Tashirojima – Japan’s Cat Island
Japan‘s Tashirojima in the Miyagi prefecture is home to thousands of stray cats. Although, its an absolute haven for cat lovers all around the world, it may be a torture for anyone with cat allergies.
In this cat paradise, the cats are free to roam across the whole island and they are well taken care of by the small community. According to tradition, cats are considered to bring good luck and fortune and this luck doubles, when you feed them.
As of now, no dogs are allowed on the island and the cats are feral, so they aren’t kept as pets. Nevertheless, the island’s inhabitants treasure them and make sure they are fed and taken care of.
However, due to the number of cats outnumbering humans, some people have shunned the island and the overall human population at Tashirojima fell from 1,000 to around 100. The loyal residents still remain to make sure the island is preserved and the cats are taken care of. You can visit the island by ferry to see the cute and cuddly creatures, as they are used to humans and won’t run away if you approach them.
If you do plan to bring some treats for these felines to munch on, you might need to stock up from a nearby convenience store, before you get on that ferry. Be careful when you attempt on feeding them. These cats are used to humans fawning over them, but you might attract a crowd if you open up a can of tuna.
There are a few cat shrines to pay tribute to, which are worth checking out once you visit the island. Can’t get enough of Japan’s adorable felines? Besides the many cat cafes located in major Japanese cities, Tashirojima isn’t the only island full of cats. You may want to opt for a visit to Aoshima in the Ehime Prefecture. It has about 150 cat residents and only a dozen human inhabitants on the island. Don’t forget to pick up as much kawaii kitty souvenirs during your trip, along with dozens of photos of these cute, cuddly Japanese cats.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Tashirojima (Cat Island), Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan (island-area reference; ferry calls at Oodomari and Nitoda).
- Coordinates
- 38.2985, 141.4166
- Access
- Reach Tashirojima by Ajishima Line from Ishinomaki; service calls at Oodomari and Nitoda. The operator’s currently posted schedule covers October 10–25, 2026. It says a Sea Cat dry-dock timetable begins October 26, but departure times have not yet been published as of this October 23 check. Confirm the latest operator timetable and sea-condition notices before travelling; sailings can be cancelled or ports changed. Tickets are cash-only, unreserved and sold first-come, first-served. Dogs are discouraged at island residents’ request, except service animals.
- Admission
- No separate island entry fee is listed. Ajishima Line adult one-way fare from Ishinomaki to either Tashirojima port is ¥1,250 on the published October 10–25 schedule; fares/schedule after October 25 must be confirmed with the operator. Cash only; no advance reservations.
- Time needed
- There is no official recommended total visit duration. The ferry takes roughly 36–60 minutes depending on vessel and port. The limited return timetable and two island ports govern a day visit; plan around the operator’s current return sailing rather than treating ferry time as time on the island.
- Best season
- Ishinomaki City describes the island as visitable year-round; it does not designate one best season. Plan around the ferry’s changing seasonal/dry-dock timetable and weather, especially from October 26, 2026, when the operator says the Sea Cat schedule changes.
- Opening hours
- There are no island-wide visitor opening hours. The ferry timetable is seasonal; the operator lists the regular schedule through October 25, 2026, and says Sea Cat dry-dock schedule times from October 26 will be posted after they are decided. Weather/sea conditions can alter or cancel service. Check on the day and ensure a return sailing is available.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-08
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-23
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