Yushima (Dangojima)

Floating in the Ariake Sea you’ll find a 4km island known as “Yushima” island, home to over 200 cats and the people who live with them. The cats are kept as precious friends and a special draw for tourists. Cats and the island people seem to live in a stopped time filled with easy going hours as the days go by.

The island is especially historically rich, and has even been called “Dangojima”, or “meeting” island, for the time the people of the Shimabara revolution gathered here for their battle strategy meetings. Across the island you’ll find a number of history landmarks, including a blacksmithing business.

On the island by the Ariake Sea you’ll find the old-world, white lighthouse with a protected, planted forest of Japanese sea fig trees and enjoy the sights of dolphins and snapper as they go by each season.

In addition to fresh fish, the daikon is a special treat in the winter season only, said to taste like sweet pears. Many visitors also come to try the Yushima Daikon and other local dishes. Despite its size, this small island is home to a number of BnB’s where you can stay.