What is the best time to visit Tashirojima?

April to October offers the most reliable ferry schedules and favorable weather conditions. Ferry services are reduced during winter months, and weather can disrupt operations. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Are there accommodations available on Tashirojima?

The island has Manga Island cabins, which require advance booking. Overnight options are extremely limited. Most visitors make day trips from Ishinomaki due to the lack of hotels or guesthouses.

Can I bring food for the cats?

You can bring appropriate cat food purchased on the mainland, as the island has no shops. Avoid feeding human food to the cats. The cats are already fed by residents, so feeding them is optional.

What facilities are available for tourists on the island?

The island has basic public restrooms near the ferry ports. There are no restaurants, stores, vending machines, ATMs, or public transportation. All supplies must be brought from the mainland.

How long should I plan to spend on Tashirojima?

Plan for three to five hours to walk between ports, visit the Cat Shrine, and explore the trails. Ferry schedules typically allow for either a short day visit or an overnight stay. Check ferry times to avoid missing your return boat.

Miyagi

Tashirojima Island

4.5 (403)IslandNatural FeatureEstablishment

Last updated Apr 2, 2026

Tashirojima is a small island in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, located approximately 11 kilometers off the Oshika Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean. The island spans roughly 3.14 square kilometers and has a population of fewer than 100 residents, most of whom are elderly. Tashirojima earned its nickname "Cat Island" due to its unusually large population of feral cats, which significantly outnumber the human inhabitants.

The island's association with cats dates back to the Edo period when silkworm farming was a primary industry. Fishermen kept cats to protect the silkworms from mice, and over time, the cats became regarded as good luck charms for fishing prosperity. This belief led to the construction of Neko-jinja (Cat Shrine) in the central part of the island, where locals pray for safety at sea and bountiful catches. The cats are fed by residents and visitors alike, and the island has maintained a no-dog policy to protect the feline population.

Visitors to Tashirojima can observe and interact with dozens of friendly cats that roam freely around the two main ports, Nitoda and Odomari. The island features cat-themed accommodations called Manga Island, a cluster of cabin-style lodges shaped like cats, built as part of a manga artist retreat project. Walking trails connect the two ports and offer scenic coastal views, though the terrain is hilly and requires moderate physical fitness. The island has minimal tourist infrastructure with no restaurants, convenience stores, or car rental services, so visitors should bring their own food and supplies.

Access to Tashirojima is via ferry from Ishinomaki Port on the mainland. The Ajishima Line ferry operates daily with trips taking approximately 40 to 50 minutes, stopping at both Nitoda and Odomari ports. Round-trip ferry tickets cost around 2,500 to 3,000 yen for adults. Ferry schedules are limited, typically offering two to three departures per day, so visitors should plan their trip carefully and confirm schedules in advance, especially during winter months when services may be reduced.

Overview

Address

Tashirojima, Tashirohama, Ishinomaki, Miyagi 986-0023, Japan

Places & attractions near Tashirojima Island

Zuiganji Temple

Kinkasan Koganeyama Shrine

Shiogama Shrine

Matsushima Kaigan Station, Miyagi

Places & attractions near Tashirojima Island

Zuiganji Temple

Kinkasan Koganeyama Shrine

Shiogama Shrine

Matsushima Kaigan Station, Miyagi

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Only had one hour before the last return ferry because i got off at the wrong drop and had to wait 3h for next ferry to Nitoda from Aji. Had an awesome late lunch at empty restaurant by the pier.

Rena Tan

Jul 14, 2026

There are not so many people. Cats are friendly and seem to be in healthy. They are used to humans and so they might let you pet them. I took a ferry from Ishinomaki, it took maybe around one hour to get to the island.

Many cats sadly looked a bit sick but others are clearly taken care of. Over all it was a really nice day trip and the people and cats were all very friendly :)

Such an awesome place for cat lovers, while the scenery of the island is also stunning. So many cats, and they were pretty much all very friendly. Oddly, all of the cafes seemed to be closed when I was there, so there was no way to support the local economy.

Lovely island full of cats! The boat ride was calming, the walk on the island is peaceful and there are shops to grab drinks and food. Worth a day's visit!