200 Cats and Cute Kittens!? I Stayed on Japan’s Fluffiest Cat Island🐈🏝️

200 Cats and Cute Kittens!? I Stayed on Japan’s Fluffiest Cat Island🐈🏝️

Visiting Japan’s Fluffiest Cat Island! There are super cute kittens too! A story shared with the cats living on a beautiful island. Hope you enjoy this trip!🐈 Good morning! I’m at Ishinomaki Station! Today, I’m taking a ferry from Ishinomaki Port to an amazing cat island⛴️ The ferry is named “Sea Cat”
What a perfect name for Cat Island!🐈 The round-trip fare was 2,500 yen ($16.93/€14.49) Let’s hop on board! The ferry is super clean and holds up to 220 passengers. It’s well-equipped and makes for a comfortable sea journey. I chose a seat on the second floor to enjoy the view! And we’re off! See you later!👋 The ride to Cat Island takes about 40 minutes. Ishinomaki is about three hours from Tokyo by bullet train. The island’s name is Tashiro Island! We’re getting close to Tashiro Island! It’s a small island with an area of 1.21 square miles (3.14 km²) and a population of around 50. And over 200 cats live here—more than the people! This island has more cats than anywhere else in Japan! “Welcome to Tashiro Island” There are two ports on the island, and I arrived at Nitoda Port this time. Tashiro Island is famous, and cat lovers visit from all over the world. I’m one of them too! Cat lovers are united regardless of nationality🐈 No cats at the port, so I’m heading onward. First, I’m walking about 30 minutes to a cafe called “Shima no Eki” Then—my very first cat of the trip! So cute! All the cat love I’ve been holding in is about to explode. She’s a calico cat, so that means she’s female. Looks like she might be pregnant—her belly is big. Wow! There are cats everywhere here! (Welcome) So cute. So many friendly cats here! This one is especially friendly🤍 They’re community cats, lovingly cared for by the islanders. That’s why they’re more sociable than regular strays. (Pet me more!) I can’t help it. It’s just too cute—I can’t stop petting it. By the way, tourists aren’t allowed to feed the cats. It’s to protect their health. They look so cute sitting in a neat little row. And then… What a jump! They can easily hop up onto rooftops too🏠 A magician cat. Why are there so many cats on Tashiro Island? In the past, silk was produced on the island, and cats were kept to protect the silkworms from mice. Fishing also flourished here, and fishermen would stay in huts with food supplies. Cats gathered around for the food, and their numbers grew naturally over time. Fishermen also watched cats’ behavior to predict the weather and fishing conditions. Will we catch fish tomorrow? (Feel it through my paw) (It’ll be a big catch tomorrow) (The weather will be fine too) Or maybe they were secretly reading the cats’ tails like a fortune teller🤭 On this island, cats have long been cherished as lucky gods of fishing. I must bow to my feline overlords. And I’ve arrived at the cafe “Shima no Eki” *In Japanese, it means “island station” It’s located in the center of the island and serves lunch, drinks, and cat goods. It’s also the place where the most cats gather!🐈 So naturally, lots of people gather too😂 Welcome to the oasis of cats and humans. As expected, the terrace seats are completely occupied by cats. Gotta be careful not to step on them when you sit down! This is truly a kingdom of cats. That’s why the cats are the kings here. Only drinks are allowed at the terrace seats! Cats can’t drink, though😂 Sipping ginger ale while watching the cats—it’s pure bliss. What a paradise this is. The cafe owner has started preparing the cats’ meals. Sensing it, the cats are already gathering in droves. The cat chorus has begun♩ I didn’t realize there were this many😂 And now—it’s feeding time! The cats’ energy is rising! The bamboo feeding trays are stylish🎋 What a beautiful sight. It’s like a work of art created by the cats. 👨: The cats on the platform don’t come down because they’re waiting for the food to be handed to them😄 So smart! The cat lunch is complete. I’ve always wanted to see this moment, so I’m absolutely satisfied! Even the cats who patiently waited got their meals in the end! It’s amazing how they all eat without fighting! I heard a few of them are known to be feisty, but today was peaceful. The cat feeding time happens every day. It’s usually from around 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. If you ever visit the island, be sure to check it out! Tashiro Island may seem full of happiness, but it also has a painful past. On March 11, 2011.
A magnitude 6 earthquake hit the island, causing major damage. A 10-meter tsunami destroyed several houses along the coast and severely damaged fishing boats. But according to islanders, about 80 cats miraculously survived, just as before the disaster. The cats sensed something was wrong and escaped to higher ground before the tsunami hit. After the water receded, people saw the cats coming down from the hills. “They must’ve fled toward the Cat Shrine⛩️” After that, cat lovers from across the country sent donations and supplies like cat food. Thanks to their support, Tashiro Island slowly recovered over five to ten years. The island’s recovery became a symbol of hope across Japan. Still, some residents chose to leave the island after the disaster. But those who stayed continue to protect their way of life with the cats to this day. I was deeply moved by both the cats and the islanders who endured such hardship. Later, I’d like to visit the Cat Shrine and the port that appeared in this story. By the way, you’ve been drinking water non-stop! How thirsty were you?