Tashirojima: 10 Things to Do on Japan's Cat Island, Hotels, and Dining

Tashirojima Island: A Paradise for Cat Lovers

Tashirojima Island is a small island off the coast of Ishinomaki City in eastern Miyagi Prefecture in eastern Japan. Over 130 cats live alongside the human residents on this 11km island. There are more cats than people on the island, resulting in it being known as one of Japan's cat islands, gathering attention from cat lovers.

The easiest way to get to Tashirojima Island is to take a bus and ferry from Ishinomaki Station. Ishinomaki Station is about an hour from Sendai by train. A detailed way of getting here is introduced in the latter half of this article.

Tashirojima Island: 10 Things to Do on Japan's Cat Island

1. Start Your Cat Adventure from Odomari Port
2. Miyori Shrine: A Cat Shrine
3. Shima no Eki Rest Stop
4. Manga Island: Stay in Cat-Shaped Cabins
5. Tashiro Historical Museum and Kuronekodo cafe
6. Scenic Coastal Views: Cape Mitsuishi and Mitsuishi Kannon Temple
7. Tashiro Shokudo: Taste Delicious Cuisine
8. Unwind Along Coastal Fronts
9. Enjoy a Walk Along Nitoda Port
10. Stay at a Hot Spring Inn

Useful Information
How to get to Tashirojima Island
Departure Times for Various Ports
The Cat Island's Rules
Explore Ishinomaki

Why Are There So Many Cats on Tashirojima?

Photo by Pixta

Tashirojima Island's abundant cat population has roots deeply intertwined with the island's history and cultural beliefs. Initially brought in to tackle the island's rodent problem that threatened the silkworm industry, cats quickly proved their worth as efficient hunters, helping to preserve the silk trade that was crucial to the local economy.

Over time, as these feline workers gained respect and admiration for their pest control prowess, a cultural reverence for cats as symbols of luck and prosperity emerged among the islanders.

The combination of their practical utility and symbolic significance has led to a harmonious coexistence between humans and cats on Tashirojima Island, where these furry companions roam freely, delighting visitors with their playful antics and enriching the island's unique charm with their presence.

Start Your Cat Adventure from Odomari Port

There are two ports on Tashirojima Island. Odomari Port is in the north and in the south is Nitoda Port.

There is actually a higher chance of meeting more cats at Nitoda Port, but if you wish to explore the island, we recommend starting at Odomari Port. The ports are about two kilometers apart, and you can reach either port in about 30 minutes. You can also stop by some traveler-friendly areas and rest spots in between.

You can find a map of the island (pictured above) at the ferry ticket booth at Ishinomaki Port. Paw prints on the map indicate tourist attractions. These maps are only available in Japanese, but there are ferry times indicated on the back of the map, so take a copy with you.

Also, make sure to keep the ferry ticket with you will be handing it to the employees when you arrive at the island.

At Odomari Port, we spotted two cats that were peeking into the boat. It seems like the fishermen feed them every morning.

The fisherman cut the fish and gave it to the two cats, who quickly devoured it.

A fisherman told us, "The striped one may be the fattest cat on the island." The kitty certainly looked satisfied feasting upon the freshly caught breakfast.

After being greeted by the felines at the port, stop by the three spots while heading to Nitoda Port!

2. Miyori Shrine: Visit a Shrine Dedicated to Cats

After continuing 1km from Odomari Port, you will reach the Cat Shrine, officially named Miyori Shrine, which enshrines a cat god.

According to legend, the fisherman around Tashirojima Island used to predict their catch and the weather based on the cats. However, one day, a cat passed away in an accident. The fisherman mourned heavily and established the shrine to worship the cat as a deity.

There are many cat toys and statues left as offerings around the shrine. As we approached the shrine, real cats began making themselves comfortable around the shrine. The cats on Tamashiro Island do not have a strong fear of humans and will approach you.

3. Eat and Play with Cats at Shima no Eki Rest Stop

About 200 meters south of the Cat Shrine is Shima no Eki, a rest stop. Here, you can find shops providing cat-themed souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. There are also plenty of cats relaxing in front of the store.

The entrance is an ideal spot to mingle with the friendly felines! You are also welcome to use the cat toys to play with them.

