kawaii（かわいい）🐱🐱Cat island japan A Heartwarming Summer with 100+ Cats on Sanagi Island, Kagawa 🇯🇵

kawaii（かわいい）🐱🐱Cat island japan A Heartwarming Summer with 100+ Cats on Sanagi Island, Kagawa 🇯🇵

I’ve made it to Tadotsu Station in Kagawa Prefecture! I’m finally heading to Sanagi Island, the cat paradise I’ve always wanted to visit. There’s a taxi stand in front of the station, but it’s only a 15-minute walk to the port, so I’m gonna walk. By the way, there are no convenience stores on the island, so make sure to stock up on drinks beforehand. I can smell the salty air. That feeling of “the journey is about to begin” gets me so excited. I’ve arrived at the port. There are four departures:
6:55 AM, 9:05 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:20 PM. I’m taking the 2:00 PM ferry and plan to stay on the island for two hours. Let’s buy a ferry ticket at the ticket office. It looks like Sanagi Island has two ports. I’ll get a round-trip ticket to the first one, “Hon-ura Port.” It feels like a special invitation to a cat paradise. The round-trip ticket costs ¥1320. And we’re off! I can see the Seto Ohashi Bridge, which I crossed this morning on the Sunrise Express train. Looking at a place you were just at from the sea makes you feel like the main character in a story. It’s about an hour’s ride to the island, so I’ll just relax on the boat. It’s nice and cool with the AC on. The name of the island we’re heading to, “Sanagi,” has a wonderful legend behind it. They say it comes from about 600 years ago when a shogun was taking shelter from a storm, and the wind “calmed down” (nagida). Sanagi Island is coming into view. We’ve arrived on the island! That was a quick and pleasant ferry ride. The sun is super strong. I wonder if the cats are doing okay… Found a cat!
It’s completely surrounded, what a popular little guy. I brought a special item today to win the cats over. That’s right, cat treats! Feeding the cats is allowed, but make sure to take your trash with you. Hello there! Right away, I’m going to try giving them some Churu, a super popular treat. I wonder if they’ll eat it…? Oh, it’s eating! Is it yummy? Do you like it? More cats are coming from the back. They’re really into it. They’re pulling so hard, lol. Aww, you ate so fast you got Churu all over your face… Let me wipe your face, come over here. Drawn by the smell of Churu, tons of cats are gathering from all over. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, wait your turn!” They’re literally lining up for food, lol. It looks like they’re having a little chat 😂 What do you think they’re saying? Looks like their meeting is over. What were you guys talking about? Don’t fight, now 💦 Here, this treat is for you. Oh, the cat with the Churu on its head just stole it! 😂 I’m gonna head on, you two share nicely, okay? Huh? The Churu-faced cat from before is following me. Are you still hungry? It’s okay, I’ll give you more food on my way back, so just wait. I’m going to venture deeper into the island. Is this the famous spot on Sanagi Island where cats jump over the sea wall? There are no cats here right now, so I’ll check again on my way back. Hello there! What are you doing all by yourself? It’s being very cautious… But its eyes are glued to the treats in my hand. I’ll just leave it here for you. Oh, it’s eating. Sorry for scaring you. I found a cat sleeping so peacefully. So cute. There’s a shrine right in front of me. There’s a cat in front of the torii gate. It’s like a guardian spirit. The air is so clear. It’s a quiet, charming shrine where time seems to stand still. It’s a quiet island, but it has deep connections to a time when Japanese history was changing dramatically. In 1860, there was a ship called the “Kanrin Maru” that opened the door to Japan’s modernization. Records show that a crew member from this very island was chosen to sail on it to San Francisco. To think that someone from this tiny island contributed to Japan’s development. The island also preserves a rare custom in modern Japan called “Ryobosei,” or the dual grave system. It’s a practice of having a separate “burying grave” for the body and a “worshipping grave” for paying respects. It’s a precious cultural asset for understanding Japan’s burial history. I’ll offer a deep prayer for the peace of the cats and in respect for the history that rests on this island. Thank you for your hard work guarding the shrine. My path back is blocked. So this is what you wanted. See you later! 