A must place to go for cat-lovers! 😸

DAY 5: TASHIROJIMA ISLAND 

PERFECT FOR CAT LOVERS! 🐈😻

TASHIROJIMA ISLAND 🏝

On our last day in Japan, we visited Tashirojima Island. We agreed that this place is ideal for travelers searching for a one-of-a-kind location that is not swamped with tourists. From little fishing towns to shrines to the cats that guard the island and its people, this natural paradise is full of history. Cats are likely Tashirojima's most famous feature, as there are more feline residents than people! It has earned the title "Cat Island" as a result of this. These cuddly residents are frequently eager to interact with guests. They could even agree to take a picture with you! Dogs are also not permitted on the island in order to preserve the native felines 🐈

Tashirojima Cat Island's video (Source: YouTube)

What to do in Tashirojima Island? 🌊

The island of Tashirojima is tiny yet lovely. It is a pleasant escape due to its calm environment, ocean views, and ancient villages. There are numerous things to see and do on the island that make it unique:

• Manga Island - on the south side of Tashirojima, there is a manga-themed camping facility. Stay in a cat-shaped lodge or a campground if you want to be outside. Famous manga artists, such as Shotaro Ishinomori, have created cat-themed artwork for each resort.

Manga lodge in Tashirojima

• Cat Shrine (Nekokamisama) - this small shrine is the right size for cats and is dedicated to a cat who died unintentionally when struck by a falling rock. Locals leave offerings there, and various cat-related objects may be found. It is located in the island's middle, midway between the two communities.

Miyori Daimyojin, the Cat Shrine

• Hike around Tashirojima - only two villages (Odomari and Nitoda) exist on the island, which are connected by small roads and walking paths that crisscross Tashirojima. Take a walk up the hill, through the forests, and along the shore to absorb in the beauty 💓

Tashirojima Village

    Tashirojima is a fantastic spot to visit for the day from Ishinomaki or even stay overnight in a guest home or at the Manga Island resort, with its peaceful walks and ocean views. It is worth mentioning, however, that the island is mainly traditional, with little visitor facilities aside from Manga Island. Nitoda has cafés, but there are no restaurants on the island.

How to go there? 🚢

If you are going to Tashirojima Island, you will need to take a ferry from Ishinomaki's Kyukitakami River dock. The ferry journey takes 45-60 minutes and stops at both of Tashirojima's ports, in the north and south of the island, respectively. A one-way ticket will cost you at least around 1250 yen. After 9:00 a.m., ferries depart at 12:00 and 15:30. The last ferry from Nitoda Port to Tashirojima Island departs at 15:33. If you are going on a day trip, get on the 12:00 boat from Ishinomaki as soon as possible.

People in Tashirojima Island 👫👬

Although the population is minimal, it is an inhabited island (around 80 people as of 2015, compared to around 1,000 people in the 1950s).  It has earned the nickname "Cat Island" due to its enormous stray cat population, which thrives due to the local belief that feeding cats would bring benefits and luck. On the island, the cat population has now exceeded the human population 

Travel Guide 🚁

Thousands of tourists visiting this island. What do local say about the visitor? Some are happy but some are not happy.

 

These are some rules for the visitors for Tashirojima Island: 

• Only feed the cats near the community center in a specified location. Food should not be given near the dock (where people get on and off the ship).
• Stay away from the dock (where people board and leave the ship) so that other logistics are not delayed.
• Without permission, do not enter the private area (local people's homes).
• If you feed the cats too much, they will become ill. If you brought too much cat food, you can drop it in the cat food jars outside the community center and in the ship's waiting room.
• There are also cars driving on the island. Please be careful when taking photos on the streets. 
• Visitors are also urged to return to the mainland with their garbage, littering is strictly banned!!

It is important that we all follow these rules since there is a phrase that says:

Ps: thankyou for taking the time to read about our trip to Japan!! Much love 😻