Tashirojima Island is Japan’s most famous cat island. It’s a tiny island where you can see more cats than people, and where time seems to slow down. The cats are everywhere, and they’re part of daily life, not a tourist attraction created for visitors. They nap on fishing nets. They wander into abandoned houses. On Tashiro Island, there are no tourist crowds, no busy streets, and no souvenir stalls.
Tashirojima Island is located off the northeast coast of Japan in Miyagi Prefecture, close to the port city of Ishinomaki. The nearest large city is Sendai.
Most travellers skip this area, which is one of the reasons the island still feels so quiet and untouristy.
In this guide, I share how to get to Tashirojima, the best things to do on the island, what I would do differently, and a few tips to help you plan your visit to Tashirojima Cat Island.
How to Get to Tashirojima Island
The ferry from Ishinomaki is the only way to get to the island. First, you need to get from Tokyo to Sendai by shinkansen. Secondly, in Sendai, you need to change to the JR local train bound for Ishinomaki. Finally, take a ferry from Ishinomaki to Tashirojima.
How to get from Tokyo to Ishinomaki
Most travellers start in Tokyo and head north to Ishinomaki, the main gateway to Tashirojima. From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen or Akita Shinkansen to Sendai, which is the closest large city.
Although Akita Shinkansen has the same travel time from Tokyo to Sendai, I recommend taking Tohoku Shinkansen, as Akita Shinkansen services are 100% reserved seats only and are less frequent. Depending on the number of stops, the ride is from 1 hour 31 min to 1 hour 54 min. If you do not have Japan Rail Pass, the cost is about 11,000 yen one way.
Then transfer to a local JR train bound for Ishinomaki. It takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on the number of stops, and costs 860 yen.
The full journey from Tokyo to Ishinomaki usually takes around 3 hours.
How to get from Ishinomaki to Tashirojima Island (Ajishima Line Ferry)
Once you arrive in Ishinomaki, you need to head to the Ajishima Line Chuou Port ferry terminal near the port. It is about 1 km from Ishinomaki Station and takes about 15 minutes on foot. You can also catch a bus, which runs every 30 minutes.
Ferries to Tashirojima Island run from Ishinomaki Port on the Ajishima Line. The same ferry also serves Ajishima Island, so make sure you board the one that stops at Tashirojima and get off at Tashirojima. We got too relaxed on the ferry and almost missed the stop.
There are usually only a few ferries per day, and schedules can change by season. As of 2025, there are 3 ferries per day with departures at 9 am, 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm from Chuou Port. The ride itself takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on which port on Tashirojima Island you get off and which ferry you take. The Return adult ticket to Tashirojima costs 2,500 yen. Ferry tickets are paid in cash, so make sure you have some on you.
Please note that some ferries don’t stop at Odomari Port.
You can also board a ferry to Tashirojima Island from Ajishima Line Kadonowaki Port. This is what we did, as there is a big parking lot in front of it, and it was free. Below is the 2025 ferry timetable. You can also check the Ajishima Line Ferry timetable here. As it was a spontaneous trip, we didn’t do thorough planning. So we were late for the first ferry at 9 am and took the 12.42 pm ferry departing from Kadonowaki Port.
Weather Cancellations
Weather matters here. Ferries to Tashirojima are often cancelled due to strong winds or rough seas.
If you’re planning to visit Tashirojima cat island, build flexibility into your itinerary. Avoid tight schedules, and if conditions look bad, have a backup plan in Ishinomaki or Sendai.
This page of Tashirojima Island Station cafe can give you some idea of whether ferry services will be suspended. The page is in Japanese, but you can translate it using your browser’s page translator or Google Lens translator.
What to Expect on Tashirojima Island?
Tashirojima Island is quiet. If you expect a lot of cafes, shops, or a packed itinerary, this probably isn’t the place. Life here moves slowly, and that’s part of the charm. The island is home to a small, ageing local population, and many houses are now sadly empty.
On Tashirojima, there’s no rush. Cats nap wherever they like. Locals go about their day. Visitors walk, watch, and mostly just slow down. The cats are independent. Some will come up to you, but others won’t care at all.