😂 (Huh? Me?) With full bellies, the cats settle in for some relaxation time. Some groom themselves, others take a nap. Long ago, cats used to board fishing boats and go out to sea with the fishermen. Even today, locals still share fish with the cats that gather at the port🐟 If you get carried away and pet them too much like I did, you might regret it! 😂 It’s important to gently stay by their side, just like this woman. I should learn from her too. Actually, this place used to be an elementary school. Time for my lunch too. Oh no, a cat snuck in with me! Captured the kitty. The menu has udon, curry, and lots of other options! Pretty amazing how many payment options they have on an island!😳 I ordered the special curry!🍛 The cat-shaped carrot is adorable🥕 Even the glass has a cat on it. The meal cost ¥800! So delicious! It has a gentle, nostalgic flavor that’s just lovely. There’s something special about homemade curry. Even the cat-shaped carrots taste good. You can enjoy your meal while watching the cats by the window. The cafe is open from 10:15 AM to 3:00 PM.
Last order is at 2:30 PM. Definitely stop by for a bite if you visit the island! Thanks for the meal! The cafe also sells merchandise. Stainless bottles. Mugs. This phone stand is cute. Huh!? Wait, are you for sale too?😂 I wonder how much💰 Oops, caught again🤣 No sneaking in again, okay? Apparently, all the cats in this area have names. There are so many! And beautiful photos too. Title: “Helping Out” This one’s a bit oily😹 Let me help clean you up. Looking good! Sweet dreams. Next up—kittens! Aren’t they just too cute?🥹 Five new kittens were born on the island! (They’re about two months old) 👨: I regularly weigh them. 580g! So light! 👨: They don’t have names yet. Me: Can I touch them? 👨: Yes, it’s okay now! 👨: When they’re really small, if they smell like humans, the mother might abandon them. But they’re fine now. 677g. You’re light too! So cute… Kitten number 3! 👨: Scared? 👨: Hang in there, just a bit! 644g! 😂 When they’re little, they stay indoors to protect them from crows and other dangers. I got special permission to film them. Kitten number 4! 770g. Still under 1 kilo. Here comes mom. Last one—kitten number 5! 535g. (Aren’t I just the cutest?) Me: Is she the mother? 👨: Yep! There are two mothers, actually. 👨: They gave birth on the same day—at the same time! While the owner is cleaning, it’s mealtime for the cats. Busy day, huh?😂 Eat up and grow big, little ones. Huh? You’re not eating? Once they grow up, they’ll go outside and live with the other cats. I hope they all grow up healthy. In the evening, the owner feeds the outdoor cats again. He doesn’t live on the island—he comes by boat every single day!😳 That’s a tough routine. Some people help by donating cat food to the island. It’s a great way to help, so I’m thinking of donating too! Next, I’m heading to the hotel! Tonight I’m staying at a hotel called “Manga Island” It’s only open seasonally, from around April 25 to October 31 each year. I guess this is the front desk? Let’s check in! The room costs ¥9,380! And since there weren’t any bath towels, I bought one too. The total came to ¥10,480. This is the lodge I’m staying in tonight! So cute! It was designed by manga artist Machiko Satonaka! That’s why it’s called Manga Island! Let’s see what the room looks like… Wow—ocean view! And such a spacious living room! (Sleeps 5) The walls are covered in cat illustrations! This place really gets you excited! Even staying here alone doesn’t feel lonely🐈 Look at this view! Beautiful! The ocean is amazing! And there’s even a private swing in the yard!😂 Of course, there’s a bedroom too! Way too many beds for one person. Next to it is the sink area. The bathroom has a strangely lovely vibe. You’re always being watched by cats when you’re in the toilet. And finally—the kitchen. How many cats are in here!? There are no supermarkets on the island, so you have to bring your own dinner! But since the kitchen has all the basic cookware, you can cook here! Wait, what!? A surprise feline visitor! When did you sneak in!? I’m happy you came, but you’re not allowed in. Sorry… Turned out to be a surprisingly aggressive cat😂 Manga Island has several other lodges too. They’re all spacious, so I recommend them. The front desk even sells snacks and instant noodles! They’re a bit pricey, but not a bad dinner option! You can even have a BBQ with your own meat for an extra fee🍖 They also rent out fishing gear! Might try it out this evening. After that, I rented an electric bike. (300yen/$2.03/€1.73) I ride carefully so I don’t run over any cats🐾 It takes over 30 minutes on foot to reach Shima no Eki, the Cat Shrine, or the port from the hotel. So biking is seriously recommended! The breeze feels amazing! Before fishing, I’m heading to the Cat Shrine! This is the Cat Shrine! It’s said to enshrine cats that passed away long ago. And this spot is also believed to be where the cats took refuge during the earthquake. Please continue to protect Tashiro Island. “Cats have long been cherished here as symbols of good luck and bountiful catches, worshipped by the islanders.” As I left the shrine, one cat began to follow me. It seemed like this little one wanted to come along with me. (Aren’t you coming?) The path led me—guided by the cat—to the sea. Fishing boats are lined up at the port. Even now, fishermen still work in Tashiro Island’s waters. And I spotted a cat at the port, too. Even its shadow is adorable. And this one—doesn’t it look like he has a mustache?