Aoshima Island Adventure: Japan’s Purr-fect Cat Paradise

#springitinerary **Location:** Aoshima Island, Ehime, Japan --- ### **🐾 Arriving in Cat Heaven** The moment I stepped off the ferry onto **Aoshima Island**, I knew I was in for something special. A fluffy tabby stretched lazily on the wooden dock, barely acknowledging my arrival—just another human visitor in a long line of cat pilgrims. This tiny island, **barely 1.6 km in circumference**, is famously home to **over 120 cats** and only a handful of elderly residents. Abandoned houses, overgrown paths, and the occasional meow in the distance made it feel like I’d wandered into a **real-life Studio Ghibli film**. --- ### **🚢 The Journey to Aoshima** Getting here was half the adventure! From **Matsuyama**, I took a local train to **Nagahama Station**, then a short walk to **Nagahama Port**. The **30-minute ferry ride** (¥680 one-way) was serene, with views of the **Seto Inland Sea**—a perfect prelude to the island’s slow, quiet charm. **Pro Tip:** Ferries run only **twice a day** (check schedules in advance!), so I made sure not to miss the last one back! --- ### **😻 Meeting the Feline Overlords** As soon as I set foot on land, cats appeared **everywhere**—lounging on benches, peeking from doorways, even napping inside abandoned houses. Unlike tourist-heavy cat cafes, these kitties were **free-spirited**, some friendly, some aloof, all living their best island life. I brought a bag of **dry cat treats** (human food is a no-no), and within minutes, I had a **purring entourage** following me around. A bold calico even hopped onto my lap as I sat on an old stone step—bliss! --- ### **🏡 Exploring the Island’s Quiet Magic** Aoshima isn’t just about cats—it’s a **time capsule of old Japan**. With no shops, restaurants, or crowds, the island feels frozen in time. I wandered: - **Past weathered wooden houses**, some crumbling, others still inhabited by the island’s few elderly residents. - **Along quiet coastal paths**, where cats sunbathed on fishing nets. - **To Aoshima Shrine**, a small, mossy shrine where a black cat seemed to be the guardian. The **only sounds** were waves, wind, and the occasional meow. No cars, no city noise—just peace. --- ### **📸 Photo Diary: A Day in Cat Paradise** 1. **The Dock Greeter** – A fluffy orange cat sitting proudly at the ferry landing. 2. **The Nap Brigade** – A row of cats snoozing on a sun-warmed bench. 3. **Abandoned Beauty** – A crumbling house with a cat perched in the window. 4. **Beachside Bliss** – A tabby watching the sea, tail flicking in the breeze. --- ### **⚠️ Important Tips for Visiting** ✅ **Bring cat treats** (dry food only) to make furry friends. ✅ **Pack snacks & water**—there are **no stores or vending machines** on the island. ✅ **Respect the cats & residents