Unfortunately, cats are not allowed inside the shop. If they follow you inside, make sure you gently guide them out.

In addition to Shima no Eki, there is also Tashirojima Olive Cafe (Japanese) and other eateries near Nitoda Port, but there aren't too many options. For those who are worried, we advise purchasing lunch at Ishinomaki Station.

4. Manga Island: Stay in Cat-Shaped Cabins

Photo by Pixta
Situated on the south of Tashirojima, Manga Island is an affordable yet adorable accommodation that offers a unique stay on the island! Shaped like cats, these five cabins are bursting with charm inside and out, from the roofs' triangular ears to windows and doors designed to look like cats' faces, to cat illustrations dotted around the rooms.

The interiors illustrate fun and quirky cats designed by two famous manga artists, Tetsuya Chiba - known for his famous works such as Ashita no Jo, and Machiko Satonaka, a popular manga artist who created over 500 shojo manga works.

The cabins feature a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bunk beds, accommodating five to six people. This "purrfect" accommodation is ideal for those who want the full feline experience on the island and makes a great relaxing stay for people who can work remotely and wish to get away from the hustle and bustle for some time.

The grounds also have a campsite; Manga Island is open from late spring until fall each year and closes during the winter months. In 2024, the site functions from April 25 to October 31.

*The link above takes you to the Manga Island booking website. Please change the language from the button located on the top right.
*Information about Manga Island for international visitors (PDF).

5. Tashiro History Museum and Kuronekodo Cafe

A cat-themed respite, Kuronekodo Cafe and Tashiro History Museum is the perfect spot to relax with cats and a soft drink in hand. Featuring fun photography and printed edits of the cats and merchandise, this small yet quirky cafe-museum is decorated with cat illustrations on its exterior and historical photos of the island in its interiors.

Once a post office in the town, the building is a great place to enjoy healing ocean views and eat comforting food, such as cat-themed curry rice, while cats roam freely inside the cafe.

Kuronekodo Cafe can be reached in about 6 minutes on foot from Nitoda Port.

Official website: https://twitter.com/kuronekotashiro

6. Scenic Coastal Views: Cape Mitsuishi and Mitsuishi Kannon Temple

Photo by Pixta
Located southwest of the island is the scenic coastal view of Cape Mitsuishi, a shoreline where jagged cliffs and blue waters collide. Legend has it that a statue of the goddess of peace, Kannon, was found here. The local fishermen protected the statue by building the Mitsuishi Kannon Temple to enshrine the sacred eleven-faced statue.

Visitors can take in breathtaking views of the ocean, rocky cliffs, and stroll along leafy off-the-beaten paths.

7. Tashiro Shokudo: Enjoy Delicious Cuisine

Photo by Pixta

Due to the island's small population, there are limited food options in Tashirojima; however, the few spots that serve food won't disappoint! Tashiro Shokudo, a charming retro restaurant with a blue facade that faces the seafront of Nitoda Port, serves delicious Japanese dishes such as salmon rice bowls, curry rice, mackerel dishes, and yakisoba.

Visitors can savor delicious food while watching cats stroll by and nap under the tables. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating, offering sheltered accommodation or scenic views. Tashiro Shokudo can be easily recognized by its blue exterior with a white illustrated fish adorning the front of the building.

8. Unwind Along Coastal Fronts

Photo by Pixta
Basking in the sun and enjoying perfect views, something that everyone craves from time to time, Tashirojima is the perfect place to do just that! With a small population of less than 50 people, those who visit this adorable and unique island have the opportunity to unwind along beaches and shores in peace and quiet, interspersed with the occasional meow, of course.

The island itself is full of scenic beauty, but if you are looking for undisturbed views and a close encounter with the water, we recommend visiting the local sand beach, just a 19-minute walk from Manga Island. This can be found on the map if you search for Nagahama Beach, written with the kanji 長浜.

9. Enjoy a Walk to Nitoda Port East Breakwater Lighthouse

Photo by Pixta
Tashirojima Island's very own catwalk, where guests can stroll along the bay to the Nitoda Port East Breakwater Lighthouse, and enjoy panoramic views of the island and the ocean, while spotting cats in all their beauty. This part of the island allows visitors to see both the island and the ocean from a unique perspective, much like the boat journey to the island.

