Aoshima

What it is

• A small fishing island originally settled by fishermen from Banshu Sakoshi in 1639.
• Known as a cat island where over two hundred cats outnumber the human residents.
• A quiet location with no cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or commercial shops.
• An island where drinking water must be transported by passenger ship from the mainland.

What to see

• A large population of cats that roam freely throughout the island.
• The Aoshima Bon Dance which is a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
• The buildings of the local elementary and junior high schools which are now closed.

Getting there

• A passenger ship operates two round trips daily from Nagahama Port.
• The island is located thirteen point five kilometers off the coast of Nagahama Port.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.