Cat Heaven Island Is The Cutest Friday Escape You Will Ever Take | HuffPost Life

CAT HEAVEN

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Lifestyle Editor, HuffPost

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This Japanese island is officially named Tashirojima.

However, most people refer to it as Cat Heaven Island, because its residents are primarily feline.

About 100 humans live on Cat Heaven Island. They care for the cats, who outnumbered them long ago, because they believe that feeding them will bring good luck and wealth.

As you can see, the cats pretty much rule the roost.

Like little people, they hang out on the island's motorbikes...

...and in warehouses...

...and out on the abandoned boardwalk.

Maybe one day they'll build their own homes out of twigs...

...but for now they're just content to run around being adorable.

Bye, Cat Heaven Island!

For more photos of Cat Heaven Island, check out the website of Japanese photographer Fubirai.

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Before You Go

Top Islands

(01 of25)

24. AMELIA ISLAND, FLReaders' Choice Rating: 83.8Scenery: 85.7Friendliness: 84.8Atmosphere: 86Restaurants: 79.4Lodging: 83.7Activities: 82.1Beaches: 85Whether it's the seemingly endless "green space," or the "unbelievably hospitable" locals, readers agree that this Florida island is a "beautiful, history-filled family location." Hike a trail through Fort Clinch State Park, or explore the downtown area for "year-round festivals, fun, and shopping."

(02 of25)

24. PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADAReaders' Choice Rating: 83.8Scenery: 92.2Friendliness: 93.7Atmosphere: 89.9Restaurants: 71.5Lodging: 72.7Activities: 77.9Beaches: 77.9Prince Edward Island offers "enjoyable atmosphere and great mussels" for seafood lovers. Our readers appreciated its "ruggedness and beauty of nature." "The beaches, the food and the people enforce that simple can be extraordinary," one reader said. "This might be my favorite place on Earth." "The scenery and beaches are outstanding and there is genuinely an unspoiled, pristine air about the island."

(03 of25)

23. ELBA & TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO, ITALYReaders' Choice Rating: 83.9Scenery: 87.5Friendliness: 89.6Atmosphere: 85.4Restaurants: 84.2Lodging: 78.9Activities: 68.8Beaches: 86.4With "world-class restaurants tucked into little villages that you would never expect," Elba takes good food seriously. Our readers went on culinary cruises, which were "a real treat somewhat off the normal tourist path." Visit the hill town of Marciana Alta for "food to die for" and Zero Gradi for its gelato.

(04 of25)

22. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDSReaders' Choice Rating: 84.2Scenery: 93.6Friendliness: 86.4Atmosphere: 89.9Restaurants: 71.6Lodging: 84.9Activities: 83.5Beaches: 89The "warm island breezes" and "clear waters" make these islands a "heaven" for sailing enthusiasts. Charter a captained vessel or go bareboating if you're feeling independent, and then "dip in and out of remote coves and snorkeling spots with ease." Make sure to check out the "lovely beaches" at Jost Van Dyke, the "volcanic islands" at Tortola, and the Baths at Virgin Gorda, a "must-see."

(05 of25)

21. HILTON HEAD, SCReaders' Choice Rating: 84.4Scenery: 85.2Friendliness: 85.7Atmosphere: 85.4Restaurants: 83.3Lodging: 82.2Activities: 84.5Beaches: 84.4With "pristine beaches," "shopping to satisfy everyone," and "fabulous restaurants to suit every taste," it's no wonder that our readers found this South Carolina island so relaxing. "You breathe deeper—the sound of the ocean instantly makes you feel at ease," says one reader. When not lounging ocean-side, explore the "fantastic bike trails," or take advantage of the "terrific golf for all levels."

(06 of25)

20. SEYCHELLESReaders' Choice Rating: 84.5Scenery: 97.9Friendliness: 89.6Atmosphere: 93.8Restaurants: 82.5Lodging: 100Activities: 90.5Beaches: 100Look forward to "the most stunning beaches in the world." There is "so much culture, nature and beauty" to experience, making this "paradise on Earth." "The beauty of this place cannot be overstated" and "the water is so blue and so warm, you can literally swim forever." The friendly locals and few tourists make this spot "the best place for swimming on the beaches, diving or snorkeling."

(07 of25)

19. NANTUCKET, MAReaders' Choice Rating: 84.9Scenery: 96.7Friendliness: 80.5Atmosphere: 93Restaurants: 89.9Lodging: 88.4Activities: 83Beaches: 79The "nice cobblestone village" coupled with the "rugosa roses" in the "salt air" define this comfy Massachusetts island, bringing you "back to the early settler days." "You feel like you are part of the old seafaring lives of whalers and fisherman," remarks one reader. Of course, the island still features "all modern comforts," including "the best beaches on the East coast," according to another reader.

(08 of25)

17. LANAI, HIReaders' Choice Rating: 85.0Scenery: 90.5Friendliness: 88.4Atmosphere: 90.1Restaurants: 75.5Lodging: 87.4Activities: 79.8Beaches: 82.1This "beautiful hidden gem" is a perfect place for those seeking some "secluded luxury." Our readers marvel at how the island captures the "Hawaii of old," describing Lanai as "rugged and prime for exploration, yet made accessible by the refined resorts." Remember to go snorkeling at Manele Bay, where you may very well end up swimming with "a school of about a hundred spinner dolphins," undoubtedly "an amazing experience," according to one reader.

