In recent years, encountering stray cats has become less common.

However, there are still many spots in Japan where stray cats are said to be abundant. One of the representative places is the islands scattered throughout Japan, known as "Cat Islands." But besides Cat Islands, there are still other places where you can find stray cats.

*Map of Cat Islands below ( There are 9 cat islands in Japan! ).
In this article, places with many cats will be introduced with actual maps.

This time, we will introduce places known for having many stray cats in general, along with famous spots in the Kanto region where stray cats are commonly seen.

Table of Contents

1. Times and Places to Easily Spot Stray Cats
∟ 1-1. Time
∟ 1-2. Features of Places Stray Cats Prefer
∟ 1-3. Parks
∟ 1-4. Schools
∟ 1-5. In Front of Houses Where Cat Lovers Live

2. Spots with Many Stray Cats in the Kanto Region
∟ 2-1. Enoshima Island
∟ 2-2. Sodegaura Park
∟ 2-3. Yanaka Cemetery
∟ 2-4. Ooi Central Seaside Park
∟ 2-5. Saitama Lake and Dome Green Park
∟ 2-6. Zoshigaya Cemetery
∟ 2-7. Todoroki Gorge

3. Points to Note in Areas with Many Stray Cats
∟ 3-1. Do Not Feed Them
∟ 3-2. Do Not Pick Them Up and Take Them Home
∟ 3-3. Observe Proper Etiquette

1. Times and Places to Easily Spot Stray Cats

Where and when can you frequently observe stray cats?

If you understand the habits of cats beforehand, the chances of encountering many cats will increase. 

1-1. Time

While there are areas where stray cats can be seen at any time, there are also places where they are only occasionally spotted.

If you have a favorite stray cat, it might be good to pay attention to the time of day.

Cats spend more than half of the day sleeping, so during the day, they are often found inside buildings or in shaded areas.

Because cats are crepuscular, they are more active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.

Therefore, you are more likely to encounter stray cats early in the morning or in the evening, especially during the dusk hours when they become more active.

This is why you often see stray cats when returning from work or school.

1-2. Features of Places Stray Cats Prefer

Places with many stray cats often have a lot of bushes and shaded areas.

These locations provide a cool and comfortable environment, making them popular habitats for stray cats.

However, it is advisable not to approach a stray cat relaxing in the bushes suddenly. They might get startled and run away.

Stray cats can feel scared and uncomfortable when unfamiliar people suddenly approach their living space. It's better to watch them from a distance.

1-3. Parks

Parks are ideal habitats for stray cats with plenty of bushes and shaded areas for them to rest.

Also, the presence of children and people taking regular walks in the park means there are many individuals who might provide food, making it a characteristic feature.

If you see dishes in the park, it is evidence that there are many stray cats present. Someone is taking care of them by putting food in the dishes.

Since many stray cats are present, parks are also places where abandoned cats are often brought back by people.

1-4. Schools

Similar to parks, schools may have stray cats due to the presence of resting spots and the presence of children who love cats.

In addition, there are cases where students who find stray cats during their commute to or from school bring them to school, thinking of adopting them collectively.

If you often see stray cats near a school, it might be because they are being taken care of by students.

1-5. In Front of Houses Where Cat Lovers Live

In residential areas, there are houses with individuals who love cats.

If you find a house with a cat tower or a bowl for stray cats in front of the entrance, it's likely that the person living there is a cat lover.

Stray cats may gather around such houses because they know they can get food or attention there.

If you're not sure whether the person living there likes cats or not, it's best to observe from a distance rather than approaching the house directly.

By doing so, you can enjoy watching the stray cats without causing any trouble.

2. Spots with Many Stray Cats in the Kanto Region

Now, let's introduce specific locations in the Kanto region where you can frequently encounter stray cats.

If you're a cat lover, these spots are definitely worth a visit.

2-1. Enoshima Island

Enoshima Island in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is known for its beautiful scenery and as a tourist destination.

It is also famous for having many stray cats.

There are numerous spots on the island where you can find cats, and there are even places that have become popular for cat lovers.

However, it's important to note that feeding cats on Enoshima Island is prohibited. Please enjoy watching them from a distance.

Below is google map of Enoshima Island.

2-2. Sodegaura Park

Sodegaura Park in Chiba Prefecture is a spacious park with a variety of facilities, including an athletic field and a barbecue area.

It is known for having many stray cats, and there are even volunteers who take care of them.

Due to the large number of stray cats, there are feeding spots set up in various places within the park.

If you visit Sodegaura Park, you may encounter many adorable cats.

Below is google map of Sodegaura Park.

2-3. Yanaka Cemetery

Yanaka Cemetery, located in Taito Ward, Tokyo, is known for its historical atmosphere and the many cats that inhabit the area.

It is said that the number of stray cats increased after the Great East Japan Earthquake in special place where they gather.

Yanaka Cemetery is also known for its cat-shaped monuments, making it a famous spot for cat lovers.

If you stroll through the cemetery, you may encounter cats napping in the sun. However, be aware of acting quietly in the cemetery, it is rude to "enjoy" being in the cemetery and you might get reputation of being rude if you over enjoy here.

Below is google map of Yanaka Cemetery.

2-4. Ooi Central Seaside Park

Ooi Central Seaside Park in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, is a large park with a seaside view.

It is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities, and it is also known for its many stray cats.

There are areas in the park where you can find feeding spots for cats.

While enjoying the view of the sea, you may also encounter friendly stray cats.

Below is google map. Be aware that you need to pay to enter some parts of of the park.

2-5. Saitama Lake and Dome Green Park

Saitama Lake and Dome Green Park in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, are famous for their cherry blossoms in spring.

They are also known for having many stray cats.

The park is spacious, and there are areas with plenty of greenery where cats can relax.

If you visit during the cherry blossom season, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along with the company of adorable cats.

Google map is below. This place might be a rare place for inbound visitor to Japan.

2-6. Zoshigaya Cemetery

Zoshigaya Cemetery in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, is another cemetery where stray cats are often seen.

It is a peaceful cemetery with historical significance, and there are many spots where cats gather.

While strolling through the cemetery, you may encounter cats resting on tombstones or wandering around the area.

Google map is below. Again, this is a cemetery, be aware to behave yourself.

2-7. Todoroki Gorge

Todoroki Gorge in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, is a scenic natural area with a river and walking trails.

It is also known for the presence of stray cats.

While enjoying the beautiful natural scenery, you may come across cats relaxing along the riverbank or on the walking paths.

It's a unique experience to encounter stray cats in such a natural setting.

This place is relatively small compared to the other places introduced in this article.