Aoshima is a small island off the coast of Ōzu in Ehime. Since it’s home to hundreds of cats, it’s commonly known as “Cat Island”. When the ferry comes into the harbour, all the cats rush down to meet the visitors. The cats are semi-tame and although they like to receive food, they generally avoid being stroked or picked up.

Besides the cats, the island has a picturesque harbour and abandoned primary and junior high schools. There’s also a beach with rock and rough sand. There are no restaurants, shops, or touristic facilities on the island.

Aoshima is only accessible by ferry from Nagahama port, and the timing of the ferry is very inconvenient for sightseeing. The islanders would prefer it if their island were not infested with cats and tourists, and measures are being taken to reduce the numbers of both. For this reason, we don’t offer tours of Aoshima, nor do we include it in our multiday trips.