Cat Islands in Japan becoming popular.

Onegai Kaeru team sees more people online talking about cat islands and also many online/offline news paper also featuring about it. Many visitors asked us about the mysterious cat island - how to get, where to stay and private tour guide. 

Thus we decided to provide some practical info on the cat islands, how to get these islands and what the cat island local says about the visitors. This time, the focus is on the Tashirojima island.　

 <<The biggest list of "cat islands" in Japan. Please refer to our latest cat island list in Japan (updated from time to time)>>

The famous cat island in Japan is Tashiro-Jima Island (田代島) in Ishinomaki, Miyagi (86 inhabitants and more than 100 cats).

Cat is not accessory to the island but something sacred. Almost in the center of the island, there is the "cat shrine/Niko Jinja" which is for good fishery. Traditionally on this island and the Miyagi pref area cats were protected because it protects the silk warm against mice.  This way, the local has taken care of cats very well. 

To protect the cats, you are not allowed to bring dogs to the island except for the police dog, rescue dog, guide dog )

Some local calls this island "Tassho". The island boomed with agriculture in the past but today it has two main industries - fisheries and tourism.

The island is located 15 km away from Ishinomaki port. 

In 1950s there were 1000 people living on the island. 1989 saw its only primary school close. 2015 census says around 80 people. The average age is 71 year old.

The island has the "Manga island " where several famous manga artists such as Shotaro Ishinomori, Tetsuya Chiba, Machiko Satonaka display their works and signature.

It has 5 lodges, camping site, lend fishing tools and rent-a-bike ( for the accommodation part we will talk about this later on).

<<We also offer you a private tour guide for Tashirojima Island and also Sendai area. For details, just talk to us>>

<<Your guesthouse/hotel options for Tashiro-jima island. Click here>>

For traveler's tip...

For Tashirojima, Miyagi, take Ajishimaline (40 min) cruise from Ishinomaki Port and get off Nitoda Port of Tashirojima( and, to get the Ishinomaki port, take a bus from JR Ishinomaki station)

Price of the boat trip

One way: Adult 1230JPY, Child 615JPY ( 2-3 round trips a day depending on season)

The time table is here (in Japanese ) based on which we made the English time table as below: 

NOTE for traveler:the time table changes from time to time. For the accurate information, please check the official website.

For the details, here is the telephone number of the ship company +81-225-93-6125.

Valid as of July 30, 2018 (subject to possible change) 

There are 7 guest houses (Minshuku/民宿) on Tashirojima.  ( No restaurant but there are two vending machines )

Now you know how to get this cat island. Not so easy sometimes, right? Then the next question is...where should you stay? There are several places on Tashirojima. Sea foods are simply amazing. Stay on the island of cats and eat like cats ;)  

We featured several options and places to stay in our separate articles: You can stay over night on Tashiro-jima island. Please check out the list of guesthouses here!

In the Manga island area, there are 5 lodges and a camping sitewhere you can stay.

8000JPY per night for a lodge and 1500JPY per night for a camping site.

Call up (except for Tuesday) and send the form in this link to book.

Address: Shikishima-24 Tashirohama, Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture 986-0023

Tel: 0225-21-4141

When you go and you plan to stay, bring some cash with you. The credit card is not accepted often and there is no ATM or any bank on the island.

Do you wish to have a private tour guide to the cat island from the local?

The tour departs from Ishinomaki station or Sendai station or from your hotel nearby to the island. 

Our guide can take you to the cat island -Tashirojima. If you stay on the island, the tour guide can drop you off at your stay.

Please note that due to the weather the ferry may be cancelled and also the seat may not be available. 

In addition to the cat island, the private tour is also available for Sendai area where you can visit the old castle, shrines and temples with local delicacy! 

Are these islands too hard to get based on your travel schedule? We feature more than 10 cat islands in Japan for you. Check this latest and full list of cat islands in Japan out!!

Onegai Kaeru wants you to enjoy Japan trip.

If you are looking for more traveler"s info and can not find one, please let us know. We will try to help you with Japan Traveler Help Service (we work on hourly charge to arrange, book, find info you need). Feel free to contact us!

More articles like this: 

The biggest list of "cat islands" in Japan. Please refer to our latest cat island list in Japan (updated from time to time).

Wanna try free spa in the water fall or river? Click here to find out more! 

Have you heard of "Rabbit islands" and want to know how to get there, please click here!

Hungry in Japan? Find the unbelievably big and cheap food from our "where can we get full" list!

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Source: Ishinomaki city government website, Ozu City government website, Ajishima line website, Yomiuri News

Disclaimer: Even though we try to make the info as updated and accurate but the accuracy of the information herein is not guaranteed by us. If you have any uncertainty, please contact the information source.

If you love the nature, jungle, adventure, check out our list of interesting islands in Japan!