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Tashirojima Cat Island
culture
Tashirojima Cat Island
田代島
4.7Est. 90Ishinomaki, Tohoku
Local Pick
Overview
Tiny island where cats outnumber humans ten to one, centered around a feline shrine.
On this tiny Pacific island, cats outnumber the dozen or so remaining human residents by roughly ten to one. Fishermen historically believed the cats brought good luck, and a small cat shrine sits at the island's center. Ferries from Ishinomaki take 40 minutes, arriving at a sleepy harbor where cats sun themselves on fishing nets and follow visitors along quiet coastal paths.
Local tips
A small island in Ishinomaki Bay where the cat population substantially exceeds the human population of about 100 residents. The cats descend from animals kept to control rodents in the silkworm farming operations that once supported the island. A cat shrine (Neko Jinja) at the island's center is maintained by the community and is the main destination. The island has no cars and two small fishing hamlets. Access is by ferry from Ishinomaki Port (50 minutes), with two or three return services per day. Overnight accommodation is available at a small guesthouse.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 田代島
- Nearest station
- Matsushima-Kaigan Station (50 min drive)
- Payment
- Cards accepted
- Reservations
- Walk-in fine. Tickets at the entrance. Some sites close earlier than expected, so check hours.
Good for
Families
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