Despite its fame as a cat island, the island doesn’t feel built for tourism. Facilities are basic. There are two small harbours and simple paths connecting villages. You won’t find souvenir stalls or big attractions. These are the kind of places I really like to explore – authentic, real places, not theme parks.
What to Do on Tashirojima Cat Island
Tashirojima isn’t about ticking off attractions. This is how you can enjoy the island.
Meet the Cats
Most likely, cats are the reason you are planning to visit Tashirojima. Cats are everywhere on the island. You’ll see them napping or wandering around the island. The cats are used to people. Some ignored us completely. Others get close to you and get on your lap.
We visited in February, and they say that in winter, you can see fewer cats due to colder weather. But we saw quite a few cats at Nitoda Port and on the way to the cat shrine. We also spend quite a lot of time near the shop, which seems to be closed now, and there were quite a few cats hanging around that area.
Walk Between the Ports
One of the best things to do on Tashirojima Island is simply walk. You can walk around the Nitoda and Odomari ports. You can walk between Nitoda and Odomari ports; the path connecting them, which passes the cat shrine, is 2.5 km.
There is a longer alternative way between the two ports. Part of this path is close to the coast, so you can enjoy the coastal views. If you have sufficient time, you can do it as a loop.
Watch Cat Feeding
Visitors are expected not to feed the cats on Tashirojima. Cats are being fed by the residents, and you can watch the cat feeding. It takes place in a place called Tashirojima Nyanko Kyowakoku Shimanoeki, from 12 pm to 12.30 pm. Most of the cats gather here to eat. And you can also have lunch here.
Visit the Cat Shrine (Neko Jinja)
Tashirojima’s Cat Shrine is tiny and simple, but it reflects the bond between the local community and the cats. According to the local stories, it was built to honour a cat that died in an accident when fishermen were collecting rocks. The shrine is located roughly halfway between Nitoda and Odomari, so you can visit it while walking from Nitoda to Odomari or vice versa.
Where to Eat on Tashirojima Island
There are several cafes and restaurants on Tashirojima. However, I recommend taking some snacks to Tashirojima just in case, as they might be closed, especially in winter. All eateries on Tashirojima are open from 10-10.30 am to 2.30-3 pm.
Tashirojima Jima no Eki (田代島 島のえき)
Tashirojima Jima no Eki (translated from Japanese as Tashirojima Island Station) is a small local cafe where you can have noodles, dumplings, curry, rice dishes, etc. Tea, coffee, and beer are also available. It is open from 10.15 am to 3 pm and is located on the way from Nitoda to Odomari. A lot of cats hang out around, and cat feeding takes place here from 12 pm to 12.30 pm. Here, you can also buy some souvenirs.
When we visited, we didn’t know about the cat feeding taking place here, but we were later for it anyway, as we could only take the 12.42 pm ferry. When we passed by this cafe, it was already closed for the day.
Nitoda Area
Tashiro restaurant (田代食堂)
The restaurant offers oyster and chicken set menus and main dishes, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurant is open from 10.30 am to 2.30 pm
Kuronekodō Cafe
Kuronekodō Cafe is another place to eat in the Nitoda area. Here, you can have cat-themed curry and non-alcoholic drinks. The care is open from 10 am to 3 pm.
Odomari Area
Odomari Port is a quieter place than Nitoda, and at the moment, there is one place to eat.
Island Tea House Donguri (しまの茶屋どんぐり)
It’s a small cafe where you can enjoy onigiri, shaved ice, and drinks.
Vending Machines
There is one vending machine where you can buy drinks, both cold and hot, and it is located near the Community Centre in the Nitoda area.
How Much Time Do You Need on Tashirojima?
You don’t need a lot of time on Tashirojima Island, but you do need to plan around the ferry. The island is small, quiet, and easy to explore on foot, which makes it a good day trip. Most visitors come here on a day trip, although staying overnight allows for slower exploration and a more relaxed visit.
Tashirojima Island on a Day Trip
For most visitors, a day trip to Tashirojima is enough. To have sufficient time on the island, it is best to arrive on a morning (9 am) ferry and leave on the afternoon (3.30 pm) ferry, you will have almost 6 hours to explore the island. It is enough to explore both Nitoda Port and Odomari Port areas, walk between them, see cat feeding, visit the cat shrine, and spend time just watching the cats.
