Last Updated on 12 May 2026 by Vanessa

If you’re a cat lover, there’s a place that truly feels like paradise. Located in Japan’s Ehime Prefecture, in the Seto Inland Sea, Aoshima barely stretches one kilometer in length and went viral across the internet for being home to more than 200 cats.

But is Aoshima really the dreamy, cat-filled haven the internet makes it out to be? And more importantly—is it actually worth the long journey to get there?

In this guide, we’ll go beyond the viral hype to answer exactly that. We’ll also cover everything you need to plan your trip, including how to get to Aoshima, where to stay, where to eat, things to do, the best times to visit, and the ethical considerations you should keep in mind before stepping foot on this famous island.

How to visit Cat Island Aoshima: a complete travel guide

This is a guest post by Chieko Shiraishi.

What is a cat island?

A “cat island” is exactly what it sounds like: a small island packed with cats. These islands often grew because locals brought in the cats to keep rodents under control. Over time, the animals multiplied, and cat lovers started visiting in droves.

There are currently more than 25 “cat islands” in Japan, though the feline populations on most of them are slowly disappearing due to spay and neutering efforts and a declining human population.

Aoshima is definitely the most famous of them all, although there are a few other popular islands such as Tashirojima, Ainoshima, and Enoshima.

For many years, these small islands in Japan have attracted global attention as sacred destinations for cat tourism. However, because of the limited—and often wrong—information available and the difficulty of access, many people overseas have no idea how to visit Aoshima.

Even for Japanese people, reliable and up-to-date information about the island is surprisingly scarce. Like many others, I planned my trip to Aoshima in the autumn of 2024 based on outdated information from several years ago (around 2016–2018). Therefore, I would like to share what the island is like today.

🐱 Related: How to visit Japan’s cat islands: hotels, ferries, and what to know before you go.

How to get to Aoshima?

To get to Aoshima Island, you will need to travel to Ehime Prefecture in southwestern Japan. Here’s the best way to reach your destination:

Arrive in Matsuyama

Matsuyama is the largest city in Ehime Prefecture and serves as the main gateway to Aoshima Island. You can reach Matsuyama by air through Matsuyama Airport or by train from major cities across Japan.

📍 If you’re planning to travel between regions, it’s worth sorting out your rail passes before you arrive in Japan. Buying in advance is usually easier, and it saves you from figuring things out at busy stations once you’re already on the move.

Train schedule (example)

• Going to the morning ferry: 05:51 Matsuyama Station → 07:14 Iyo-Nagahama Station (JR Yosan Line).
• Returning to Matsuyama: 19:20 Iyo-Nagahama Station → 20:36 Matsuyama Station (Local). (For a faster return, you can transfer to the Limited Express at Iyo City Station).

Travel to Nagahama Port

From Matsuyama, take the JR Yosan Line to Iyo-Nagahama Station in Ōzu City. The train ride takes about an hour.

Nagahama Port is a 2–3 minute walk from Nagahama Station. Exit the station and walk straight down the road; you will see the pier ahead. There’s no need to transfer to another bus or taxi.

There are only vending machines and a small waiting area, but there are no shops at the port or the station. However, there is a convenience store about a 10-minute walk from the station (turn right along the road after exiting).

Take a ferry to Aoshima Island

Passenger ferries run from Nagahama Port to Aoshima Island, with the trip taking around 30 to 35 minutes.

Ferry service is very limited, usually with just two sailings per day. On most days, the ferry leaves Nagahama Port around 08:00 am, drops passengers on the island, and then returns to the mainland. It comes back in the afternoon to pick visitors up.

If you don’t want to spend the entire day on Aoshima, you can take the afternoon ferry, which typically arrives around 03:00 pm. That gives you about an hour to walk around before taking the same ferry back to the mainland around 04:00 pm.

I had read that ferry cancellations are common due to the weather or local sea conditions (such as high waves), and that the boat was small and could fill up quickly. With some anxiety, I arrived at the port in the morning—but it was quiet, with only three other groups of passengers besides myself.

It’s also important to know that the ferry to Aoshima can only hold 34 passengers. To ensure there is room for everyone to return to Nagahama on the final ferry, the capacity for the second departure is limited to the total capacity minus the number of passengers already on the island from the first ferry. While it isn’t currently very crowded, it can get busy during long school holidays.

In any case, whatever you do, don’t miss the return ferry. If you get stuck, you could be waiting days for the next one. Aoshima has no accommodations, restaurants, or shops.

