Island

Nishio, Japan

Sakushima Cats

An art island in Mikawa Bay — outdoor installations and fishing-village lanes, with cats as a pleasant bonus.

Before you go

Buses from Nishio to the ferry terminal are limited. Plan connections carefully so you do not miss the boat.
Cats often rest in residential gardens — please respect residents' privacy and watch from a distance.

Sakushima Official Site

Photo: photoAC

Photo by Asturio Cantabrio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About Sakushima Cats

A small island in Mikawa Bay off Nishio in Aichi Prefecture, best known for the Mikawa Sakushima Art Plan outdoor installations. It is not a dedicated "cat island" like Tashirojima or Aoshima, but cats are often seen around the harbors and older village lanes — a nice extra for cat lovers. A day trip from Nagoya is realistic when ferry and bus times align. Renting a bicycle makes it easier to cover art spots and quiet lanes.

Sakushima Walking Map

Open in Google Maps

This walking map covers Sakushima West and East Ports, Ohirune House, East House, and other highlights on Sakushima in Nishio. Locations are approximate. Please check the latest ferry schedule before your visit.

Sakushima Spot Guide

How to get to Sakushima Cats

From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the train to Nishio Station, then a Meitetsu Tobu Kotsu bus to Isshiki Sakana Hiroba / Sakushima ferry terminal. From Isshiki Port, the Nishio City high-speed boat takes about 20–25 minutes to Sakushima West or East Port (about seven round trips a day). Adult one-way fare is typically around ¥830 — confirm current fare. Cars cannot board — free parking is available near Isshiki Port. Check the official Sakushima ferry timetable before you go.

From Nagoya, take the Meitetsu line to Nishio Station (about 50 minutes).
From Nishio Station, take the Meitetsu Tobu Kotsu bus to Isshiki Sakana Hiroba / Sakushima ferry terminal (about 20–30 minutes).
Take the city high-speed boat from Isshiki Port to Sakushima West Port (about 20 minutes) or East Port (about 25 minutes).
Walk or rent a bike — cats are often seen around the harbors and village lanes, especially on the western side.

View ferry timetable

Isshiki Port departures (Nishio City ferry) Ferry schedules may change by season or weather. Please check the latest timetable before departure.

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Find cat spots on the map