As you approach Nitoda Port from Shima no Eki rest stop, you will spot many felines relaxing in front of houses, closed shops, and on the streets. You will also likely see multiple cats playing with each other!

10. Enjoy Staying at a Hot Spring Inn

Besides Manga Island, Tashirojima has very few accommodation facilities. We recommend staying at a hot spring hotel or inn in Ishinomaki, or on the surrounding islands such as Kumejima.

Matsushima, one of the most scenic places in Japan and a famous hot spring resort is also relatively close by. Why not enjoy a blissful stay at a comfortable hot spring inn or hotel in Matsushima and visit Tashirojima on a day trip?

How to Get to Tashirojima

Take a bus and a ferry to get from Ishinomaki Station to Tashirojima Island. In order to secure your time with the cats, we suggest to boarding the ferry that departs at 9:00 AM.

Ride the bus from the roundabout area in front of the station leaving from stop number 2. The bus departs at 8:30 AM and you will arrive at Kadonowaki Ni-chome bus stop in about fifteen minutes. It costs 280 yen one way.

Please note that the bus announcements are in Japanese only. Tell the driver that you wish to go to the ferry port so that they will let you know when you are at the correct bus stop.

The path leading to the ferry boarding area from the bus stop.

It is about a five-minute walk from the bus stop to the ferry platform. You won't have much time during your transfer so we advise you to look up your route prior for easy access.

Upon arriving at the ferry platform, purchase your tickets. It costs 1,230 yen one way to arrive at Tashirojima Island. The ticket machine has English options, and there are also employees around to inquire if you are unsure.

You will arrive at Odomari Port in 40 minutes and Nitoda Port in 50 minutes on the ferry!

After 9:00, ferry times are at 12:00 and 15:30. The last ferry departing from Tashirojima Island is at 15:33 from Nitoda Port. If you are doing a day trip, make sure to board the 12:00 ferry departing from Ishinomaki at the latest.

Ajishima Line (Ferry Platform)
Address: 3-1 Kadonowakicho, Ishinomaki, Miyagi Google Map

Different Departure Times for Different Ports

Ferries heading back to Ishinomaki Port depart at 14:12 and 15:33 from Nitoda Port, and only at 14:18 from Odomari Port. If you miss the last ferry, you will not be able to return from the island. Please make sure to be aware of the time.

Also, please note that ferry operation is subject to cancellation due to strong winds and high tides. Readers wanting to see the most current information should refer to the official site (Japanese) or check the information center in front of Ishinomaki Station.

Follow the Rules and Enjoy Touring Around

The cats on this island roam around freely. While it may be tempting to lure them with food, however, it is not good to overfeed the cats. Please refrain from feeding the cats in order for them to maintain their health.

There are also cars driving on the island. Please be careful when taking photos on the streets. This island is the home of residents who carry out their daily lives here, so respect their privacy and do not enter private owned properties.

Please follow these rules and manners while playing with the cats.

Explore Ishinomaki

After spending a fun time with the cats, why not indulge in some delicious Ishinomaki dishes? COMMON-SHIP bashi street houses many food stalls specializing in yakitori, curry, and local B-rank cuisine at reasonable prices.

Ishinomaki City is also renowned as one of the world's top three largest fishing ports. At Ishinomaki Ishinomaki Genki no Ichiba (Japanese), you can savor some delicious seafood bowls.

Kinkasan Island is also in Ishinomaki City and is a spot we recommend visiting. It contains Kinkasankoganeyama Shrine, a shrine associated with bringing its visitors financial luck. According to legend, those who visit the shrine for three consecutive years will be financially stable for the rest of your life.

There are only a few people who live here, but there are over 500 wild deer inhabiting the island. Why not visit the deer island along with the cat island?

Enjoy a Relaxing Journey with Cats

Adorable cats freely live on this island. They are treated well by the residents here and seem very calm. This is an island that will keep cat lovers entertained for hours.

For those who wish to spend time with these adorable felines, Tashirojima Island is a must-visit destination.

In cooperation with Machizukuri Mambo Co., Ltd. (COMMON-SHIP bashi Street)