🥸 This little mustache kitty followed me, too. What a cutie you are! Good kitty. You’re such a sweetheart! Let’s start fishing! The cat is cheering me on. Then it brought a friend. The cats’ expectations are rising. I’m determined to catch a fish for them! But I just can’t catch anything… Sorry—I tried for two hours, but caught nothing😭 I couldn’t live up to their hopes. But then! A hero appeared! A kind local man came by with a fish! What a relief! The cats got a luxurious dinner. It looks absolutely delicious! (This fish is mine and mine alone!) Everyone’s doing their best to protect their feast! The cats at the port look fierce. Can you even eat that huge fish head? Watch out! Other cats are eyeing your fish! There’s a silent battle happening among them. Still, this fish looks super fresh and tasty. It’s probably salmon. They’re savoring every bite. You can hear the crunch of bones🦴 It’s like raw ASMR☠️ The sun is slowly setting. The sunset and the cats are beautiful. It’s time to part ways with the cats. See you again. I need to head back before it gets dark! There aren’t many streetlights on the island—it’s dangerous. See you tomorrow! Uh-oh, it’s getting dark… I somehow made it back to the hotel. Time for dinner! I bought everything in advance at a supermarket near Ishinomaki Station! This curry-flavored cup ramen is my recommendation. And for dessert, mango jelly. Simple, but actually a pretty solid dinner! The teriyaki chicken is so tasty! It’s a kind of soboro—with chicken, egg, and seaweed. The egg is finely chopped and tastes great with the meat. There’s a TV in the room, so it really feels like home. Just three minutes after pouring in hot water, and the ramen’s ready. Looks so good. I’ve probably eaten this like 100 times since I was born, and I never get tired of it. That’s how addictive it is. The mango jelly was delicious too! That was a great meal! I’m feeling happy. The towel I bought at check-in is cute! Since I’m here, I filled the lovely bathtub for a soak. Perfect temperature! Ahh, that felt amazing. Tomorrow, I might try the restaurant near the port. Good night. The stars were absolutely beautiful. Good morning! I slept like a rock until right before checkout. First stop of the day: “Shima no Eki,” just like yesterday. The cats’ day is starting once again. Good morning! It’s feeding time at last! So many cats and people gathered again today! A different staff member from yesterday is setting out the food. I could listen to the cats’ chorus all day♩ It feels like there are slightly fewer cats than yesterday. Later I asked a staff member, and they said the number of cats changes day by day! But since it’s sunnier than yesterday, I’m really happy today! And today, the kids were even giving the cats massages! Thanks to YouTube, Tashiro Island is now visited by tourists from all over the world. Fox Village is nearby too, so I highly recommend visiting both🦊 The kids are arranging the food to make it easier for the cats to eat. Everyone is finishing up their meal one by one. Who’s going to be the last one? The answer was… the chubby black cat!🐈‍⬛ Hey, you’re the one I brushed yesterday🪮 You look just like a raccoon. I love the sound of cats drinking water. It’s the kind of sound that could put you to sleep. They look so comfy sunbathing after a meal. There are a lot of chubby cats on this island🤣 That just means they’re healthy! A cute sound again…🤍 There’s even a helipad next to the cafe! So if you have a helicopter, go for it😏 Apparently, cherry blossoms bloom on the island in spring🌸 I’d love to come back again! Today, I’m going to have lunch at the port restaurant! Heading to Nitoda Port, where I first arrived. There’s a seafood restaurant there. And here I am! Hey, we meet again—just like yesterday. This restaurant serves super fresh seafood! The main dish is oysters—a type of shellfish. They also serve alcohol. Hours: 10:30 AM–3:00 PM
Closed: Mondays Oyster tempura rice bowl set! The freshly fried tempura looks amazing! It comes with pickles and namul. There’s also hijiki seaweed and miso soup. Total: 1,800 yen! Let’s eat! Starting with the oyster tempura! This is insanely good! Might be the best tempura I’ve ever had. Tender and super juicy. Every bite bursts with oyster flavor. The miso soup is the perfect richness too. That picture is adorable🟡 And this one’s a parody of Klimt, the famous painter😂 That was such a great meal! I hope you all get to try it too! It’s like a landscape painting made by the cats. Come to the island, and you can step right into that world. There are many old buildings on the island, giving it a nostalgic feel. Friendly groups of cats hang out near those buildings. Sadly, the place was closed today, but there’s a cafe called Kuroneko-do. Looks like this cafe is also a cat hangout🐈 Found another raccoon-like cat. There’s something magical about a seaside cafe. The islanders and the cats have spent many years together. Watching them, I can feel the deep history and trust they share. Today’s temperature is over 30°C—so hot! The cats are resting in the shade. Excuse me, but… maybe he smells a bit? For some reason, the others are avoiding him just a little😂 Then suddenly, things got steamy among the cats! Two males started fighting over one female! Whoa—close call!😂 Even though it’s her own fault, she blames others. And now she’s not interested in any guy. Why are guys always so dumb? Maybe it’s the same for both humans and cats😂 After that, the vibe was kind of awkward. It’s almost time to catch the ferry. Thank you, everyone! See you again! I took a rugged path on the way back🌳 It really felt like an island adventure! The ferry has arrived! Besides this one, there’s also a ferry at 7:55 AM and another at 3:30 PM. Throwing the ropes looks like fun. This trip was truly amazing! Let me know what you think in the comments! Thanks so much for watching until the end! Thank you, Tashiro Island!🐈