👋 I found the post office. Doesn’t look like it’s open. Hello! That’s the look of a wild animal. What an adorable pose. It seems this post office is a popular hangout for the cats. Bye-bye, see you! 👋 I’ve made my way to the coast. The sound of the gentle waves washing ashore is so soothing. I feel like I’m being watched. Every cat on the island might already know that I have treats… Here you go. It’s looking around cautiously, but eating with gusto. I’ve been noticing this for a while, but a lot of the cats on this island are black and white. I wonder if there’s a reason for that. Oh, there’s a cat in front of the Jizo statue. Are you sleepy? Your breathing is a bit labored and wheezy… are you okay? Don’t overdo it in this heat, get some rest. I’ve found a wonderful place. This is the “Nekonoshima Hostel.” It’s a hostel that’s been converted from an old elementary school. It looks like there’s a cafe attached, so I think I’ll stop in for a break. The menu isn’t just drinks… they have meals, too. This building used to be an elementary school. The furniture and interior still have traces of the old school, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. I ordered an iced café au lait. I don’t usually add syrup, but today’s a special occasion, so I’m pouring in a generous amount. Mmm, sweet and delicious. That was great. I feel so relaxed and refreshed. They also had cute cat-themed merchandise for sale inside the shop. The view from the shop is amazing, too. It’s like a scene from a movie. Alright, let’s keep moving. Hm? Is that a fish skeleton? It’s been picked clean! 😂 One of the island cats must have eaten it. I’ve arrived at Sanagi Island’s other port, Nagasaki Port. I haven’t seen any cats since I left the cafe. Oh, there you are! Hello! You can already tell I have treats, can’t you? This is what you want, right? As expected, Churu is a big hit here too. They’re still eating like crazy! Be careful not to get it on your face. Want some? You look sleepy. 🥱 Eat up. Are you satisfied? Looks like it wants more. Looks like it’s finally full. I forgot about my ferry back! I think I have to run to make it! I ran quite a bit, but it looks like I’ll make it. Are these the same cats from before? I didn’t get to see the cat jump after all… I still have some Churu left! Any takers? Oh, it’s you… The Churu mark on your head! It’s the cat from before. Were you waiting for me? Maybe it’s still a little wary. Looks like you were waiting for the Churu, not me. It’s okay, I’m not scary~ I should probably get going… Are you seeing me off? Bye-bye, I’ll be back! I have a little time before the ferry departs. I’m going to get one last moment of peace with this cat. Let’s give it the last of the treats. No one’s going to steal your treat, little one. It occasionally opens its eyes, then dozes off again. I wonder if this is its favorite spot. Just when I thought we made eye contact, it’s back to dreamland. It looks so comfortable. Good night. The ferry is here. It looks like the cat is seeing me off. And just like that, this wonderful trip comes to an end. I’ve made another unforgettable memory. Sanagi Island was truly a great place. Thank you for watching all the way to the end. See you in the next video! 👋

Sanagijima, off the coast of Kagawa Prefecture, is one of Japan’s world-famous “Cat Islands.”

【This Visit】
In summer 2025, I visited the island. Although it’s smaller than Tashirojima, which I visited previously, spending time with the friendly felines was pure bliss ☺️

This video doesn’t just feature the cute cats, but also briefly touches on the island’s unique culture and history. Please watch until the end!

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【Chapters】
00:00 Off to Cat Island!
03:16 Eat Slowly
05:16 What Are You Saying?
06:45 Am I Being Followed?
07:05 A Little Cautious?
08:16 Cats at the Shrine
08:53 Island History & Culture
10:35 The Gathering Spot
11:39 Under Surveillance
12:57 Feeling the Heat
13:20 Taking a Break
15:33 Someone’s Hungry!
17:56 Until Next Time
18:24 You Waited for Me!
20:04 One Last Goodbye