Visiting Japan’s Cat Island, Where More Cats Than People Live Among the Ruins of a Coal Mine

Описание: I took a two-day, one-night trip to Ikeshima, a former coal mining island in Nagasaki Prefecture. Today, Ikeshima is gaining attention as a "Semi-abandoned Island," known for its industrial coal mining ruins, just like nearby world famous Gunkanjima. But it’s also quietly beloved as a “cat island,” home to many feline residents.

Located about 7 kilometers west of the Nishisonogi Peninsula in Nagasaki, Ikeshima is a small island with a circumference of just 4 kilometers. It once thrived thanks to the Ikeshima Coal Mine, which began operations in 1959. At its peak in 1985, the mine produced over 1.53 million tons of coal, playing a vital role in powering Japan during the Showa era.

However, high competition with the rise of cheaper overseas coal and the shift toward oil-based energy, the mine was closed in November 2001. Today, abandoned mining facilities, apartment blocks, and shops remain as silent witnesses to the island's past. From a population of over 7,776 in 1970, fewer than 100 residents remain today.

Yet in recent years, Ikeshima has become known for something unexpected — its cats.Through these feline companions, along with valuable sites of industrial heritage, the architectural beauty of the Showa era housing, its beautiful nature such as sunset, I invite you to discover a different side of Ikeshima: a quiet, healing island full of life, memory, and charm.

English subtitles are available for this video. Please make sure to turn them on when watching on YouTube.
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Useful Links (関連情報)：
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🔽How to access from Nagasaki Airport to Ikeshima Island
👉　 http://www.kanko-sotome.com/access/
　Detailed information is available on this website. Please open it in Google Chrome and use the English translation feature. You can check all bus and ferry transfer schedules here, making it very convenient.

From Nagasaki Airport to Nagasaki Station, here is also timetable for travelers
👉 https://nagasaki-airport.jp/en/access...

From Konoura port to Ikeshima Island:
Ferry 10: 30/13:46 Fare: ¥ 470
Shineimaru(smaller boat) 6:45/7:30/15:40/16:25 Fare: ¥ 370

Note: To view the website in English using Google Chrome, you can use the built-in translation feature. When you open the website, Chrome should automatically prompt you to translate the page. If not, you can right-click on the page and select "Translate to English." This will translate the content into English for easier navigation.
🔽Ikeshima Chuo Hall(Lodge) 👉 http://www.kanko-sotome.com/tomaru04/
Please open it in Google Chrome and use the English translation feature.
🔽Shusaku Endo Literature Museum　👉　https://www.city.nagasaki.lg.jp/site/...
Please open it in Google Chrome and use the English translation feature.

🔽Please subscribe my channel:    / @arigatosolotravel  

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Chapter (目次機能)：
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00:00 Opening
03:47 Ferry Ride from Konoura Port
07:35 First Meeting With Cats
14:29 The Cats at Lodge
18:48 Strolling Through The Ruins
23:04 Among the Cats
27:01 Evening Light and Cats of Ikeshima
31:48 Morning Light and Cats
35:06 Goodbye, Cats of the Lodge
38:10 Epilogue
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