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Once I took my first journey to Japan greater than a decade in the past, I used to be below the impression that it will be my solely journey to the nation. In consequence, I included some…quirky locations into my itinerary, together with two of its varied “animal islands.”
Each within the case of Hiroshima’s Rabbit Island and Cat Island close to Sendai, I discovered myself disillusioned. Why had social media made it appear to be there have been so many extra critters current than there really had been? Perhaps, I assumed, I simply bought unfortunate.
I made a decision to return to cat island in Japan this 12 months (it’s 2024 as I write this) and…effectively, I hope you’ll proceed studying for the conclusions I’m about to attract.
The Reality About Japan’s Cat Island
I’m undecided once I first began seeing posts in regards to the Japan cat island on social media. It was clearly earlier than I went there myself—in any other case, why would I’ve included it within the journey? I can also’t bear in mind which of the cat islands I noticed. Though I made a decision to go to Tashirojima, close to Sendai, I now suspect I would’ve seen pictures from Aoshima, which I haven’t but visited and which is off the coast of Shikoku.
Alternatively, whereas I can’t for certain remark as as to whether the Shikoku cat island is as sparsely feline-populated as its Sanriku counterpart, I think there would possibly’ve been related smoke and mirrors concerned in making it go viral. In spite of everything, my expertise on Okunoshima (the “rabbit island” close to Hiroshima) appears to recommend this is perhaps the case.
What to Do in Tashirojima
Discover Nitoda City
For my cash, Nitoda (the primary village on Tashirojima) is its spotlight, with or with out cats. Assume anime-looking Japanese rural structure set beneath palm timber alongside a glowing sea. Curiously, numerous these buildings look fairly outdated, which is curious when you think about that the island was instantly within the path of the tsunami.
Sit down for lunch
There aren’t many locations that serve meals on cat island Sendai, although they do exist. This was not the case once I first visited in 2014, so it’s notable (and nice). For my cash, probably the most comfy place is Nankyo Kyowakoku Shimanoeki, a restaurant close to the cat shrine I’ll be speaking about shortly, which serves minimize udon soup with cat-shaped tofu. Nonetheless, there’s additionally Kuronekodo, a small cafe in Nitoda.
Go to the Cat Shrine
As luck would have it, I did find yourself recognizing a few felines once I stopped this time at Miyori Shrine, which in any other case on-line options artifical objects with cat decorations. Again once I visited in 2014, then again, none had been current, which made the tour there from Nitoda appear anti-climactic, to say the least.
Stroll all the best way to Odomari
You probably have greater than a few hours in cat island Japan (and you’ll, for those who take the primary ferry from Ishinomaki), I’d advocate strolling all the best way to Odomari, the “different” port, situated about half-hour on foot from Nitoda and about quarter-hour from Miyori Shrine. It’s even quieter than Nitoda, however offers a unique feel and look, albeit with no cats that I might.
Camp at Manga Island—or don’t
Simply because the declaration that there’s nowhere to eat on Tashirojima isn’t correct, so too is it false to say there’s nowhere to sleep. With this being stated, the so-called Manga Island campground is spartan, even when the cat-shaped lodging are higher than the tents you is perhaps anticipating. I haven’t stayed right here but, however will report again if I do.
Japan’s Different Cat Island
Though I could very effectively have seen footage of it, I by no means heard the phrase “Aoshima” till a few years after my first journey to Japan. And admittedly, by that point, I thought of it so unlikely that I might ever need to go to any “cat island” once more that it wasn’t even related. Now, nonetheless, I’d be mendacity if I stated I wasn’t not less than just a little bit curious.
Reaching cat island Shikoku requires a trek, which appears traumatic even for folks like me—I don’t thoughts a trek. Particularly, that you must get to Matsuyama (in all probability by airplane from Tokyo) after which experience the JR Yosan Line to Iyo-Nagahama. From right here, considerably frequent ferries can take you to and from the island, the place there could or might not be extra cats than you discover on Tashirojima.
Different FAQ About Japan’s Cat Islands
What number of cats are on cat island in Japan?
Though it’s stated that cats are not less than equal in inhabitants to people on Tashirojima, digging deeper reveals that this isn’t important. Solely 100 folks reside completely on the island, and whereas 100 cats isn’t any small quantity, they’re reasonably unfold out.
Does anybody reside on cat island Japan?
About 100 persons are stated to reside completely on Tashirojima “cat island” close to Ishinomaki, whereas only a few people stay on Aoshima off the coast of Shikoku. On any given day, it’s possible that there will probably be extra vacationers than (human) locals.
Why does cat island have so many cats?
The comparatively giant inhabitants of cats on Japan’s at island is down to 2 components. First, a sure variety of people who lived on the island selected to not spay or neuter their pets. Secondly, they took comparatively good automobile of them despite this, which allowed them to proliferate as they’ve performed.
The Backside Line
For those who’re a giant feline fan, you would possibly discover cat island in Japan disappointing. Whereas it’s true that there are some cats current, social media vastly overstates each the focus of the animals, in addition to their general numbers. For those who merely need to be round a bunch of cats, a cat café in Tokyo or Osaka is perhaps a extra worthwhile pursuit. Alternatively, for those who’re going to be in Sendai or Ishinomaki anyway, Tashirojima (the island’s actual title) is certainly price a day journey, if solely due to how stunning and serene it’s. Want extra knowledgeable recommendation as you propose your Japan journey? Think about hiring me to assist!
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