This Japanese Town Has More Cats Than People – Here’s Why
If you’re a cat lover like me, there’s one place in the world that honestly feels like a dream come true.
Aoshima, Japan.
It’s a tiny fishing village off the southern coast of the country, and it’s become globally famous for one adorable reason: cats outnumber people six to one.
Yep, you read that right.
And today I’m telling you why that happened, what it’s like to visit, and what you need to know before you plan your trip to the so-called “Cat Island” of Japan.
A Quiet Island… With Furry Little Surprises Around Every Corner
This story starts simple.
Aoshima used to be a bustling little fishing community decades ago. People lived simple lives, working on boats, raising families, and cooking meals with fresh fish straight from the sea.
At some point in the 1940s and 1950s, fishermen brought a few cats to the island to deal with mice on their boats and around their homes.
The cats did their job, but then they stayed. And multiplied.
And multiplied some more.
By the time the population of humans started declining (due to aging residents and younger generations moving to the mainland), the cats?
They stayed put. They didn’t go anywhere.
So now, the balance has flipped. The human population has dwindled to fewer than 10 people.
Meanwhile, there are dozens and dozens of cats roaming the island freely.
What It’s Like to Visit Japan’s “Cat Island”
When you step off the ferry onto Aoshima, don’t expect a tourist trap.
There are no hotels, no restaurants, no vending machines, and no souvenir shops. This isn’t Disneyland—it’s a real place, still quiet and humble.
But what you will find?
Cats.
They greet visitors at the dock, follow you as you walk the narrow paths, and nap in sunbeams outside abandoned houses. They’ll brush up against your leg, ask for snacks, and pose like pros if you’ve got a camera.
It’s peaceful. A little surreal. And honestly, kind of beautiful.
Locals who remain on the island feed and care for the cats. Animal welfare groups sometimes help with vaccinations and spaying/neutering efforts, though the population remains high.
Why People Love This Place
The simplicity is part of the charm.
In an age of overstimulation, constant notifications, and crowded attractions, Aoshima offers something different: stillness and cuteness, side by side.
There’s no big show here—just the joy of wandering a sleepy island filled with curious, independent, affectionate little creatures.
Many visitors describe it as healing. Others call it a bucket list experience.
But Here’s the Catch (Pun Intended)
Aoshima isn’t trying to be a tourist destination.
In fact, the few locals still there have asked tourists to be respectful, especially when it comes to feeding the cats or invading private property.
There’s also no overnight stay allowed on the island. You’ll have to take a ferry in and out the same day, and the number of passengers is limited.
So if you want to go, plan ahead.
Bring your own snacks and water. Pack out your trash. And be gentle with the people and the animals.
Final Thoughts
Aoshima isn’t just about cats—it’s about a way of life that’s slowly fading.
It’s a quiet reminder of how nature fills the spaces we leave behind.
It’s also a soft, purring symbol of unexpected joy. A strange, beautiful little corner of the world where cats now reign and the human pace slows down.
If you ever make it there, don’t rush.
Walk slowly.
Sit on a bench.
Let the cats come to you.
And maybe—just maybe—you’ll understand why this tiny town captured so many hearts. 🐾
