There are two islands in Japan that every cat lover has wanted to visit at some point—and if they haven’t, it’s probably because they didn’t know they existed.
These are the islands of Aoshima and Tashirojima, each one unique but with one essential thing in common: cats have taken over and now rule the island, outnumbering humans.
Tashirojima Island: A Feline Refuge in Northern Japan
Tashirojima Island is one of the most visited spots in Japan by cat lovers. In addition to seeing and feeding plenty of adorable cats, you can also enjoy scenic coastal hiking trails and even explore Manga Island.
The main city in this prefecture, Ishinomaki, was completely destroyed by the 2011 tsunami. In fact, some buildings have been left standing to remember what happened and to serve as a reminder to stay prepared for the future. However, this cat island remained untouched by the disaster—the cats were spared.
Life in Tashirojima is very rural. In the past, locals mainly worked in silkworm production. That’s actually the main reason why so many cats came to live on the island: the island’s residents began caring for and feeding semi-wild cats to take advantage of their natural ability to keep rats away from the silkworms.
This led to an important rule: dogs are not allowed on the island.
As time passed, the cat population grew, while the human population gradually decreased, as residents left in search of better job opportunities.
Today, it’s estimated that around 100 people live on the island, and there are about five times more cats than humans.
The island has many forested areas, so many of the cats live wild, while others do interact with people.
There’s also the Island Station, a place where the cats are fed and visitors can leave donations to support them.
The love for cats in Tashirojima is so strong that there’s even a cat shrine on the island. In Japanese culture, caring for cats is seen as a way to ensure good fortune, and neglecting them is believed to bring bad luck.
There’s also a unique accommodation on Manga Island featuring cat-shaped cabins where you can spend the night. The next day, take the ferry to continue your cat-filled adventure.
Aoshima Island: A Feline Kingdom at Risk
Aoshima Island lies in southern Japan and is less visited than Tashirojima, mainly because it’s harder to reach. However, it’s still recognized as one of Japan’s most iconic cat islands.
Although Aoshima was originally uninhabited, several families settled there in 1636, establishing the island’s first community. By 1945, the island had around 900 residents.
Over time, though, the population began to decline due to aging and residents leaving in search of better opportunities. By 2019, only six people were officially living on the island, while the number of cats was estimated to be over 80.
The rise in the cat population happened for similar reasons. Most residents worked in fishing, and to keep rats off their boats, they began caring for and feeding cats.
At one point, the island received food donations from across Japan, allowing locals to better care for the cats.
In recent years, a sterilization campaign began to control the population, since fewer people remain to care for the cats. Experts now believe the island could become completely uninhabited within the next five years, not just due to an aging population but also due to harsh weather conditions.
Still, some curious travelers continue to visit Aoshima. Along with being surrounded by dozens of cats, visitors can also explore the ruins of homes that once belonged to the island’s past residents.