(09 of25)

17. NEVISReaders' Choice Rating: 85.0Scenery: 91.7Friendliness: 88.9Atmosphere: 88.9Restaurants: 82.9Lodging: 86.7Activities: 74.1Beaches: 81.3Our readers think of Nevis as a "secret hideaway," the "hidden gem of the Caribbean." Though it's a small island, they say "there's more to do than you would think, and the greatest attraction is the natural beauty." In addition to friendly people and great food, they also loved the "fantastic hotels" and the "many fantastic, affordable rental villas." Overall, Nevis is a "warm, friendly, safe island" and a "great family destination."

(10 of25)

16. VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADAReaders' Choice Rating: 85.5Scenery: 96.4Friendliness: 90.9Atmosphere: 94.2Restaurants: 83.2Lodging: 85.3Activities: 87.3Beaches: 68.7Readers implore visitors of this "captivating" "gem in Canada" to stay as long as possible, since there is simply "so much to see and do." It's ideal "if you are an outdoor enthusiast or interested in artists like potters and glassblowing," but Vancouver Island also offers more laid-back pursuits such as "lovely scenery and lots of wineries to visit." Whether our readers traveled here for the salmon fishing, the sailing, the "beautiful beaches" or the "wonderful people," they seem to agree that, as one reader put it, it's "the epitome of being in the Pacific Northwest."

(11 of25)

15. WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS, AUSTRALIAReaders' Choice Rating: 85.7Scenery: 93.9Friendliness: 87.7Atmosphere: 90.9Restaurants: 73.1Lodging: 87.8Activities: 85.0Beaches: 79.0"What a beautiful island," said one reader. "The sand is beautiful, the water is warm," perfect for snorkeling and sailing, as many of our readers recommend. "Beautiful location and an excellent starting point to see the Great Barrier Reef."

(12 of25)

14. ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDSReaders' Choice Rating: 85.8Scenery: 94.1Friendliness: 85.5Atmosphere: 90.4Restaurants: 73.3Lodging: 82.0Activities: 83.6Beaches: 92.3Readers find the "natural beauty" of St. John to be unparalleled. Most of the island is a preserved national park, allowing visitors to enjoy the "emerald green beaches" and exotic "native fauna and flora." Bounce around the numerous cays in a kayak, or snorkel at Trunk Bay, where you might end up swimming "with a hawksbill turtle."

(13 of25)

13. TASMANIA, AUSTRALIAReaders' Choice Rating: 86.0Scenery: 95.0Friendliness: 95.0Atmosphere: 95.0Restaurants: 73.3Lodging: 71.0Activities: 85.1Beaches: 78.4This "fascinating place" has "a rich cultural history." Our readers found "wonderful beaches, great hiking trails and very friendly people." "Fantastic scenery and a look at what Australia was like before tourism."

(14 of25)

12. SANTORINI, GREECEReaders' Choice Rating: 86.6Scenery: 98.3Friendliness: 89.8Atmosphere: 94.4Restaurants: 79.8Lodging: 86.8Activities: 78.4Beaches: 68.9"There is no place like Santorini, in the whole world" say our readers, who love the "whitewashed buildings, wonderful beaches and views to die for." Their best memories are of the caldera vistas, the black-sand beach and the "crystal clear water," but they also cast their votes for the island's great shopping" and "awesome food." One reader said to "stroll the streets, walk the stairs down to the sea level and just revel in the beauty and friendliness of the people on this charming island." Another added, "It's also a great place for first-time divers due to the calm seas."

(15 of25)

11. BERMUDAReaders' Choice Rating: 87.1Scenery: 93.1Friendliness: 89.4Atmosphere: 90.4Restaurants: 77.5Lodging: 84.1Activities: 81.0Beaches: 89.5For a "fun blend of British, American, and Caribbean Culture," Bermuda is the place to be. It offers "endless activities: historical sites, golf, scooters, superb shopping and dining, museums, gardens, perfumeries and aquariums, too!" Go for a snorkel or explore the many private coves to truly experience the island's "lovely scenery," which is highlighted by the "pink sand beaches and aqua blue waters."

(16 of25)

10. BIG ISLAND, HIReaders' Choice Rating: 87.6Scenery: 93.9Friendliness: 90.7Atmosphere: 92.2Restaurants: 77.5Lodging: 85.6Activities: 90.6Beaches: 80.8Whether it's the "smell of Plumeria flowers," the "glow of the lava at night," or the general "Aloha spirit," our readers can't get enough of this appropriately named island. This "wonderful family destination" has "something for everyone." In the mood to shop? Swing by the "great open farmers market in Kona," before travelling across the island to the rural Hilo area, where you can find "beaches of any color sand you wish."

