Houtong Cat Village Becomes One of the World’s Top 6 Feline Attractions
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Cat lovers are no strangers to Houtong Cat Village in New Taipei City. The cat bridge that opened here in March this year has drawn numerous feline enthusiasts, further boosting the popularity of this mountain town famous for its cats. In addition to...
By MOOK Travel Life Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
Cat lovers are no strangers to Houtong Cat Village in New Taipei City. The cat bridge that opened here in March this year has drawn numerous feline enthusiasts, further boosting the popularity of this mountain town famous for its cats. In addition to Houtong, other destinations such as Rome in Italy, Tashirojima and Enoshima in Japan, Kalkan in Turkey, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in the United States have also become must-visit pilgrimage sites for cat lovers—all thanks to their adorable cats. Together with Houtong Cat Village, they have been listed among the world’s top 6 cat attractions.
Cat villages aren’t only found in Taiwan—Japan, Italy, Turkey, and the United States also boast highly popular attractions thanks to their feline residents. (Image source: http://friendsofromancats.org)
Taiwan — Houtong
Once the largest coal mining city in Taiwan, Houtong can be accessed by crossing the pedestrian overpass at Houtong Railway Station. The village, built against the hillside and situated higher than the station, is also known as “Train Head Village.” Thanks to villagers who have long fed stray cats, the feline population here has continued to grow. Coupled with the photography works of cat lady Mrs. Jane Pin-lien, the fame of the cat village spread widely. The cat bridge, which opened in March this year, features cat footprints, photos, illustrations, and even specially designed platforms for cats to walk and jump on—it is the first pedestrian overpass in Taiwan designed for shared use by humans and cats.
Houtong Cat Village is truly a must-visit destination for cat lovers in Taiwan. (Image provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)
Italy — Rome
In Rome, there is a small Papal Tower in the Piazza della Minerva. Next to the square stands the Teatro Argentina, built in the 17th century, along with the ruins of four temples that remain to this day—both are popular tourist spots. However, in recent years, more and more visitors come to Piazza della Minerva not to reminisce about the past or immerse themselves in history, but to head straight to the Stray Cat Center in the square or to watch the stray cats under the center’s care wandering among the historic buildings, strolling or napping, looking utterly carefree.
Rome’s Piazza della Minerva has recently attracted many tourists due to its large population of cats. (Image source: http://news.softpedia.com)
Japan — Tashirojima and Enoshima
Tashirojima in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, covers a total area of just 3.14 square kilometers, with a population of fewer than 100 residents but several hundred cats, making it a true “cat island” where cats outnumber people. Additionally, the island has a cat shrine dedicated to the cat god, adding an even more magical touch to the feline haven.
Tashirojima is known as the “Cat Island,” where cats outnumber humans. (Image source: http://yaroneko.blog55.fc2.com)
Another Japanese destination often referred to as a paradise for cats is Enoshima, located about an hour’s drive from Tokyo. Its Shonan coastline gained fame from the classic basketball manga “Slam Dunk.” The island’s residents are fond of cats, and with many abandoned strays, the feline population has continued to rise, now surpassing the number of human residents. Enoshima has become one of Japan’s well-known cat islands.
Japan’s other “Cat Island,” Enoshima, has also become a local tourist highlight thanks to its large number of cats. (Image source: http://www.tokyoluv.com)
- 1
- 2
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-39111
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature！ A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines