It’s not often that you see someone taking a cat out on a walk. That’s because cats tend to ignore orders and react unpredictably when in unfamiliar territory. But as we all know, there is an exception to every rule, and there are adventurous cats who remain at their owners’ side no matter what. Meet Daikichi (brown and white tabby) and Fuku-Chan (ginger), two rescue cats from Japan.
Adopted by Daisuke Nagasawa, the cats couldn’t bear being away from their owner, whose job had him traveling across Japan. So Nagasawa decided to take his feline companions with him. Daikichi and Fuku-Chan have been on the road for 8 years now, have visited every one of Japan’s 47 prefectures and have been to many of Japan’s most famous landmarks.
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1. Nagoya Castle is one of the most famous fortresses of the Tokugawa period
2. Visitors to Japan are encouraged to come during the springtime when the cherry blossom (sakura) is in bloom
3. Mount Fuji is a holy site in Japanese tradition and has become a symbol of Japan
4. Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen Buddhist structure almost completely covered in real gold leaf
5. The Floating Torii Gate in Hiroshima is the most iconic Shinto shrine in Japan
6. Hiking along the Oirase stream
7. Hongu Taisha is an ancient Shinto shrine, more than 900 years old
8. Nomizo Falls are one of the most gorgeous attractions in Japan due to the natural arch and the way it amplifies sunlight
9. Yuletide in Tokyo
10. Though the sakura bloom in spring is breathtaking, so are the maples in autumn!
11. The Japanese wilderness
12. During New Year’s Eve, these demons walk around searching for naughty or lazy children. Spooky!
13. Tokyo
14. Due to its black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is also known as Crow Castle
15. The design of Japan Radio Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris
16. Note the cross on this samurai’s chest. When Ieyasu Tokugawa rose to power, harsh measures were taken to ban Christianity in Japan
17. Smelling the daffodils
18. Guest of honor
19. Farewell!