Tashirojima (Cat Island)
Ishinomaki, Japan
About this spot
A small island off Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture, where cats roam freely through the villages and harbor. For decades it has drawn cat lovers from across Japan and around the world.
How to get there
From Tokyo or Sendai, take the JR Senseki Line to Ishinomaki Station (about 1 hour from Sendai). From the station, it is roughly a 15–20 minute walk to Ishinomaki Port, or you can take a local bus or taxi.
Ferries on the Ajishima Line run from Ishinomaki Port to Tashirojima. The crossing takes about 40–50 minutes, depending on which port you arrive at — the island has two ferry terminals (Odomari and Nitoda).
Schedules change with the season and can be cancelled in bad weather, so check the timetable and service updates before you travel. For a day trip, plan carefully around the return ferry times.
Location
Related articles
I made an iPhone app for cat lovers.
It is free to use, so feel free to download it and give it a try.