Tashiro Island , known as Japan’s “Cat Island,” is home to over 200 cats and adorable kittens!
In Japanese, it’s called “Tashirojima.”
If you’re passing through Sendai Station, it’s also a great idea to visit Zao Fox Village nearby!

Experience Japan through this video!🇯🇵
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Other Recommended Cat Videos

Website
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1765/
Guidelines for Visiting Tashiro Island

田代島来島の心得　-　Guidelines for Visiting Tashiro Island

About Shima-no-eki

島のえき　-　About Shima-no-eki

Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P7YSPnf4mdiwb6UYA

Prices
Ferry⛴️
¥2,500JPY/$16.93USD/€14.49EUR/≥1,453INR/₩23,371KRW/₽1,320RUB/元121CNY
Hotel
¥10,480JPY/$70.43USD/€60.56EUR/≥6,066INR/₩97,934KRW/₽5,533RUB/元505.46CNY
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FUGqBF5hSx2ReuvD4IGu3Ln9ix0SF4Y_/view

Table of contents
0:00 Intro
0:25 Heading to Cat Island from Ishinomaki Station, Miyagi
2:08 Arriving at Tashiro Island🐈
6:23 Cafe “Shima no Eki”
8:43 Feeding time—so many cats!
15:47 Time for my lunch too
19:21 Kittens born on the island!
23:43 Hotel Manga Island🏨
28:32 Cat Shrine⛩️
31:11 Fishing at the port🐟
35:45 Dinner
38:19 Feeding time—so many cats! (Part 2)
43:18 Lunch at the portside restaurant
45:19 Thank you, Japan’s Fluffiest Cat Island!

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• Titles, descriptions, and subtitles are auto-translated and may not be perfect.
• The price in the video uses the exchange rate at the time of editing.
• Prices may change depending on the season.

🎵Opening music
ikson™ (https://ikson.com/tell-your-story)

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