Cat Heaven is in Japan – Tashiro “Cat” Island
Tashirojima, also known as Tashiro Island, is one of Japan’s handful of “cat islands” sprinkled along the country’s coastline. Tashiro Island is located in the Miyagi Prefecture, right off the coast of Ishinomaki City. While the island may host a small human population (approximately 100 people), it boasts an impressive cat population of well over several hundred.
We recently wrote about the Greek cat island, Syros, and God’s Little People Cat Sanctuary. While Syros and Tashirojima are both known colloquially as “cat islands,” they are quite different from each other.
On Syros, the cats are cared for by an organization that hires a caretaker. That caretaker ensures they are all fed, cared for, and given proper medical treatment. On Tashiro Island, the local population cares for the cats, but they are closer to a feral population than a domestic one. Keep in mind, though, that these ferals have cohabited with people for a very long time.
Originally brought over to control pests, the cats were thought by local fishermen to bring them good luck. Over the years, the fishermen would look out for them, throwing them food and treating them as welcome friends. They even erected a shrine (known as Nekokamisama) to honour one of the cats who had been killed by a falling rock, which can be found between two of the small villages on the island.
Most of the cats here can be found closer to the Southeast side of the island, in a place called Nitoda Port. They live mostly independently, roaming around the seaside town and interacting with residents and tourists. If you want to visit the island and the cats, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The island can only be reached by ferry.
The trip is roughly 45-60 minutes long.
There are about three to four round trips per day.
There is a small Manga-themed resort at the most southern tip of the island.
This place has small cat-themed cabins with living quarters and cat-themed artwork.
There are a handful of small bed-and-breakfast-style facilities.
These are often family-owned and require reservations in advance.
Tashiro Island is otherwise not really set up as a tourist destination.
There are no restaurants and very few tourist facilities.
Any garbage you bring to the island, you are asked to take back with you.
Despite not being set up as a major tourism destination, you can still go visit the island, see the cats, and even stay in a fun, manga/cat-themed resort. With ferries coming and going three to four times per day, it’s a great opportunity for a day trip for the cat lover visiting Miyagi Prefecture in Japan.
Tashiro Island is a fascinating place with a long history of taking care of its feline population, and that is something worth praising. While many societies have seen cats as a nuisance, there are just as many who see their worth and take care of them, and they deserve respect!