Japan's animal islands

We all know how much Japanese people love their pets. Social media is full of pictures of small dogs dressed up in doll's clothes, or being pushed in prams.

But did you know that Aoshima Island is one of about a dozen "cat islands" around Japan, where cats outnumber people? On this small island more than a hundred cats prowl the island, curling up in abandoned houses or strutting about the quiet fishing village.

Another place to visit if you are a cat-lover is Tashirojima about an hour's ferry ride from Ishinomaki. It was affected by the 2011 tsunami, but it has made a good recovery.

Originally fishermen who worked on the island cared for and protected the semi-wild cats because they believed that the cats would bring them good luck. Following this tradition, they built a small, cat-sized Cat Shrine (Nekokamisama), at the center of the island, dedicated to a cat accidentally killed by a falling rock.

There is also a resort on Neko Island with cat-themed cottages.

The cats on Tashirojima are mostly found around Nitoda Port on the southeastern side of the island. They freely roam the streets and seem to enjoy the attention that they get from the tourists who photograph and play with them.

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Don't forget the rabbits!

Come to Japan's Okunoshima island to see hundreds of rabbits enjoying the green grass. Located in the city of Takehara in Hiroshima prefecture it is also known as the bunny island due to it’s high rabbit population spreading around the island.

Some sources say that the rabbits were brought to th4 700-square-metre island to test the effects of poisons from World war II. or perhaps it was a group of students on a school trip to the island in 1971 who released eight rabbits. Whatever the reason this island is now home to more than 300 rabbits. See what we mean.....

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