Complete Guide to Aoshima in Ehime (Cat Island): What To Do and Where To Stay

Aoshima (Ao Island) is a tiny island in Ehime Prefecture that became famous around the world as one of Japan’s “cat islands.” Set in the Seto Inland Sea off the coast of Ozu City, it is home to a small, human community and a much larger population of cats that roam freely near the port, shrine, and old village lanes. While the island’s cat numbers have declined in recent years, they still far outnumber residents, giving Aoshima its unusual reputation.

A visit here is simple, quiet, and more delicate than many travelers expect. Aoshima is not a developed sightseeing destination. There are no shops, restaurants, vending machines, or places to stay, and the ferry remains an essential lifeline for local residents as well as visitors. Come prepared, be respectful, and Aoshima offers a rare glimpse of a remote island shaped by fishing history and the cats that have become its best-known residents.

Aoshima is reached by the passenger ferry Aoshima from Nagahama Port in Ozu City. The port is close to Iyo-Nagahama Station, making the island possible to reach by train and boat from Matsuyama, the capital of Ehime Prefecture. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.

The ferry operates two round-trip services daily: one morning service (8:00 a.m. departure, 8:45 a.m. return) and one afternoon service (2:30 p.m. departure, 4:15 p.m. return). However, the boat has limited capacity, island residents are prioritized, and the second outbound sailing may have fewer available places depending on how many morning passengers remain on the island for the afternoon return. Services can also be canceled or adjusted due to weather, so checking the latest official timetable before traveling is essential.

Aoshima is very small, so visitors can easily get around on foot. There are no cars, buses, or tourist transport services on the island. Most of the places visitors are permitted to access are within a short walk of the port, including the cat feeding area and Aoshima Shrine.

Because Aoshima remains a residential island, some areas are private or restricted. Avoid entering old homes, residential paths, or other spaces not clearly open to visitors. The ferry, port, and village paths are part of everyday life for the island’s few remaining residents, so low volume, a gentle pace, and quiet awareness go a long way.

1. Meet the island's cats

The cats are the main reason most people visit Aoshima. They often gather near the port when ferries arrive and can also be found lounging around walkways, steps, and shaded areas near the village. Their presence has become inseparable from the island’s identity.

Aoshima’s cats are not a new tourism attraction created for visitors. Their history is tied to the island’s fishing past. Cats were kept to help control rodents around boats and fishing equipment, and as the human population declined, the feline population grew. A sterilization program was carried out in around 2018, and the remaining cats are now aging, meaning this attraction may not be around forever.

2. Use the designated feeding area

Visitors who want to feed the cats should only do so in the designated feeding area, away from the port and residents’ homes. Local caretakers already feed the cats, so visitors are encouraged to keep portions small and bring only suitable cat food.

This is also one of the easiest places to spend time observing the cats without wandering too far through the island. Bring patience rather than expectations. Some cats may be friendly, while others will keep their distance.

Aoshima Shrine is a modest stop near the area where cats tend to gather, with sea views that remind visitors how isolated the island feels. It is not a grand sightseeing complex, but that suits the setting. The shrine adds a cultural note to a visit that can otherwise become entirely focused on feline photography.

There are no restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, or vending machines on Aoshima, so bring everything you need before boarding the ferry. This includes drinking water, snacks, lunch, and any other essentials for the length of your stay.

A packed meal is the most practical option. Since food options are nonexistent on the island, it is best to buy something in Matsuyama, Ozu, or near Iyo-Nagahama Station before heading to the port. Be sure to take all trash back with you, as the island does not have visitor-oriented disposal facilities.

Aoshima does not operate like a larger tourist town, and there are no widely promoted annual festivals or seasonal visitor events centered on the island itself. Its appeal stays largely the same throughout the year: cats, sea views, and a brief look at a remote fishing community.

That said, the timing of your visit still matters. Spring and autumn are generally more comfortable for spending time outdoors, especially as there are few indoor places to wait or rest on the island. Summer can be hot and exposed, while rough seas and poor weather may affect ferry operations in any season.

There is no accommodation on Aoshima itself, so visitors need to stay on the mainland. For the easiest access to the ferry, look for lodging in Ozu. This can make an early departure less stressful, especially if you want to improve your chances of boarding the morning ferry.

Matsuyama, about an hour away from the port, is another good option, particularly for travelers who want more hotel variety, dining choices, and sightseeing before or after the island visit. It adds extra travel time on the day, but it also makes the overall trip easier to build into a broader Ehime itinerary.