Why this Japanese island has more cats than humans—and tourists love it

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In a world where tourist destinations compete with glittering skylines and mega theme parks, one tiny Japanese island has taken an entirely different approach: cats. Welcome to Aoshima Island, affectionately dubbed Cat Island, where feline residents outnumber humans.

Located in Ehime Prefecture in southern Japan, Aoshima is a sleepy fishing village that has unexpectedly become a purr-fect paradise for cat lovers. The island is less than 1 mile long, has no hotels, restaurants, or even vending machines—and yet, it draws curious visitors from around the globe, all for one fluffy reason.

Back in the 1940s, Aoshima was home to around 900 people, many of whom depended on fishing. To tackle a growing rodent problem on boats and in the harbor, cats were introduced. The idea worked—a bit too well.

As the island’s human population began to dwindle (only around a handful of elderly residents remain today), the cat population kept multiplying. The cats thrived because there were few natural predators and little human intervention. The island is thought to have less than ten permanent human occupants and more than 100 cats. That is an absolutely paws-itively ridiculous cat-to-human ratio.

Why visit this island

Visiting Aoshima is like stepping into a feline fairytale. The cats roam freely—lounging on fishing boats, sunbathing on benches, peeking into abandoned homes, and forming sleepy piles under trees. They’re mostly friendly (especially if you bring food), and they’ve become the unlikely stars of countless Instagram posts and YouTube videos.

But don’t expect cat cafés or souvenir shops. Aoshima isn’t a tourist trap—it’s a quiet, functional island where the cats just happen to be the main attraction. The only way to reach the island is by a twice-daily ferry from Nagahama Port, and the trip takes about 30 minutes. The number of visitors is modest and often limited by ferry capacity.

Visitors often bring cat food and treats, and the cats are more than happy to accept. However, there’s no official feeding system or shelter. Local authorities have asked tourists to be respectful, take their trash with them, and remember that the cats’ welfare depends on responsible human behavior.
To control overpopulation, the local government has also undertaken sterilization efforts, ensuring that the feline boom doesn’t become unmanageable.

Why tourists love it

So, why does Aoshima hold such global appeal? In an age of digital noise and overcrowded tourist sites, the island offers something rare: simplicity, charm, and a real-life connection with animals in a natural setting. It’s quirky, it’s calm, and for cat lovers, it’s heaven on Earth.

Aoshima isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is—a tiny island where cats rule the roost. And honestly? That might be just the kind of travel therapy we all need.