A Cat's-Eye View of Japan

We visit Japan's largest and oldest lake, Lake Biwa. A cat leads us to an overlook with a great view of the lake. We meet another cat hiding among the multitude of wares at a Shigaraki ceramics shop.

We take in Japan's tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and meet some cats on the way. A cat named Bond carries out top-secret missions at a peach orchard. Another cat patrols its home—a 100-year-old winery.

Tokushima has long been famed for its indigo. We visit an indigo-dyeing workshop and meet their mascot, Natsu. Next, we make a wish at a shrine that's popular with cats and cat lovers alike.

We meet a cat who fearlessly patrols crocodile enclosures heated by onsen steam. At a shopping arcade, we encounter early rising cats and a tengu statue. We even meet cats who enjoy billiards!

Todaiji Temple is a World Heritage Site. We encounter cats—and also deer—who live at the temple. One cat keeps an eye on his owner's pickle shop. Another cat enjoys listening to flute music.

Cats show off their climbing skills at a spot overlooking the sea. On the island of Mushima, we meet a cat who takes us to a field of daffodils. The cats tease Iwago by hiding among the flowers.

A cat patrols the rice fields, but there's always time for a midday nap. At a vineyard, we get a tour from a cat named Pinot Noir! He's popular with visitors but always plays it cool.

Chichibu is a mountainous region with lots of natural beauty. Cats keep watch over a field of red spider lilies and even guide visitors through the mountains! We also meet a cat who lives at a shrine.

A local cat guides us to a fairy tale palace—or rather, a shrine that looks like the palace! Together with Iwago, we visit scenic spots, including a tea farm that's patrolled by an early-rising cat.

A cat takes a nap among the fragrant flowers at a farm that grows sweet pea flowers. Another cat takes a nap at an archery range! We meet more local cats as residents celebrate a unique tradition.

Mama cat Koyuki lives at a pottery workshop and is raising two playful kittens. Taisho, who lives at a fruit shop, keeps an eye on the shopping arcade. Both cats love resting on their owner's laps!

Chibita is a friendly cat who lives at a souvenir shop near Chusonji Temple, a World Heritage Site. Popo lives at a horseback riding club with 20 horses! At a rose garden, we meet handsome Kikujiro.

Sanagijima Island is home to lots of free-roaming cats. Kuji rests on some cool shrine steps. Other cats hang out close to the sea, carefully making their way along a seawall. What are they doing?

Ricky was born in an apple orchard. It's a perfect playground for mischievous kittens! Peh spends the autumn in golden rice fields, hiding and hunting grasshoppers. Watch out for his pounce!

Kuro fearlessly patrols the rugged and rocky Tojinbo Cliffs and the nearby shopping street. Quu lives at a lacquerware workshop. She makes her owner's legs fall asleep when she sits on his lap!

The seaside town of Hakodate has long flourished as a port. One savvy cat waits by a fisherman, hoping he'll share his catch! We meet more local cats at a fish market and a historic graveyard.

Karuizawa is cool even in summer, making it a popular resort town. We meet local cats at a fashionable home goods shop and a restaurant in a remodeled folk home. They're sure to bring in customers!

We visit a cat at a serene temple garden with a 500-year history. Then, we encounter cats with artisan owners, including a knitting expert and a man who hand carves shogi (Japanese chess) pieces.

At a temple once believed to have been home to a dragon, we meet 20 playful cats. They show off their favorite spots and play together. Next, we visit Tokoname and meet a real-life beckoning cat!

A cat hangs out with her owners, a family of surfers who run a beach café. This cool cat gets along with her family's dog, too! Next, we meet a shy cat at a surfboard and skateboard shop.