Aoshima is a speck of land in Ehime Prefecture that became world-famous overnight. Photos of its cats — outnumbering humans 20 to 1 — went viral, making it the most searched cat island in the world.
The Reality
Aoshima is genuinely tiny. You can walk around it in about 30 minutes. There are no shops, no restaurants, no vending machines, and no public toilets (there's one at the port). The permanent human population has dwindled to about 6 elderly residents.
What Aoshima does have is cats. Approximately 120 of them, roaming freely through the abandoned houses and along the harbor walls.
Getting There
The ferry from Nagahama Port takes 35 minutes. Here's the critical information: there are only 2 ferries per day — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The ferry holds about 34 passengers. Arrive early at the port, especially on weekends, as seats are first-come-first-served.
The Experience
When the ferry docks, cats converge on the port. They're used to visitors bringing food and will approach boldly. It's a photographer's dream — cats lounging on fishing boats, perched on stone walls against the ocean backdrop, curling up in abandoned doorways.
Important Notes
- Bring all food and water you'll need (nothing is available)
- Be respectful of the elderly residents
- Don't enter private homes or buildings
- Cat food donations are appreciated
- If the weather is bad, ferries may be cancelled with no alternative
Is It Worth the Effort?
Absolutely — if you're a dedicated cat lover and prepared for the logistics. The remoteness is part of the magic. This isn't a curated tourist experience; it's a real community where cats happen to outnumber humans dramatically.