September 15, 2025, cloudy turning sunny. Today I visited Tashirojima, a small island in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It is said to be a cat island, home to a large number of cats!

About Tashirojima

Tashirojima (also known as "Cat Island") in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, covers an area of about 3.14 square kilometers. Its permanent population has been declining in recent years, with around 50–60 people as of 2022, most of whom are elderly. Meanwhile, the number of cats on the island ranges from 100 to 150, significantly outnumbering humans by about 2–3 times, creating a unique phenomenon that earned it the name "Cat Island."

How to Get to Tashirojima

If departing from Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to Sendai, then transfer to the Senseki-Tohoku Line to Ishinomaki Station, and walk toAjishima Line Ishinomaki Central Terminal(about 15 minutes), then take a ferry to Tashirojima.

Generally, it is recommended to explore Sendai or the surrounding area first, stay overnight at a hotel in Ishinomaki, and then take the earliest ferry to Tashirojima the next morning for a more reasonable itinerary.

Also, if it's a weekend or holiday with heavy crowds, it is advisable to arrive 30 minutes early, as tickets may sell out.

For ferry schedules to Tashirojima, please refer to the following website:

https://www.ajishimaline.com/pg117.html

Tashirojima has two ports: Nitoda Port and Odomari Port. Personally, I recommend returning via Nitoda Port, because if Nitoda Port is full, you might not be able to board a return ferry from Odomari Port.

Route Planning on Tashirojima

You can choose the route from Odomari Port to Nitoda Port.

The elevation profile of this route is as follows:

It starts with a steep climb right away, and I was sweating after walking it.

Alternatively, you can choose the route from Nitoda Port to Odomari Port.

The elevation profile is as follows:

This route is relatively gentler. If you're not confident about your stamina, you can choose this one.

Of course, you can also choose to depart and return from the same port.

The most common option is probably round trip from Nitoda Port.

Also, when buying a ticket for a day trip, it doesn't matter which port you choose to return from on Tashirojima, as the ticket is valid for both ports.

Central Port

The port is not large, but the scenery is still beautiful.

The distinctive building across the way is the Ishinomori Mangattan Museum. Since it's right next door, I recommend visiting it on your way back.

Odomari Port

This time I chose the route from Odomari Port to Nitoda Port.

By the way, the ferry was quite bumpy on the way over, and I almost got seasick.

The scenery was really beautiful!

But where are the cats? Why are there no cats?

Found a lot of mussels.

Note: It is forbidden to catch these shellfish here!

A panoramic view.

Near the port there is a shrine—Kashima Shrine.

There are quite a few steps, making the climb a bit strenuous.

Also, the humidity on the island is high, so you break a sweat with just a little exercise.

Neko-jinja Shrine (Miyori Daimyojin)

Neko-jinja Shrine (Miyori Daimyojin) is a small shrine dedicated to the cat deity, located on Tashirojima in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. In the past, silkworm farming on the island required keeping many cats to prevent rodent damage, and cats gradually came to be regarded as guardian spirits of the island's fishing industry and daily life. Legend has it that a fisherman accidentally injured a cat, and the residents built this shrine in mourning and gratitude. Today, it serves not only as a place of worship for islanders praying for abundant harvests and safety, but also as a popular spot for visitors to the "Cat Island" to stroll, observe cats, and experience a tranquil atmosphere.

I finally made the tough climb to Neko-jinja Shrine.

Here I encountered the first cat since arriving on the island.

A full view of the shrine.

Detailed photos.

The various cat ornaments on top are really cute!

The cat-shaped stone pillars beside it are also quite interesting!

Found a cat that looks strikingly like a certain dictator.

Tashirojima Island Station

The "Island Station" on Tashirojima is a tourist and rest facility converted from an old school building, located in the center of Tashirojima, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, about 200 meters from Neko-jinja Shrine. It is operated by the Tashirojima Nyanko Republic. The facility offers light meals, tea, and rest areas, as well as seafood and various cat-themed souvenirs. It is a popular gathering spot for cats on the island. As part of the region's recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake, it repurposes a closed school to serve as a rest stop for visitors and a hub for interacting with cats, making it one of the core attractions on Tashirojima.

Panoramic view.

360° cat-view.

This must be the place with the highest concentration of cats on the whole island!

So many cats! Is this heaven?

Lunchtime

Ordered cat curry and ginger ale.

Even the spoon and coaster have cat motifs!

The shop also sells various cat-themed merchandise.

It also displays the names of most cats on the island.

You can match them with the cats you encounter.

Cats' feeding time

At noon, all the cats start gathering in one place as if by agreement.

That's right, it's their lunchtime.

They are fed here at the same time every day.

Watching the cats eat, I couldn't help but envy them!

On the way back

After watching the cats eat, it was time to head back to the port.

Because when we arrived, we were told that there were too many people on the island today, and we might not be able to get on the return boat, so it was recommended to line up early.

Cats lying around in various poses along the way.

This one is my favorite.

Look how soundly this cat is sleeping!

A cat ornament we saw on the road, so cute.

Nitoda Port

Arrived at the port, waiting for the return boat.

Port scenery.

Panorama.

Found a pufferfish!

Conclusion

This concludes the trip to Tashirojima, the Cat Island.

The cats are truly healing!

However, the overall number of cats was not as high as expected, and perhaps due to the heat, we didn't encounter a single cat at the port.

But during the walk, we occasionally heard cat sounds from the woods, so there must be many cats living in the forest!

In short, if you want to enjoy a cat paradise, come visit Tashirojima!