Alongside running the inn, Shimayado Goen carries out a cat-rescue project on Ojika Island. We take in island cats with nowhere to go, look after their health, and build a place where they can settle. It’s what an island inn can do, one step at a time.
What we do on Ojika
On a small island like Ojika, stray and abandoned cats have been a problem for a long time. In one corner of the inn we’ve made a “cat garden,” where rescued cats can sunbathe, play, and close the distance with people little by little.
The daily work is feeding, cleaning, watching the cats’ health, and improving the space. It runs on the help of island residents, staying guests, and volunteers from around the world. The project is carried out as a registered Japanese general incorporated association.
Around twenty cats right now
About twenty rescued cats live here at the moment. The cats come and go. We are not actively seeking adopters for particular cats, but if there’s a good match — someone who would like to welcome one of the cats living here into their family — we’re glad to hear from you. Please just get in touch.
See the cats’ lives, live
You can watch the cats’ everyday life on 24-hour live cameras.
Rescue cats' garden (24h live) LIVE
Rescue cats' house (24h live) LIVE
All three streams, including the harbour and sea camera, are gathered on the Ojika Island Live Cameras page.
Learn more & support
The cats’ profiles, a photo album, more about the work, and how to support (including PayPay) are all on the official cat-rescue site, “Nyan-Nyan no Sato.”
Nyan-Nyan no Sato official site
If you’re coming to Ojika, see staying at Shimayado Goen and getting here. Guests can spend time with the cats during their stay (please contact us in advance).