#8: Welcome to Cat Island
Off Japan’s coast lies Tashirojima, a tiny island where cats outnumber people. Locals believe these furry residents bring good luck, so they’re pampered, well-fed, and allowed to roam freely through the streets.

Once a hub for the silk industry, the island’s cats were originally kept to protect valuable silkworms from mice. Over time, their numbers grew—and their fame spread. Now, visitors flock to Tashirojima to snap photos, feed the friendly felines, and soak up the island’s purr-filled charm. It’s paradise for cat lovers and fortune seekers alike.
