aoshima Fishing Port (one-way adults 680yen/children 340yen)
1st service Departs Nagahama Port 8:00 ⇒ Arrives Aoshima Port 8:35
Departs Aoshima Port 8:45 ⇒ Arrives Nagahama Port 9:20
2nd service Departs Nagahama Port 14:30 ⇒ Arrives Aoshima Port 15:05
Departs Aoshima Port 16:15 ⇒ Arrives Nagahama Port 16:50
Hiroshima prefecture Okunoshima Island |Dream island of bunnies
photo by kanzyoumiti.blog23.fc2.com
Okunoshima Island, the island full of rabbits is already famous with foreigners because of a youtube video featuring the island. A small island with a circumference of 4.3km, it is entirely a national park. There are 700 bunnies on the island, so it is unlimited ‘fluffy’. If you have food, the bunnies will rush to you. On the other hand, they won’t even bother with you if you don’t have food. It is said that initially they were released from a local elementary school that were raising them and this is their current state. The island is equipped with accommodations and shops so you can just come and bring your personal belongings. And, recommended is staying in a tent at the campground. Because bunnies are nocturnal and there are very few tourists, you have the bunnies all to yourself. In that case be sure to leave a mountain of veggies to the entrance of your tent.
Address: Hiroshima prefecture Takehara city Tadanoumi-cho Okunoshima Island
Access: train + walk + ferry
1. Mihara Station ~ 22 mins on JR Kure Line to Tadanouma Station (one-way 320 yen)
2. Tadanoumi Station ~ 5 mins walk to Tadanoumi Port
3. Tadanoumi Port ~ 12 mins on Omishima Ferry to Okunoshima Island pier (one-way adults 310 yen/children 160 yen)
In closing
How were the islands full of animals? It is possible for humans and animals to coexist, huh? You’ll be revived by just looking at the animals living peacefully on the islands. When you get bored of the typical tourist spots, it might be nice to go a little further and come to the islands full of animals.
Related Articles
Unexpectedly relaxing. 10 cafes where you’ll be soothed by cute animals
