Is Enoshima a Cat Island? Your Complete Guide & What to Expect

You've probably seen the pictures. Scrolling through Instagram or travel blogs, you stumble upon a charming shot of a cat lounging on ancient stone steps with a breathtaking ocean view. The caption reads something like "Enoshima cat" or hints at a feline paradise. And then the question pops into your head, the one that likely brought you here: Is Enoshima a cat island?

It's a fair question. Japan is famous for its so-called "cat islands" (nekojima), remote spots where cats outnumber humans. Places like Aoshima or Tashirojima have become viral sensations. So when you hear about cats on Enoshima, a beautiful island just an hour from Tokyo, it's easy to lump it into the same category. I did the same thing before my first visit, my camera ready for a feline photobomb around every corner.

My own trip to Enoshima last summer was a lesson in managing expectations. I went thinking I'd find a feline utopia. What I found instead was a stunning historical island with a small, resident cat population that adds a layer of serendipity to the visit. You might see a cat. You might not. And understanding that difference is key to enjoying Enoshima for what it truly is.

What is a “Cat Island” Anyway?

Before we can answer "Is Enoshima a cat island?", we need to define our terms. When people talk about Japanese cat islands, they're usually referring to specific, often remote, islands where the cat population has boomed, sometimes dramatically outnumbering the human residents.

The classic cat island has a few key features:

• High Cat-to-Human Ratio: This is the big one. On Aoshima, there are reportedly over a hundred cats for a handful of elderly residents.
• Purpose of the Cats: Historically, cats were often brought to islands to control rodent populations in fishing villages. They stayed, bred, and became the main attraction.
• Remote Location: Most are harder to get to, involving long train rides and ferry trips, which helped create isolated cat communities.
• Tourism Built Around Cats: The primary draw for visitors is specifically to see and interact with the cats.

Enoshima, as you'll see, fits some pieces of this puzzle but completely misses others. It's like asking if a pond is a lake. Both have water, but the scale and experience are worlds apart.

The Truth About Cats on Enoshima

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What's the real cat situation on the ground?

Enoshima does have cats. I saw maybe five or six during a full-day exploration. They're not stray in the desperate sense; they appear to be community cats, somewhat cared for by locals and shopkeepers. You'll often find them in quieter, sun-drenched spots.

So, why does Enoshima have this feline association? A lot of it comes from its connection to Benzaiten, the goddess of everything that flows (music, water, words, wealth). She's often depicted with a white snake, but in some interpretations and local lore, the cat is considered a messenger or a creature favored by the goddess. You'll see cat-themed ema (wishing plaques) and charms at the island's shrines, particularly at the Enoshima Shrine complex. This spiritual link has fostered a cat-friendly culture.

The cats themselves seem to have good lives. They are generally healthy-looking and nonchalant. I remember one particular calico, perfectly perched on a warm stone wall near the Samuel Cocking Garden, completely ignoring a group of tourists trying to take its picture. It had that classic Enoshima cat attitude: "I live here. You're just visiting."

Where You're Most Likely to Spot Cats on Enoshima

Based on my visit and reports from other travelers, cats aren't evenly distributed. They have their preferred hangouts. If you're hoping to answer "Is Enoshima a cat island?" with your own eyes, target these areas:

• The Approach to the Main Shrine (Samurai-dori): The stone stairways and quieter nooks off the main tourist path, especially in the morning before the crowds hit.
• Around the Residential Backstreets: Venture slightly away from the core tourist circuit. The cats seem to prefer the calm of the local neighborhoods.
• Sunny Patios near Cafes: Some of the quieter cafes with outdoor seating can attract feline sunbathers.
• The Gardens: The edges of the Samuel Cocking Garden and other green spaces offer peace and plenty of hiding spots.

A word of caution: These are living animals, not exhibits. They move, nap in hidden spots, and have their own routines. Spotting them is never guaranteed, which honestly makes it more special when you do.

Enoshima vs. The Famous Cat Islands of Japan

This is where the distinction becomes crystal clear. Let's put Enoshima side-by-side with the heavyweights of the cat island world.

See the difference? Asking is Enoshima a cat island in the same breath as Aoshima is like comparing a neighborhood with a few friendly stray dogs to a dedicated dog sanctuary. The intent, scale, and experience are fundamentally different.

A Practical Guide for Cat Enthusiasts Visiting Enoshima

If you're still keen to visit (and you should, it's gorgeous), here’s how to set yourself up for success, cat-wise and otherwise.

How to Be a Responsible Visitor Around the Cats

This is super important. The cats on Enoshima aren't petting zoo animals.

• Don't Feed Them: Seriously, don't. Their diet is likely managed by locals. Human food can make them sick and encourage unhealthy dependence.
• Look, Don't Touch: Admire from a distance. Don't chase, pick up, or corner a cat. Let them approach you if they choose (sometimes they do for a sniff!).
• Flash Off: If you're taking photos, turn off the flash. It scares them.
• Respect Their Space: If a cat is sleeping or seems skittish, just keep walking. Your photo op isn't worth their stress.

Building the Perfect Enoshima Day Trip Itinerary

Plan your day around the island's real highlights, with cat-spotting as a fun secondary activity. Here's a sample flow:

1. Morning (Arrive Early): Take the train to Katase-Enoshima Station. Walk across the bridge. The early light is beautiful, and the streets are quieter—your best chance for cat sightings.
2. Late Morning: Explore the Enoshima Shrine complex. Climb the steps, visit the various shrines (Hetsu-no-miya, Nakatsu-no-miya, Okutsu-no-miya). Keep your eyes peeled in the garden areas.
3. Afternoon: Visit the Sea Candle (observation tower) for insane 360° views. Walk through the Samuel Cocking Garden. Have lunch at one of the restaurants with a ocean view (try the shirasu-don, the local whitebait bowl).
4. Late Afternoon: Explore the Iwaya Caves on the island's west side. As the day-tripper crowds start to thin, wander the back lanes slowly on your way back to the bridge.

I have to be honest, my first visit was slightly underwhelming from a "cat hunter" perspective. I saw maybe three cats all day. But the island itself completely won me over. The history, the views from the Sea Candle, the atmosphere of the shrines—it was a fantastic trip for entirely different reasons.

Addressing Common Questions (FAQs)