Animals in Japan

Discover 25 places to experience unusual animals in Japan.

'Nemuri-Neko' ('The Sleeping Cat')

Is this cat asleep or just pretending?

'Coicorin'

Tell this pair of "love-inviting" cats in Ginza your romantic hopes.

Dog's Roasted Sweet Potato Stand

The only thing sweeter than the potatoes is the canine proprietor of this roadside stall.

Hachikō's Grave

People from around the world visit the shrine of Japan’s legendarily loyal dog.

Ōmihachiman-shi, Japan

Okishima Island

A Japanese cat island also populated by the descendants of a band of banished samurai.

Owl Police Box

This adorable birdlike police box is designed based on a play on words.

Wara Art

Giant animal sculptures are created with the rice straw leftover from the fall harvest each year.

Komatsushima-shi, Japan

Kincho Raccoon Dog Statue

A statue of a mischievous raccoon towers over this city park.

Tatebayashi-shi, Japan

Morin-ji Temple

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.

Henn-Na Hotel

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

Gotokuji Temple

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

Iwaizumi, Japan

Ryūsendō Cave

A massive cave complex boasts some of the clearest water (and most charming bats) in the world.

Namerikawa, Japan

The Firefly Squid of Toyama Bay

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

Meguro Parasitological Museum

Meet the world's longest tapeworm in a collection that really gets under your skin.

Mushi Mushi Land

"Bug Bug" Land, a natural park for beetle watching, still hasn't fully recovered from Fukushima's nuclear disaster.

Yamanakako, Japan

Lake Yamanaka

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.