Manabe Island
A tranquil island paradise in the Seto Inland Sea, famous for its abundant friendly cats and charming traditional fishing village.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Manabe Island
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil island paradise in the Seto Inland Sea, famous for its abundant friendly cats and charming traditional fishing village.
"This cat island in Okayama Prefecture does not get as much tourist attention than other islands. Please visit here if you are a cat lover!"
Bring Cat Food!
Essential for interacting with the island's feline residents. Vending machines can be unreliable. :cat2:
Check Ferry Times
Ferries are infrequent. Plan your return trip carefully to avoid long waits. ⛴️
Quick Facts
Rating
4 · 89 reviews
Type
Island
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Friendly Felines
Throughout the island
Encounter numerous friendly, cuddly cats and kittens eager for attention and treats. A paradise for cat lovers!
Scenic Coastal Walks
Island perimeter
Enjoy picturesque walks along the rocky shores and through charming, narrow streets with beautiful sea views.
Traditional Fishing Village
Port area
Experience the authentic charm of a traditional Japanese fishing town with its quiet atmosphere and local life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cat Food Strategy is Key
Ferry Schedules & Island Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cat Food!
Essential for interacting with the island's feline residents. Vending machines can be unreliable. :cat2:
Check Ferry Times
Ferries are infrequent. Plan your return trip carefully to avoid long waits. ⛴️
Explore Beyond the Port
More cats and kittens await discovery further inland. Don't limit yourself to the immediate port area. :hiking_boot:
Respect Locals & Environment
Be mindful of residents and take all your trash with you. ♻️
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cat Food!
Essential for interacting with the island's feline residents. Vending machines can be unreliable. :cat2:
Check Ferry Times
Ferries are infrequent. Plan your return trip carefully to avoid long waits. ⛴️
Explore Beyond the Port
More cats and kittens await discovery further inland. Don't limit yourself to the immediate port area. :hiking_boot:
Respect Locals & Environment
Be mindful of residents and take all your trash with you. ♻️
Cash is King
Ferry tickets are paid in cash upon boarding. Have small bills ready. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manabe Island is a highly recommended destination for cat lovers, praised for its numerous friendly and cuddly felines. Visitors appreciate the island's quiet, traditional fishing village charm and scenic coastal walks. However, some note a decline in the cat population and advise caution with unreliable cat food vending machines.
"Amazing cat island. There are lots of cats and they are very friendly and cuddly.
If you like cats, this island is a perfect quiet place to enjoy a some cat time.
I brought some cat food because there are no shops around.
Really nice day trip with lots of cats"
Ringaile Valiaugaite
"date of visit: 29th April 2025, noon
1st photo: map of island where i encountered cats/kitten.
the ship stops at the bottom left area marked “X”. This is where you would meet the famous mike, along with a few other cats that would keep meowing for food. do not exhaust your food here! i exhausted most of my cat food here until i did not have enough for the rest of the island😭😭😭😭💔💔 i did not expect to see cats at the remaining part of the island..
i never saw anywhere else mentioning but as i walked further down towards the area marked as “site #1” & “site #2”, there were WAY MORE CATS & KITTENS!
the cats on this island are not neutered and are breeding freely. i have caught them breeding on footage, read/look at my review/photos till the end and you will see proof.
2nd photo (site #1): as i walk down the road, there was a group of hungry kitten & cats. i saw a local feed them once but with very little food that didnt seem enough
3rd photo (site #2): MORE KITTENS! ALOT OF THEM! i first encountered ONLY one meowing for human attention. i took out my cat food. a few seconds later more & more kittens/cats started to come out of the bushes! i wish i recorded it, but the scene was exactly like that 1 viral video of a guy who encountered a dozen of kittens when he stopped his car by the forest side, which slowly ambushed him one by one from out of their hiding spot.
4th photo (site X): mike & friends
remaining photos: Site #1 & #2, the hidden spots with A LOT OF KITTEN! they are even more hungry than the adult cats at Site X. Site X cats are the ones that got the most attention from tourist usually. Most people would not walk as far as where i adventured until and met SO MANY KITTENS.
best cat island i visited. VERY UNDERRATED.
i would pick this island over the famous aoshima in ehime prefecture or sanagi island in kagawa prefecture.
this cat island in okayama prefecture does not get as much tourist attention than other islands. please visit here if you are a cat lover!
*last 2 photos: gachapon machine selling cat food is a SCAM! do not try! my 300 yen is lost because the machine is stuck & does not turn anymore (1 more cat food packet left inside). i have emailed the owner about it in japanese but they did not reply."
H
"Not a lot of cats left even if the population is slowly growing back. But they are still clearly in bad shape.. And after what happened in the island is definitely a weird vibe. But its hard to say if it was the order of one person or of the whole island.. Anyhow you should not come because you want to see a lot of cats and talk to the locals, if you do you will probably be disappointed. But if you come to explore a remote island, you will be in for it. Most people would find it boring but I found it fascinating."
David Munoz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manabe Island is accessible by ferry from Kasaoka Port in Okayama Prefecture. Ferries run a few times a day, so it's crucial to check the schedule in advance. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Ferry services are limited, with only a few departures and returns each day. It's highly recommended to confirm the latest ferry timetable before your visit, as it can vary.
No, private vehicles are generally not allowed on Manabe Island. Visitors typically arrive by foot via the ferry.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at Kasaoka Port for those traveling by car to catch the ferry to Manabe Island.
Manabe Island is small enough to explore on foot. Walking is the primary mode of transportation, allowing you to discover its charm at your own pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ferry tickets are typically purchased directly from the ferryman on board for the return trip. It's advisable to have cash ready for the fare.
There is no specific entrance fee to visit Manabe Island itself. The main cost is the ferry fare to and from the island.
Manabe Island is a residential island, so there are no official visiting hours. However, ferry schedules dictate when you can arrive and depart.
While there might be a cat food vending machine near the port, it's not always reliable. It's best to bring your own cat food to ensure you can feed the cats.
If the vending machine is out of order, don't worry! Many visitors bring their own cat food, which is highly recommended.
🎫 🐈 Cat Encounters
Yes, the cats on Manabe Island are generally very friendly, approachable, and often cuddly. They are accustomed to human interaction. +2
The exact number varies, but the island is known for its significant cat population. Some visitors note a decline in numbers, while others report seeing many, especially kittens.
Approach them gently, offer treats (cat food), and let them come to you. Many enjoy being petted and will even follow you.
Yes, visitors frequently report seeing many kittens, particularly in areas away from the main port.
Feeding the cats is encouraged by many visitors and locals, as it helps them and enhances your experience. Bringing your own cat food is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture charming shots of cats in their natural habitat, the picturesque fishing village, and the scenic coastal landscapes. The narrow streets and rocky shores offer unique photo opportunities. 
Yes, the cats are often quite relaxed and approachable, making it relatively easy to get close for photos. Be patient and let them come to you.
While some videos show drone footage, it's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A lens that allows for close-ups without disturbing the cats would be beneficial.
Absolutely! Many visitors share videos of their cat encounters, capturing their playful antics and interactions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit