Why is it called cat island?
Aoshima Island, located 13.5 km north of Nagahama Town in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, was once a prosperous fishing village with a population of nearly 1,000 people, but over the years, the number of residents on the island gradually decreased. In 1985, the population dropped below 100 people as more and more young people left the island. By 2019, there were only 6 official residents on the island while there were about 200 cats. With the number of four-legged residents far outnumbering the number of people living there, locals and tourists call this place "cat island".
The four-legged residents "rule" the entire island.
Initially, a few cats were brought to the island to catch mice in the harbor full of fishing boats. Living in a huge food store, without natural enemies and being cared for by the people, the cats grew up, litters of kittens were born one after another, and matured. The cat population rapidly increased along with the population shift, causing the four-legged residents to "overwhelm" and then "occupy" the entire island.
Dokin-chan the cat - the "brand face" of Aoshima island
Cat's Paradise
In 2013, the number of tourists to the island began to increase after a famous photographer showed pictures of the cats living on the island on TV. Located in the middle of the sea, the only way to get to Aoshima is by ferry from Nagahama Port, which can accommodate 34 people. There are two round trips every day, each taking about 35 minutes.
As soon as you set foot on the island, you will be greeted by dozens of colorful “four-legged guides”. Although they live in the wild, they are very friendly and affectionate thanks to their frequent contact with locals, tourists and volunteers. Many cats even know how to act cute and beg for food. In front of those wide-eyed eyes, many visitors said they just wanted to hug, take pictures and feed the cats right at the port.
Curious island cats surround tourists
Hugging, taking pictures and playing with cats are allowed on the island, but if you feed cats at the port or anywhere on the island, not only will you disturb the locals but you will also not train them in habits and discipline. So even if you are "captivated" by dozens of expectant eyes, you should still follow the signs to the designated cat feeding area. When feeding cats, you should also put the food on the ground, not hold it in your hand to feed directly to prevent some cats from biting it when taking the food.
Tourists can stroll around the fishing village and watch the four-legged residents freely do whatever they like, from lying down in the middle of the road, sunbathing on the roof… without fear of being disturbed or threatened by anyone. You can also choose to relax near the harbor, watching the sea sparkling in the sunlight or the cats leisurely walking along the beach or dozing off on a nearby rock.
Their daily activity is to lie and relax in the sun.
On the island there are no accommodation services, restaurants, grocery stores or vending machines... as usual, visitors to the island must return to the port to board the ferry and return to the mainland at the end of the day. Although Aoshima is not a tourist destination, it is gradually becoming attractive to the cat-loving community because this place really brings a sense of relaxation to visitors every time they come to the island and watch the cats playing.
Things to note when visiting Aoshima cat island
There is a limit to the number of people visiting Aoshima Island per day, as there is only one return ferry to Nagahama in the afternoon. Tourists need to be at the port early to catch this ferry.
Also, only feed cats in designated areas and in moderation to ensure their discipline and health. Be careful not to disturb the islanders, make noise or interfere with their daily lives.
Services are not available so visitors are encouraged to bring food and drinks to enjoy a relaxing day on the island. And finally, remember to clean up and take your rubbish back to the mainland!
