One of Japan’s most famous, and cutest, tourist attractions are its many cat islands dotted around the country. However, the cat island of Okishima on Lake Biwa – the largest freshwater lake in Japan – is one of the oldest and has been inhabited since around the 12th century.
As they travel through the province of Omi in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, both Naoe and Yasuke can visit the cat island of Okishima, grab a few interesting chests, synchronize with a viewpoint and pet the island’s friendly feline inhabitants (and add them to their hideout collection).
While there are plenty of incredibly realised historical locations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, including the incredible Osaka Castle, tranquil Kiyomizudera Temple and stunning Kinkaku-Ji, Okishima is a must-visit during your adventure and a fun addition to this lovingly recreated vision of southwestern Japan.
Where to find the cat island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
To get to the cat island you need to travel to the province of Omi, which is northeast of the starting region of Settsu and east of Kyoto, and swim out onto Lake Biwa to the island of Okishima.
Depending on the viewpoints and fast travel spots you have unlocked, the easiest way is to start in Settsu and take the main road up towards Omi or go directly east from Kyoto.
Either way, once you reach Omi, you will pass through a large temple grounds before you reach Azuchi.
At the port, commandeer a boat or swim out into the lake – it’s fresh water after all – until you reach the largest island in view.
From there you can immediately start petting every cat in sight or strike out left or right to see some sights. There’s a viewpoint on the eastern side of the island for each fast travel, which also has a rare chest at the foot at it for a chance at some decent items.
On the western side of the island is an interesting temple as well as an opportunity to gain a world rumour from the supposedly cursed woman who has dropped her fruit gift – offer to pay for a new one and she’ll reward you with vital information.