Walking distances are short. The paths connecting the harbours and villages are almost flat, and you can cross the island at an easy pace.
Please note that if you would like to take the morning ferry to Tashirojima and plan to come from Tokyo, you need to come either to Sendai or Ishinomaki the day before and stay there overnight. Even if you take the first Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai, it doesn’t arrive early enough to be on time for the morning ferry.
Because we were late for the morning ferry, we took the one arriving at Tashirojima at 1.34 pm. We had only 2 hours on the island, but we managed to spend some time around Nitoda port, watch the cats, and visit the cat shrine.
Full Day on Tashirojima
A full day on Tashirojima Island suits travellers who prefer slow travel. With more time, you can explore both harbours, walk the coastal paths, and enjoy the island without worrying about being late for a ferry. Spending longer also means you will see more cats and enjoy a quiet evening, sunset and sunrise.
Why Ferry Schedules Matter
Ferry schedules shape your visit more than anything else. There are only three ferries per day between Ishinomaki and Tashirojima, and missing one can mean waiting hours or even overnight.
I recommend checking ferry departure times and planning your walking time around them.
Why Are There So Many Cats on Tashirojima
Cats have been part of Tashirojima Island life here for centuries. Back in the Edo era (17th-19th centuries), when the island relied on silk production, locals kept cats to protect silkworms from mice. The cats quickly became part of daily life, and over time, they were treated with care and respect.
When fishing replaced silk production as the main livelihood, the cats stayed around. Fishermen even believed that having cats on the island brought good luck at sea. Because of that, they were treated with respect. And the cat population slowly grew. Today, cats outnumber people on Tashirojima Island. That is why Tashirojima is known as Japan’s most famous cat island.
Rules for Visiting Tashirojima
The cats on Tashirojima Island live alongside locals, not for tourists. Following a few simple rules helps keep this balance working.
Don’t Feed the Cats
Although it may be tempting, feeding cats on Tashirojima is not allowed. The cats already receive food from locals, and outside food can cause health issues or change their behaviour. Let them approach you on their own terms.
Don’t Pick Up or Chase Cats
Picking up cats or chasing them for photos causes stress, even if it looks harmless. Please observe the cats, but don’t interfere.
Don’t Bring Your Pets
Bringing pets to Tashirojima Island is not allowed for obvious reasons.
Respect the Locals and Their Space
The island has a small, ageing population, and many residents value peace and privacy. Stay on public paths, avoid peeking into homes, and keep noise to a minimum.
Best Time to Visit Tashirojima Cat Island
Because Tashirojima Island sits off the coast in northern Japan, seasons make a difference: for weather, ferry reliability and cat behaviour. Spring and autumn are the sweetest spots. The days are mild, and the cats are usually out and about and are not hiding from winter winds or escaping the summer heat. More details on each season are below.
Spring (April–May)
Spring is one of the easiest times to visit Tashirojima. Temperatures are mild, so cats don’t hide from heat or cold. Also, ferries run more reliably than in colder months or during typhoon season.
This is a good season if you want a calm visit without extreme weather. It’s also less crowded than peak cherry blossom spots elsewhere in Japan.
Summer (June–September)
If you’re visiting the cat island mainly to see cats, remember that in summer, cats may be hiding from the heat. They tend to be out early in the morning and late afternoon, avoiding the midday heat. During the hottest hours, you’ll find them sleeping in shaded spots. So plan your day around the heat.
Also, August-September is the peak of typhoon season. Even if a typhoon doesn’t pass right over Miyagi, typhoons forming south of Japan can affect the weather, bring rain and ferry disruptions.
Autumn (October-November)
Autumn is another great time for Tashirojima, especially if you like cooler weather and fewer visitors. The island feels quieter, and walking between villages is more comfortable. Cats are often more active during the day as temperatures drop.
Winter (December–March)
In winter, strong winds and rough seas can cancel ferries with little notice. Temperatures drop, and many cats stay tucked away to keep warm.
We visited Tashirojima Island in February; the sea was calm on that day, ferries ran normally, there was no wind, and it wasn’t very cold. There weren’t too many people visiting.
