Aoshima is a tiny island in Japan's Ehime prefecture where cats outnumber people eight-to-one. The so-called cat island is a tourist destination in the summer, but in the dead of winter the number ...

Sanagijima Island is home to lots of free-roaming cats. Kuji rests on some cool shrine steps. Other cats hang out close to the sea, carefully making their way along a seawall. What are they doing?

When seeking authentic experiences in Japan's ... the Wakamiya Shrine and the small Aoshima Buddhist Temple, on this somewhat deserted island. It's recommended to prepare some cat treats or ...

or Dog-Cat Shrine, to pray and receive a blessing from a Shinto priest. Six Shiba Inu dogs dressed in kimonos lined up for pictures at the event. Japan’s birth rate declined for a seventh ...

Japan has over 14,000 islands and their inhabitants keep each unique local culture alive. Kobi Island has just 13 residents; we met four lively women who pray at the local shrine's sacred boulder.