(17 of25)

9. GREAT BARRIER REEF ISLANDS, AUSTRALIAReaders' Choice Rating: 87.8Scenery: 93.7Friendliness: 93.1Atmosphere: 92.5Restaurants: 73.0Lodging: 79.7Activities: 90.2Beaches: 83.2The Great Barrier Reef consists of more than 3,000 individual reef systems and hundreds of islands, and our readers found plenty of "wonderful excursions." One said "everyone should come and snorkel because it's an awesome opportunity to see a whole different side to the ocean…truly breathtaking." The reefs are "full of life" and "one of nature's greatest treasures." "A must-go destination," the Great Barrier Reef Islands offer "adventures for all levels of people."

(18 of25)

8. OAHU, HIReaders' Choice Rating: 88.0Scenery: 92.0Friendliness: 84.8Atmosphere: 86.7Restaurants: 85.1Lodging: 85.5Activities: 92.2Beaches: 91.0Our readers praise this island's "great diversity of landscape" which seamlessly mixes "city and island culture." "Oahu offers you the excitement of Honolulu, the surfer lifestyle of the North Shore and everything in between," says one reader. Checking out the "lively street scene" near the famous Waikiki Beach is a must, and if you're feeling patriotic, stop by Pearl Harbor for some authentic American history.

(19 of25)

7.7. MOOREAReaders' Choice Rating: 88.5Scenery: 97.9Friendliness: 92.4Atmosphere: 94.2Restaurants: 69.8Lodging: 88.0Activities: 87.5Beaches: 88.3Moorea's "beautiful, lush scenery, beaches and really great restaurants" won over our readers. The "tropical beauty with a French flair" has a lot to offer with its "beautiful lagoons, land tours and scootering." One reader said "even taking the local bus around the island is interesting."

(20 of25)

6. SEA ISLAND, GAReaders' Choice Rating: 88.6Scenery: 90.7Friendliness: 88.5Atmosphere: 91.8Restaurants: 85.1Lodging: 92.1Activities: 90.1Beaches: 81.9Sea Island is the epitome of "world elegance in the deep south." "Brimming with unparalleled gracious and southern hospitality, Sea Island is a magical place dripping in Spanish moss, luxury, charm and sunshine," one reader said. Described as "a world of its own," Sea Island is "heaven on earth."

(21 of25)

5. BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIAReaders' Choice Rating: 89.3Scenery: 98.7Friendliness: 91Atmosphere: 94.1Restaurants: 74.3Lodging: 93.1Activities: 85.9Beaches: 89.5Bora Bora is "the place to go when you want to decompress," notes one reader, who appreciated the "stunning tropical beauty and friendly natives." Described as "millennia away from the real world," this island offers many above-water bungalows, from which you can take in the "unreal" ocean scenery. But don't just stare, get your feet wet: Bora Bora "is as beautiful below the water as it is above," complete with the "thrill" of swimming with the "amazing sea life."

(22 of25)

4. KIAWAH ISLAND, SCReaders' Choice Rating: 89.4Scenery: 93.8Friendliness: 87.9Atmosphere: 92.2Restaurants: 78.5Lodging: 90.5Activities: 86.6Beaches: 90.3This "gorgeous island paradise" is a prime spot for a "vacation away from all the hustle and bustle of mainstream America," as one reader notes. Kiawah also boasts an impressive nature preserve, so between trips to the expansive beaches and matches on the tennis court, make sure to check out the exotic wildlife. And don't forget your golf clubs because "no other courses compare" to those of Kiawah, which hosted the 2012 PGA Championship.

(23 of25)

3. MALDIVESReaders' Choice Rating: 89.6Scenery: 95.2Friendliness: 91.0Atmosphere: 93.1Restaurants: 81.9Lodging: 93.3Activities: 87.0Beaches: 98.5Our readers found this island nation to be the epitome of "rest, relaxation, and indulgence," citing the "polished, polite" service, the "gorgeous resorts" and the "superb villas." Diving into the "turquoise water," lounging on the "white sands," and dining under the "incredible sunsets" make the Maldives experience "more picturesque than postcards can portray."

(24 of25)

2.KAUAI, HIReaders' Choice Rating: 92.1Scenery: 98.5Friendliness: 93.2Atmosphere: 96.0Restaurants: 81.3Lodging: 89.0Activities: 93.5Beaches: 92.5"A little slice of heaven," as one reader put it, Kauai is praised as more laid-back than its Hawaiian counterparts. Indeed, the "warm and inclusive" attitude of the locals combined with the "lush vegetation and sleepy little historic towns" make for a distinctly relaxed feel. Yet there's certainly still some "heart pounding adventure" to be found: an open-door helicopter ride over the island is readily available for those who dare.

(25 of25)

1. MAUI, HIReaders' Choice Rating: 93.9Scenery: 98.1Friendliness: 92.6Atmosphere: 95.8Restaurants: 88.9Lodging: 92.1Activities: 95.2Beaches: 95.6Readers rave about this "veritable paradise," calling it a "combination of tropical ambience and American comforts." With an abundance of activities offered, from whale-watching to nature hikes to watersports, "you will never have a dull moment." To experience Maui's unending natural beauty, drive along the Road to Hana, a 68-mile scenic route featuring awe-inspiring waterfalls and ending at the breathtaking Seven Sacred Pools.

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