Accommodation on Tashirojima Island
Accommodation on Tashirojima Island is quite limited. There are several guesthouses and a camping site on the island.
Nitoda Area
Manga Island
Manga Island has five manga-styled cabins shaped like cats and eight tent sites. This accommodation is only available in summer and autumn. Price for a 1-storey cabin for up to 6 people is 8,140 yen, for a 2-storey cabin for up to 5 people is 9,160 yen, and for a tent site is 1,520 yen. Manga Island is run by the Ishinomaki city administration. Phone number is +81 225 21 4141. More details can be found here. This page is in Japanese, but can be translated into English. Google rating is 4.2 out of 5.
Minshuku Amimoto
Minshuku Amimoto is a traditional, family‑run guesthouse with simple Japanese‑style rooms. Breakfast and dinner are available. The guesthouse has a Google rating of 3.9 out of 5.
Fujiya
Fujiya is a locally run guesthouse that offers basic yet comfortable accommodations with shared bathrooms. It sits right on the coast, offering a scenic sea view. Fujiya has a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5, and can be reached at +81 225 98 2338.
Hinodeso Inn
Some websites list this guesthouse; however, it appears to have been abandoned.
Odomari Area
Hamaya Guesthouse
Hamaya is a Japanese-style guesthouse in Odomari run by a local couple. As of 2025, accommodation and 2 meals, which include fresh local seafood, are 9,800 yen per person. The owner is a fisherman, so you can also arrange fishing trips here. Hamay has a strong Google rating of 4.8 out of 5.
According to the information on their website https://hamamaru.jimdofree.com the guesthouse is closed from December to May. Phone number is +81 225 98 2620.
Is Tashirojima the Only Cat Island in Japan?
Japan has a few places known as cat islands. There is no official count of cat islands, but most sources suggest there are about 11-17 islands: a list of 11 cat islands by All About Japan and a list of 17 cat islands by Wikipedia.
Tashirojima vs Aoshima
That being said, Tashirojima and Aoshima are by far the most well-known cat islands.
Aoshima is a very small and quiet island in the region of Shikoku. Its area is 0.49 sq km, which is about 6 times smaller than Tashirojima. There’s not much to do beyond walking around and seeing cats.
Also, the population of Aoshima is only 4 people as of 2024, which means facilities are close to none.
If you compare the cat population on the two islands, on Tashirojima, it is about 100 cats, and in Aoshima, it is about 80 cats.
We chose to visit Tashirojima because it seemed to be more easily accessible, being not far from Sendai, and we did not plan to go to Shikoku during our trip. Maybe we can do it next time.
Tashirojima Island feels more balanced. Cats are everywhere, but there’s also a sense of daily life. You’ll find small fishing ports, walking paths, and places to eat.
What I’d Do Differently on Tashirojima
Our visit to Tashirojima was spontaneous. But if I could do it all over again with the knowledge I have now, I’d plan my visit a bit differently. I’d catch the first ferry at 9:00 am and plan to leave on the 3:30 pm ferry. This would give us plenty of time to explore the island at a relaxed pace, watch the cats wander around, and enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Most importantly, by arriving by 9 am ferry, we would be there for the cat feeding at 12 pm, which is one of the highlights of visiting Tashirojima. Most of the cats gather in one place at the same time. Plus, it leaves time to grab a bite to eat and soak in the atmosphere.
Because there are only 3 ferries per day, it’s very important to plan your visit around the ferry timetable.
FAQs
If you are a cat lover, Tashirojima is a must-visit place.
No, you can’t feed cats, the cats are fed by the island locals, and you can watch cat feeding at 12 pm near the coffeeshop called Tashirojima Nyanko Kyowakoku Shimanoeki.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Tashirojima, it’s not too hot and not too cold, and the cats are most active.
There are no ATMs on Tashirojima, so don’t forget to bring enough cash.
Yes, you can stay overnight on Tashirojima: there are several guesthouses on the island.
Step 1: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai. Step 2: Take the train from Sendai to Ishinomaki. Step 3: Take the ferry from Ishinomaki. Detailed information on this is in my post above. Jump to How to Get to Tashirojima.
Most sources estimate that over 100 cats live on Tashirojima.
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