I went to Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows expecting to be a stealthy shinobi. Instead, I became a part-time cat butler on Okishima, also known as Cat Island. It is 2026, and I am still not over it. 🐱 The island is famous for hosting hundreds of felines of every fur pattern imaginable, and in the game, you can visit this magical place if you know where to point your horse, your boat, and your undignified cooing noises.

The Route: Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and a Borrowed Boat

First, you need access to the Yamashiro Region. From there, travel to Kyoto, then head north-east to Lake Biwa in the Omi region. If you open your map and look for the only big lake in the game world, congratulations: you have found the watery equivalent of a catnip-scented breadcrumb trail. 🗾

Next, find the city of Otsu. From Otsu, go to the port and 'borrow' a boat. I say 'borrow' because the owner never explicitly said yes, but the game lets you do it, so that is basically maritime consent in video game logic. The boat is the safest and fastest way to reach Cat Island without fighting half of Japan on the road. My horse was not thrilled, but my horse also does not have to row. 🚣

The ride takes about 3 minutes. That does not sound long until you are alone on a lake with your thoughts and a rowing animation. I spent the first minute admiring the scenery, the second minute questioning my life choices, and the third minute whispering, 'Please be cats, please be cats.'

If you have reached at least level 29, you might be able to go by horse and then commission a boat on the western shore of the lake. Otherwise, stick to Otsu. Remember: you do not need to mash the Row Boost button. Press it once and hold your directional key, and Naoe or Yasuke will keep rowing at full speed. This is the closest thing to cruise control in feudal Japan, and I appreciated it.

Why You Should Visit During The Wheel Turns

It is also worth mentioning that you will have to visit this region during The Wheel Turns as part of Yasuke's quest objectives. So even if you are not doing that quest yet, unlock its fast travel point and save it for later. Future you will be grateful, especially when future you is being chased by something with a spear and a bad attitude.

When I finally reached Okishima, I expected a quiet island. What I got was a furry convention with no security. I petted cats until my controller thumb went numb. My dignity evaporated like morning mist over Lake Biwa. I was not a warrior. I was a mobile scratching post with a health bar. 😼

The main prize for many players is the Calico Kitten. Approach the small furry kitty and pet them to unlock it permanently for your hideouts. If you are completing your Pet Collection, you will also find the Tabby Bobtail and Calico Bobtail here. My hideout now looks less like a ninja headquarters and more like a cat café that happens to have sharp objects on the walls.

Once you are done enjoying the feline company, unlock the Viewpoint and look for an Animus Key nearby. Do not forget to pick it up before you explore further through Cat Island. I almost left without it because a cat was sitting on my foot, and I did not want to be rude. Priorities.

Final Thoughts from a Recovering Cat Butler

Cat Island in Assassin's Creed Shadows is not just a cute Easter egg. It is a reminder that even in a game about stealth, war, and dramatic rooftop assassinations, sometimes the best mission is petting a tiny calico kitten and calling it a day. If you have not visited Okishima yet, go. Borrow a boat. Ignore the moral ambiguity. Let the cats adopt you. Just remember to grab the Animus Key and unlock the fast travel point before you sail back to your regularly scheduled chaos.

And if you see a calico kitten, tell them I said hello. They will not understand. But I will feel better.