Cat Spotting in Sanagijima δ½ζ³ε³Ά
Sanagijima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea. While this region hosts the Setouchi International Art Triennale every three years, it does not feature any exhibitions on the island itself.
from Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan
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Access
Tadotsu ε€εΊ¦ζ΄₯
The ferry to Sanagijima departed from Tadotsu. It was about a 20-minute walk from the train station, or just 5 minutes by taxi.
Ferry to Sanagijima δ½ζ³ε³Ά
There were three ferry departures daily between Tadotsu and Sanagijima, so we needed to wait at the port. When we visited, we saw some local residents boarding the ferry with motorcycles.
The ferry is comfortable and clean. There was no need to take seasickness medication. The trip was about an hour, with a brief stop at Takamishima.
Sanagijima δ½ζ³ε³Ά
It is recommended that you spend one or two nights on the island to experience both the daytime and nighttime views of Seto Naikai. The only hostel on Sanagijima, Neconoshima (γγ³γγ·γγγΉγγ«), requires a reservation. The walk from the port to Neconoshima took around 15 minutes. We decided to stay for a night because the hostel is refurbished from an abandoned elementary school.
Along the way to the hostel, we observed that the health condition of the cats in Sanagijima was generally average; however, some were sick and underweight. The hostel appeared to be the only reliable facility caring for them, while other locations for food and water were somewhat neglected.
The hostel was a bit away from the residential area. Most of the time, we met with the host and other cat lovers instead of the local residents there. When the sun began to set, we gathered at the entrance of the school and petted the cats with the gentle sound of waves from beyond the breakwater providing a soothing background. Some of the guests began to share why they are cat lovers.
For an isolated island in Seto Naikai, we expected the meals to be as simple as curry rice. In fact, what we had could be some of the best seafood with local vegetables we have tasted.
The night view was truly spectacular. However, it is best to stay close to the hostel for safety. Donβt worryβcats also gathered around the classrooms for their dinner.
We owned the view of dawn exclusively and interacted with cats by getting up very early in the morning and were anticipating breakfast already when talking about the meal last night.