Amazing Travel Destination For Cat Lovers: Cat Island Tashirojima in Japan

A cat sitting under a tree, a cat crossing the road, a cat sunbathing and a cat walking along with you, if you see the similar scene around you, do not get surprised. You are in Tashirojima, where cats will welcome you; cats will accompany you and will see you off. Tashirojima is located in the northeast coast of Japan's Honshu Island. The island is home to hundreds of cats. There are so many cats in this island that, the island has earned the name, "Cat Island". The island is also known as "Manga Island".

Welcome to Cat Island Tashirojima in Japan

The Cat Island Tashirojima was destroyed by the disastrous earthquake and tsunami in the month of March in the year 2011. The disheartening event had affected the island manifolds. It had caused a lot of destruction. But, slowly and steadily, the island and its inhabitants (Yes, I am talking about the cats) paced to normalcy.

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The island inhabits the population of about 100 peoples. The strangest thing is that, here the cats outnumber the human beings. The estimated human to cat ratio is 1:6. More than hundred and twenty cats live on this island. You can see cats everywhere. Another strange thing about this island is that majority of human residents on this island are over 65 years of age. The place is heaven for the people who love cats. This island receives a number of visitors throughout the year. Tashirojima is indeed one of the most famous vacations for the felinophiles. Tashirojima has always the topped the list of favorite holiday destination, of the cat lovers and the people who do not love cats, fall in love with them once they visit here.

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The history suggests that during the Edo period, the inhabitants of the island raised silkworms to make silk. But, the mice on the island became a headache for them as they are the true enemy of silkworms. The people on the island purely depended up on the cats for the protection of the silkworms. Later, when the fishermen inhabited the island, they fed the cats owing to their natural behavior of predicting storms and other weather conditions. Thus, cats have helped the local inhabitants of this island in many ways and to respect their help, the island has a shrine that is purely dedicated to cats. The shrine, known as Neko-jinja is created in honor of the cats.

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The island is spread across 1.21 square miles. Dogs are not allowed on this island. The inhabitants do not want the dogs to disturb the peaceful life of their fellow inhabitants of the Cat Island. This place is one of its kinds. When you will go around the island, you will spot many cat shaped buildings. These buildings look charming or rather cute. There are several other cat shaped monuments on this island. Every person, especially kids loves the buildings.

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To reach the Cat Island, you can board the Ajishimaline Cruise (40 min) from Isinomaki Port that will take you to Nitoda Port, Tashirojima. Wandering on the Cat Island will offer you an altogether different experience. There are many things about this island that fascinate the travelers. From the history of the island to the cat shaped buildings, everything about this island is very intriguing.

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The place has still got the old world rural vibes. The island is the best place to visit for the people who want a break from the stress and the hustle and bustle of the city life. For the cat lovers, the island is the place to be. One must visit this island once in his or her lifetime.