“Nekoya,” Born from a Vacant House on Tsushima. An Island Workation with Cats.

"Nekoya," located in Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a facility created by renovating a vacant house that had been left unused in the area. Participants from both the island and the mainland were recruited to carry out the renovation using DIY methods over the course of three sessions spanning a total of 24 days. The floors, walls, and kitchen were refurbished, transforming the space into a place where cats and humans can coexist.

Currently, two cats live there, and the facility serves as a hub for "workations," offering space for both work and overnight stays.

A workspace where you can spend time with cats.

At "Nekoya," you can work in the same space as two cats.
The interior is equipped with cat walks and cat-friendly furniture.
It is highly recommended for cat lovers, as you can spend time with the cats while you work.

A DIY-Renovated Space Created by People from Tsushima and Beyond

The first floor features a coworking space, while the second floor has a shared office and accommodation for longer stays.

Much of the building was renovated through DIY work, including replacing the floors and walls, installing insulation, and renovating the kitchen and washroom. Locally sourced Tsushima cedar was also used, creating a unique space built by people from both on and off the island where visitors can work and stay.

Connect with Everyday Life in Tsushima Through Cats

“Nekoya” is a community space where people can connect through cats.
During your stay, you may also have opportunities to meet local residents and learn more about everyday life and the local community in Tsushima—things you might not discover on a typical sightseeing trip.

Tsushima also offers programs where visitors can experience local jobs firsthand. If you would like to learn more about working and living on the island, consider joining one of these programs.
*Program participants can stay at Nekoya free of charge.

＜29 Local Jobs You Can Discover in Tsushima＞

From fishing and forestry to construction, welfare, tourism, and work addressing local challenges, Tsushima is home to a wide variety of jobs. Here are just a few of the jobs unique to the island.

1. Wildlife Conservation: Rescuing and Caring for Tsushima Leopard Cats and Managing Feral Cats
NPO Animal Hospital / Tsushima Animal Medical Center | Animal Nursing, Animal Care, Veterinary Medicine

2. Tour Planning and Environmental Education Using Tsushima’s Nature, History, and Culture
Tsushima Satoyama Hanei Juku | Planning, Public Relations, Tour Instruction

3. Wildlife Management: Turning Deer and Wild Boar into Game Meat and Leather Products
General Incorporated Association daidai | Wildlife Management, Game Meat, Leathercraft

4. Protecting the Ocean: From Marine Litter Research to Environmental Education and Product Development
Tsushima CAPPA | Marine Environment, Planning, Environmental Education

5. Taishu Soba: From Soba Making to Restaurant Operations and Social Media
Takumi Management Council | Taishu Soba, Food Service

6. Forestry: Surveying and Managing Tsushima’s Forests
Tsushima Forestry Cooperative | Forestry

7. Wood Processing: Turning Tsushima Timber into Lumber and Wood Chips
Tsushima Timber Business Cooperative | Timber and Wood Chip Production

8. Tea and Yuzu Farming: From Cultivation to Processing, Product Development, and Sales
Tsushima Oishi Farm | Tea, Yuzu, Agricultural Production and Processing

9. Aquaculture and Fish Processing: From Raising Fish to Fisherman-Led Sea Tours
Marutoku Suisan | Aquaculture, Fish Processing, and Sea Tours

10. Pole-and-Line Fishing: From Catching Fish to Processing and Shipping Fresh Seafood
Flat Hour | Pole-and-Line Fishing, Fresh Fish Processing