Important tips:

• Tickets are first-come, first-served (no reservations).
• Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
• The ferry has limited capacity (34 passengers only). Residents have priority.
• Tickets must be purchased on board after embarking (cash only, 700 yen one way or 1,400 yen for a round-trip).

Explore Aoshima Island

After arriving at Aoshima Island, you can start exploring the island and enjoy the presence of the cats and the natural surroundings.

If you take the first boat, you have plenty of time to explore. However, spending about 2 hours (arriving on the afternoon boat) is usually sufficient for most visitors.

Be sure to follow any guidelines or rules provided on the island for a respectful visit.

Related: Book spotlight: Land of the Rising Cat by Manami Okazaki.

What is the history of Aoshima Cat Island?

Even though Aoshima is now known as Cat Island, it didn’t start out that way.

In the early 17th century, no one lived on the island at all. People in the region used it solely as pastureland for horses. That changed in 1639, when 16 families from the Ako region settled there. They were mainly drawn by rich fishing grounds.

The population grew around a small fishing village and peaked in 1945. At that point, 889 people lived on an island, which is barely one square kilometer in size. Space ran out fast. Some young residents even slept on boats because there was nowhere else to go.

Around the same time, local fishermen brought in a few cats to deal with rodents. The plan worked a little too well. The cats multiplied, and their numbers steadily grew. Instead of pushing them out, residents accepted the cats as part of their community and learned to live alongside them.

Aoshima also had a lively cultural scene. Its Bon Odori festival drew attention from across the prefecture and played a big role in local life.

Things changed in the second half of the 20th century. Overfishing, an aging population, rural migration, and tough living conditions slowly drove people away.

The cats, however, stayed.

Then came the moment that changed everything. A well-known photographer—Thomas Peter—featured the island on Reuters. Other media outlets quickly picked it up, and photos of the cats spread online.

Interest exploded almost overnight. Tourists began arriving in waves, and Aoshima earned its reputation as a quirky, must-see destination for cat lovers from Japan and around the world.

In recent years, however, Aoshima’s population, both human and feline, has dwindled significantly. To understand how the island has changed, I highly recommend Katherine Longly’s article on Aoshima Cat Island. It’s extremely important to be aware of these changes before planning your trip.

Related: Aoshima or Tashirojima? Which cat island is better?

What is the cat population on Aoshima?

At its peak, Aoshima was home to over 200 felines, but only around 40 human residents.

However, at the time of my visit in the autumn of 2024, there were five residents and around 60 to 70 cats. Today, I understand there are only three residents left, and about 50 to 60 cats. Many of them are elderly, and quite a few are suffering from illness.

Related: Best cat cafés in Japan: locations, highlights, and visitor tips.

Who cares for the Aoshima island cats?

The cats of Aoshima are mostly stray or feral, but they are well taken care of by the local residents and visitors who bring food and supplies for them. There is also an organization called the Aoshima Cat Care Group. They support the cats and residents, but their updates are mostly in Japanese via social media and their website.

The cats sleep in abandoned houses or strut about in the quiet fishing village.

You’ll find cats of all colors, sizes, and temperaments, most of them older cats.

They are quite accustomed to human presence, and they are generally friendly. However, do remember to respect their space and to not disturb them while they’re resting or eating.

And if you plan to bring treats, keep in mind that overfeeding can be a real problem, even with good intentions.

Related: 200+ Japanese cat names (with meanings).

Can you adopt the cats of Aoshima?

Most of the cats are community or stray cats, and they roam the island freely without specific owners. However, the inhabitants are very attached to certain cats, so never take a cat without asking first. Most residents don’t understand English, though, so if you don’t speak Japanese, you’ll probably need a translator to help.

If they agree with the adoption, you have to contact animal shelters or cat rescue groups in the region to help you with the adoption process.

Keep in mind, however, that roughly one-third of the cats and kittens on Aoshima are struggling with untreated upper-respiratory infections, and because there are no veterinarians on the island, it can be challenging to treat them.

Related: Cat Café Asakusa Neko-en: a hidden gem for cat lovers in Tokyo.

What is it like to visit Aoshima Island?

When the ferry arrived, there were almost no residents waiting at the port, and only a handful of cats.

I noticed a blue line painted along the path—apparently introduced during the height of overtourism to prevent visitors from entering private property. There were also “no entry” signs blocking alleys that had once been accessible. When I asked a resident, I was told that these areas are now off-limits because people still live there.

