We Love Animals
Cats

Visit To Aoshima Island – The Real Cat Heaven In Japan

Welcome to Aoshima, the Japanese Cat Island where the cats far outnumber the people, and a ferry brings day-trippers out to visit the cats.

Aoshima island, off the coast of Ehima prefecture in Japan, is said to be a cat lover’s dream, with cats outnumbering the human populace by 6 to 1. The island is home to only 22 people, who are mostly elderly pensioners, but there are over 120 cats.

The story goes that the islanders used to raise silk worms to obtain silk for their fishing nets and the cats were originally kept to control the numbers of mice that fed on the silk worms.

The present day residents do help to feed the cats, but the felines mostly fend for themselves, eating fresh fish.

While there is now a steady stream of tourists visiting the island and its cats, their numbers are limited, since just one ferry comes to the island and it carries only 34 visitors a day.

The limited number of visitors suits the residents, who do not want their peaceful way of life disrupted.

There are no hotels, cars or shops on the island.

According to Japan Daily Press, islanders said cat numbers began to shoot up about a decade ago. As the aging human population decreased, the cats’ breeding went unchecked, locals said.

Just look some pictures from Reuters/Thomas Peter about Aoshima:

Cats crowd around village nurse and Ozu city official Atsuko Ogata as she carries a bag of cat food to the designated feeding place on Aoshima Island. Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Village nurse and Ozu city official Atsuko Ogata holds a cat. Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Photo: Reuters/Thomas Peter

Go along on a visit to the island by watching the video below:

Share this story with your friends and family if you and them want to go travel in the future!!

Related posts

Bear Makes Himself Comfortable And Relaxed In Couch Someone Threw Away

Carolyn Mullet

Newborn Kittens Covered In Fleas And Fly Eggs Got Rescued And Reunited With Mama

Olivia

Stray Cat Hops Into The Family Car And Decides To Stay With Them Forever

Carolyn Mullet

Family Makes A Sign To Stop Their Sneaky Cat From Going Outside

Carolyn Mullet

Compassionate Cat Comforts His Dog Friend During Scary Thunderstorm

Carolyn Mullet

Senior Cat Begs Her Mom To Watch Her Favorite Movies Every Day

Carolyn Mullet

20 Senior Cats Who Might Be Old And Slow But Are Still Full Of Love For Us

Carolyn Mullet

Tiny Kitten Runs Out Of Bushes And Comes Up To Her New Mom

Carolyn Mullet

This Cute Cat Can Do A Spot-On Puss In Boots Impression Whenever He Wants Something

Carolyn Mullet

Kitten Refuses To Let Her Mother Use Computer Mouse

Carolyn Mullet

This Cute Cat Is Taking Over The Internet With His Hanging Tongue

Carolyn Mullet

10+ Adorable Photos That Will Compel You To Get A Cat For Your Kids

Carolyn Mullet