The Paradise Of Cats
Aoshima
1. Location: Aoshima is situated in the Seto Inland Sea, approximately 5 kilometers off the coast of Saganoseki Peninsula. It is part of the city of Ozu in the Ehime Prefecture. 2. Size and Population: Aoshima is a tiny island, covering an area of just 5.55 hectares (0.022 square miles). As of 2020, the island had a population of around 30 people. 3. Cat Island: Aoshima is often referred to as "Cat Island" due to its significant cat population. It is estimated that the number of cats on the island exceeds the human population. The cats were originally brought to the island to control the mouse population that posed a threat to the fishing boats. 4. Tourism: Aoshima has gained popularity as a tourist destination, attracting visitors who are fascinated by the large number of feline residents. However, it is important for tourists to respect the cats and not disturb their natural habitat or cause them any harm. 5. Access:To reach Aoshima, visitors can take a ferry from Nagahama Port, which is near the Saganoseki Peninsula. The ferry ride takes around 30 minutes.