From what I observed, none of the cats were particularly young or active. Perhaps due to the heat that day, many were quietly resting in the shade.

In the evening, just before the last ferry departs, an older woman who cares for the cats comes to feed them near a shrine by the port. This area used to be accessible to visitors, but it is now restricted. At that time, cats gather from all around the island, and only then does the density of cats briefly increase.

The port and the sea are still, quiet, and beautiful. A community that once supported hundreds of residents, with its own unique culture, has dwindled to just a few individuals. Farmland once shaped by human hands has been reclaimed by nature, returning to forest. The remaining residents now live quietly, after the end of the era of intense cat tourism.

Things to do on Aoshima

Aoshima is barely one kilometer long, so you can easily explore it on foot.

It’s important to know, however, that the area accessible to tourists is quite small and that there are no cats further inland. I didn’t venture deep, but there are a few walking trails that take you the island’s highest point, Mt. Oyama, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

You can also stroll along the beaches, or simply relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this Ehime island.

The island also has a few small fishing villages where you can observe the daily lives of the local residents who coexist harmoniously with the feline population.

The cats themselves are concentrated near the harbor area.

Also keep in mind that there are no shops and no vending machines on Aoshima. Bring water and snacks if you are planning on staying the entire day.

Related: This photographer spent years following cats in Japan, and the results are purrfection!

Are there any rules or guidelines for visiting?

Yes. Aoshima has a few simple guidelines to protect the cats and respect the island and its residents. Following them helps keep the island safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Respect the cats

Treat the cats gently. Don’t chase them, pick them up, or disturb them while they’re resting or eating. Let them come to you if they want attention.

Do not feed the cats human food

Human food can make cats sick. If you plan to bring cat food, check local guidelines first and avoid overfeeding. Feeding the cats isn’t required, as many are already cared for by the locals.

Tourists are permitted to feed the cats only in the designated feeding area.

However, since residents care for them, consider bringing cat food to donate. There is a designated donation space inside the waiting room.

Don’t bring your own pets

It’s generally advised not to bring your own pets to Aoshima. Other animals can stress the resident cats, cause conflicts, and introduce diseases.

Take all trash with you

Aoshima has no trash facilities. Bring everything back with you, including food wrappers and bottles.

Be mindful of water usage

Fresh water is brought to the island by boat. Please be mindful of water usage when using the restrooms at the port.

Don’t disturb the residents

Remember that Aoshima is still home to a small number of people. Avoid entering private property, taking photos of residents without permission, or disturbing daily life.

Also, visitors are only allowed in a very limited area: the port, the narrow path along the sea marked by the blue line, and the feeding area at the end of it. The accessible area is probably no more than a few dozen meters in length.

Beyond the feeding area, the path continues, but there are no cats, no residents, and the vegetation is gradually reclaiming the land.

Capture memories responsibly

Feel free to take pictures, but avoid using flash or getting too close. Keep photo sessions short and stress-free for the cats.

Related: Cat Nation: A Film About Japan’s Crazy Cat Culture.

What is the best time to visit Aoshima Cat Island?

The best time to visit Aoshima Cat Island really depends on what kind of experience you want. That said, a few factors can help you plan the perfect trip.

Spring & Autumn

Summer months can be extremely hot and humid, especially in July and August. Most people prefer to visit in spring or autumn when the weather is a lot more pleasant.

Crowds

Tourism to Aoshima has dwindled a lot over the past few years. However, it’s always a good idea to skip weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons.

Cat activity

Cats tend to stay more active during cooler hours. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chance to see them roaming, playing, or following visitors around.

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Feeding time

You’ll see the most cats in the evening, just before the last ferry departs, That’s when an older woman comes to feed the cats near a shrine by the port. All the cats from around the island will gather here at that time.

Events

Annual events like the Bon Odori dance are no longer held on the island due to the dwindling population.

Related: Misao and Fukumaru: this grandma and cat duo from Chiba, Japan, will melt your heart!

Accommodation on Aoshima Island

Aoshima has no hotels or places to stay on the island itself. If you plan to visit, you’ll need to stay on the mainland.

Most visitors choose accommodations in Matsuyama, the largest city in Ehime Prefecture and the main gateway to the island. Matsuyama offers plenty of options, including hotels, traditional ryokan, guesthouses, and budget-friendly business hotels. From there, you can make a day trip to Aoshima by train and ferry.

