Why should you visit Aoshima – Japan's largest cat sanctuary?

Why is it called Cat Island?

Located 13.5 km north of Nagahama town in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, Aoshima Island was once a thriving fishing village with a population of nearly 1,000 people. However, over the years, the island's population has gradually declined. By 1985, the population had fallen below 100 as more and more young people left the island. By 2019, only 6 official residents remained, while there were approximately 200 cats. With the number of four-legged inhabitants far exceeding the number of people, locals and tourists alike call it "Cat Island."

Initially, a few cats were brought to the island to catch rats in the harbor filled with fishing boats. Living amidst a vast food source, without natural predators, and receiving attentive care from the locals, the cats grew, and litters of kittens were born and matured. The cats' reproduction rate rapidly increased along with the population shift, causing the four-legged inhabitants to "overwhelm" and then "take over" the entire island.

A paradise for cats.

In 2013, the number of tourists began to increase after photographs of the island's cats, taken by a famous photographer, were featured on TV. Located in the middle of the sea, the only way to reach Aoshima Island is by ferry from Nagahama Port, with a capacity of 34 people. Two round trips depart regularly each day, each taking approximately 35 minutes.

Upon arriving on the island, visitors are greeted by dozens of colorful "four-legged guides." Despite living in the wild, thanks to frequent contact with locals, tourists, and volunteers, they are very friendly and affectionate. Many cats even know how to playfully beg for food. Faced with those wide-eyed gazes, many tourists say they just want to hug, take pictures with, and feed the cats right at the harbor.

Hugging, taking pictures of, and playing with cats is permitted on the island, but feeding them at the harbor or any other location on the island not only disturbs locals but also fails to instill good habits and discipline in them. Therefore, even if you're tempted by the dozens of expectant eyes, you should follow the signs and move to the designated feeding area. When feeding, you should also place the food directly on the ground, not in your hand, to prevent the cats from biting it.

Visitors can stroll around the fishing village and watch the four-legged inhabitants comfortably doing whatever they like, from lying around in the middle of the road to sunbathing on rooftops, without fear of being disturbed or threatened. You can also choose to relax near the harbor, admiring the sparkling sea or the cats leisurely walking along the beach or dozing on a nearby rock.

The island lacks the typical amenities of accommodation, restaurants, grocery stores, or vending machines; visitors must return to the port to catch a ferry back to the mainland at the end of the day. Although Aoshima isn't a tourist destination, it's gradually becoming attractive to cat lovers because it offers a truly relaxing experience for visitors who come to the island to watch the cats playing.

Things to note when visiting Aoshima Cat Island

There is a limit on the number of visitors to Aoshima Island each day because there is only one return trip to Nagahama in the afternoon. Tourists need to be at the port early to catch this ferry.

Additionally, feed the cats only in designated areas and in moderate amounts to ensure their discipline and health. Be careful not to disturb the islanders, making noise or disrupting their daily lives.

Since services are not readily available, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy a comfortable day on the island. And finally, remember to clean up and take your trash back to the mainland!

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao