Aoshima, Cat sanctuary island in Ehime Prefecture, Japan
Aoshima is a small island stretching about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) in the Seto Inland Sea, where cats roam freely among coastal paths and abandoned structures. The terrain is marked by crumbling buildings, unpaved walkways, and vegetation slowly reclaiming the human-made landscape.
The island was once a thriving fishing village with around 900 residents in 1945, but rapidly lost its livelihood as sardine stocks collapsed. This economic decline sparked widespread migration away, leaving just about 6 permanent inhabitants today.
Visitors from across Japan bring food and care for the cats roaming here, reflecting how deeply felines are woven into Japanese daily life. The animals shape the island's rhythm and character in a way that feels completely natural to those who visit.
The ferry ride takes about 35 minutes from Nagahama Port with two daily departures. Bring your own food and water since there are no shops on the island.
A neutering program once controlled the cat population, which had reached a staggering ratio of 36 cats for every human resident. This management effort demonstrates how the island balances animal welfare with practical population control.
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