Tashirojima, commonly known as "Cat Island" for obvious reasons, is a small island in Ishinomaki, Japan. With a population of approximately 100 people and thousands of stray cats, it’s a paradise for cat lovers. The abundance of cats on the island is linked to a local belief that feeding them brings good fortune. In fact, dogs are even prohibited from the island to ensure the cats' peaceful existence.
At the heart of Tashirojima lies a small cat shrine with a touching history. Fishermen on the island, who frequently encountered cats begging for fish, would often feed them. One day, while collecting rocks for their fixed nets, a rock accidentally fell and killed one of the cats. The fishermen, feeling guilty and saddened by the cat's death, buried it and built a shrine in its honor. This shrine now stands as a testament to the island’s unique relationship with its feline inhabitants.
A small island in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture in the Pacific Ocean. It’s mostly known for its large population of stray cats
The cat population is much larger than human, there are around 60-80 people living on the island (2015), some say the cat-to-people ratio is 3:1.
(Tashiro-jima Post Office; AMANO Jun-ichi, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
The history of the island goes back to the Edo period of Japan. The island was a center of silkworm production. To get rid of unwanted pests, everyone had a cat. The problem with pests was so bad, the shogunate decreed that all cats be released into the wild to hunt the mice. And through the time, the cats have multiplied.
Despite being semi-wild, the cats are comfortable around humans and are usually interested in visitors. There are also no dogs allowed.
On the south side of the island you can find the manga-themed Manga Island camping resort. Stay in a lodge shaped like a cat or stay outdoors on a campsite. Each lodge features cat-themed artwork by famous manga artists.
(https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5031.html)
You can also go for a hike and visit the cat shrine (Neko-jinja)
It is a steep hike uphill from the port, past the last few houses (and an abandoned school) and then a short distance into the forest. The path is not well marked (unless you read Japanese). It has a small gate and shrine covered in offerings and cat figurines.
(Gorilla Jones, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
With relaxing walks and beautiful ocean views, Tashirojima is a great place to visit or even sleep overnight!
(暇・カキコ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Sources / More reading:
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1765/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tashirojima
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Tashirojima
https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/tashirojima-cat-island#The_Cat_Island
