Cat Islands of Japan: Aoshima and Tashirojima

Published October 15, 2026 at 10:01 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Japan has a deep love for cats, from the waving lucky cat figures in shop windows to cat cafes in nearly every big city. For true cat enthusiasts, though, the ultimate destination is a so-called cat island, a small community where felines outnumber the people who live there. Two of the best known are Aoshima in the Seto Inland Sea and Tashirojima off the coast of Miyagi. This guide explains how these islands came to be known for their cats, how to reach them, and how to visit in a way that keeps both the animals and the residents happy.

Why Cat Islands Exist

Cats have a long history of living alongside people in Japanese fishing villages and farming communities. On many small islands, cats were kept to protect food stores, boats and valuable goods from mice and rats. Over time, as populations of residents shrank and the cats continued to thrive, some islands became places where the animal population was much larger than the human one. Travelers began to take notice, and today these islands attract visitors who simply want a gentle, slow day with friendly cats in a coastal setting.

It is important to remember that these are not theme parks. They are real communities, and often the people who live there are few in number. The cats are also not pets in the usual sense, so a respectful approach matters. When visitors treat the islands as living neighborhoods rather than attractions, everyone has a better time.

Aoshima in Ehime

Aoshima is a tiny island in the Seto Inland Sea, in the city of Ozu in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku. It is less than half a square kilometer in size and about a kilometer and a half long, so it is easy to picture the whole island at once. Fishermen are said to have brought cats there to keep rodents away from their boats and catch, and the cats multiplied after being left to roam. These days the cats far outnumber the small number of residents, and visitors often describe the island as a peaceful place with sea views, old houses and cats lounging in every sunny spot.

The ferry leaves from Nagahama Port in Ozu, which can be reached from Iyo-Nagahama Station, and the crossing takes about thirty-five minutes. Sailings are limited, with only a couple of departures a day, so check the current timetable and plan your return trip carefully. Because the island is small and has very limited services, it is a good idea to bring water, snacks and anything else you need, and to carry out all of your trash. Follow the posted signs about where visitors may walk, stay out of residential areas, and use only the designated area for feeding cats. Some older buildings are in poor condition, so keep a respectful distance from them.

Tashirojima in Miyagi

Tashirojima lies in the Pacific Ocean off the Oshika Peninsula, within the city of Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture. At about three square kilometers, it is larger than Aoshima, and it has two small villages, Oodomari and Nitoda. The ferry runs from Ishinomaki on the Ajishima Line and stops at both villages. Tickets are typically sold on the day, payment is usually in cash, and schedules can change with the weather, so it is wise to confirm the timetable before you leave.

The island's cat story is linked to its history of raising silkworms. Silkworms were an important source of income in the past, and cats were kept to guard them from mice. Over time, cats also became part of fishing life, and the island's small Cat Shrine, called Neko Jinja, honors them. A modest tourist area known as Manga Island has cat-shaped lodges and campsites with manga themes, giving cat lovers a playful place to stay. Dogs are generally not allowed on the island, which helps keep it calm for the residents and the cats.

Cat-Friendly Etiquette

Good manners make a big difference. On both islands, avoid chasing, grabbing, crowding or picking up the cats, and let them approach you if they want to. Feeding rules vary, so follow local signs carefully and only feed in places where it is allowed, since the islands depend on a careful balance. Keep your voice low, do not enter private property, and stay on the paths. Many cats are shy at first but become relaxed when visitors sit quietly. Taking photos is fine, but avoid using flash close to their faces. A long lens lets you capture close-up portraits without stepping into the cats' space, and patience is often rewarded when a cat decides to stroll past on its own.

It is also kind to respect the people who live there. Avoid looking into windows or taking photos of residents without asking. Take all garbage back with you, and avoid open fires or camping outside designated areas. Buying local goods or a meal where facilities are open is a lovely way to support the community and say thank you.

Planning Your Trip

Both islands are easiest to enjoy in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and cats are more likely to be out and about. Summer can be hot with little shade, so bring sun protection and water, while winter brings cold winds and a higher chance of ferry disruptions. Because boats are small and schedules change, plan with flexibility, arrive at the port early and have a back-up plan if sailings are canceled. If you want to stay overnight on Tashirojima, look into reservations through the local tourism information, as lodging is limited.

Also think about the practical side of a small island day. Meals depend on whether island facilities are open, so bring food and drinks just in case. Wear comfortable shoes for walking along coastal paths and carry a light rain jacket. With a bit of preparation, a trip to a cat island can be one of the calmest and most charming travel moments in Japan. Pairing the visit with nearby sightseeing, such as the port towns where the ferries depart, makes the day feel complete and gives you a chance to sample local seafood before or after the crossing.

Quick Takeaways

Aoshima and Tashirojima offer a gentle look at island life, where cats and people share small coastal communities. Check ferry times, bring supplies, follow every posted rule and treat the cats with calm respect. Go in spring or autumn for the most comfortable weather, and keep expectations flexible, because the cats are free to do as they please. If you do, you will leave with sea air in your lungs, a camera full of whiskers and a warm feeling for these unusual islands.