A day trip is the only practical way to visit.

The island has no restaurants, shops, or vending machines either, so bring everything you need with you, including food and drinks. You’ll also need to take all your trash back to the mainland when you leave.

Related: Book spotlight: Neko Land by Alexandre Bonnefoy and Delphine Vaufrey.

Accommodation in Matsuyama

I stayed at a business hotel a few minutes’ walk from Matsuyama Station. There are many hotels in that area ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 yen per night. Even though the first ferry is early, it is easy to reach Iyo-Nagahama Station in time.

There is also a minshuku (Japanese-style inn) called Minshuku Ryoutei, in the Iyo-Nagahama area near the station that offers room-only or meal-included stays. (Note: Reservations are by phone; it is unclear if they support foreign languages.)

What to bring

Aoshima has very limited facilities, so packing smart makes a huge difference to your experience. Here’s exactly what you should bring:

• Cash: Bring enough cash for the entire day. The island has no ATMs or card-friendly infrastructure, so you’ll need cash for ferries, food, and accommodation.
• Snacks and water: Pack snacks and drinking water to avoid going hungry, because there are no shops and no vending machines on the island.
• Weather protection: Pack for the conditions: sunscreen and a hat in summer, or a rain jacket and warm layers in colder months. You’ll spend most of your time outdoors with little shelter available.
• Power bank: Keep a fully charged power bank with you. You’ll take lots of photos of the cats, and there are no places to charge your phone on the island.
• Portable Wi-Fi or Japan SIM card: Buy your Japan SIM card or portable Wi-Fi to stay connected. Having enough data helps with maps, ferry updates, and emergency info.
• Motion sickness tablets or patches: Take motion sickness tablets before the ferry if you’re sensitive to waves. The boat ride can get rough.

Nearby attractions to add to your day trip itinerary

Here are a few other nearby attractions in case you want to combine Aoshima with some additional sightseeing in the area:

Setonaikai National Park

Aoshima is part of the Setonaikai National Park, which covers a vast area of the Seto Inland Sea. Rather than “park facilities,” the highlight is the “Tatoubi” (the beauty of many islands). I recommend combining your trip with cycling the Shimanami Kaido (connecting Ehime to Hiroshima).

Matsuyama

There isn’t much to do in Nagahama itself, so I recommend heading back to Matsuyama. It’s the capital of Ehime and has plenty of shops.

Dogo Onsen

You can take the tram to Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot springs.

The shopping arcades are great, too, and you can see and take the “Botchan Train” (a replica steam locomotive). You can even find places where Mandarin orange juice comes out of a water faucet.

📍 If you’re short on time, you can take this guided Dogo Onsen walking tour, which explores the Botchan Karakuri Clock, the Isaniwa Shrine, and Dōgo Onsen Honkan.

Shimonada Station

Located between Matsuyama and Iyo-Nagahama, this station is famous for its view of the sea right from the platform. It’s a very popular photo spot.

Is Aoshima worth visiting?

For those hoping to visit Aoshima in Ehime Prefecture, I would not recommend choosing Aoshima as a destination today. If you are traveling within the Shikoku region, there are several alternative cat islands in nearby Kagawa Prefecture. One of the most notable is Sanagijima, which has a larger cat population and even offers beautiful guesthouse accommodations.

Have you visited Aoshima before, whether at its peak or more recently? Or are you still planning on visiting before there are no more cats left? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Related: Kyoto cats: capturing the city’s essence through a feline lens.

About the photographer

Born in 1974, Chieko Shiraishi is originally from Niigata and has lived in Tokyo since the age of 18. She works in an administrative role and lives with her husband and their two sons, one in high school and the other in university. Her travels are almost always centered around cats. She particularly loves photographing cat islands and places known for having large cat populations.

The camera she uses most often is the OM SYSTEM OM-5. She also recently bought the OM-1 Mark II, but she hasn’t quite mastered it yet. She finds it useful to have both a telephoto lens and a wide-angle lens. The telephoto lens allows her to capture cats from a distance so she can photograph them in natural, unguarded moments, while the wide-angle lens helps when she wants to include more of the surrounding environment or photograph friendly animals up close.

You can find Chieko on Instagram @chiekoshiraishi.

Information and photos of Aoshima courtesy of Chieko Shiraishi. First two photos by Daily Mail

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