Aoshima island the cat’s paradise

Interact with cats in Aoshima, a cat island
More than 200 cats live on this small island!

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What is Cats Island?

Aoshima island in Ehime Prefecture, which floats in the Seto Inland Sea, is attracting tourist around the world as a “cats’ island”.

There are over 200 cats living on this island, while islanders are less than 10.

Yes, this is the heaven for cat lovers.

How to enjoy the island?

The biggest fun on the island is feeding cats. From the moment you get off the ferry, cats come to look for food.

There is a feeding area on the island, and you can feed there the food you bring.

Although the cats are wild, they are all used to people, so it’s easy to stroke and get close to taking pictures.

It is irresistible time for cat lovers to observe their cute figures up close!

As you walk around the island, you can see cats relaxing in the places of their choice.

For example, in the shade of a private house, on the stairs of a shrine, or even in a fishing net.

It is the charm of this island that you can meet cats everywhere and observe the various living of them on the island.

You can take pictures of cats such as the sea and mountains, pictures of cats unique to the harbor,

and pictures of cats swarming the food, which are hard to find elsewhere.

So, why this island became cats’ island?

Aoshima was originally an uninhabited island.

However, during the Edo period (1603~1867),

the area around this island was found to be a good fishing ground for sardines, and fishermen emigrated.

Around 1942, at its peak, about 800 people lived.

Since then, the population has continued to decrease, and the number of cats seems to have increased in recent years in inverse proportion.

How to access the island

The only way to get to the island is the ferry, runs twice a day.

Please check this link about Parking for passengers.

The ferry has a capacity of 34 people, and a maximum of 34 people can go to the island a day.

So the second ferry can only be boarded deducting the number of people who went to the island on the first ferry.

The time spent on the island is about 8 hours upon arrival on the first ferry and about 70 minutes on the second ferry.

Because there is no accommodation on the island, you will have to return by the second return ferry, no matter which ferry you take to the island.

There is a big difference in the stay time between the first ferry and the second ferry, so if you want to take a leisurely cat observation,

I recommend the first ferry.

However, the ferry may be canceled depending on the weather.

Watch out for many cancellations, especially in winter!

How to enjoy cats island more?

There are no shops and vending machines on the island And there are almost no shade where you can take a break.

So it is better to bring water and snacks fot your comfortable stay.

Those who go to the first ferry need lunch too.

Don’t for get to bring back the trash!

Toys are as must-have item to play with cats. For example, if you use catnip, you can see a lively side of cats that are usually relaxed.

If you want to take a picture of lively cats, please use a toy and aim for a good photo opportunity.

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