Cat Shrine

The Cat Shrine! On Japan's Cat Island

In part 2 of our Cat Shrine journey, our two cat guardians finish escorting us to the Cat Shrine, situated in the middle of the woods on the Cat Island of Tashirojima. When we enter to take a closer look at the Shrine, what we find is simply incredible...

To experience the amazing history and culture of Japan's Cat Island, watch the acclaimed Japanese documentary Cat Heaven Island (English Subtitled):


Watch the Cat Island Video Series. New episodes will be added so be sure to subscribe!


The footage was taken during our stay on Tashirojima (田代島), which is a small island in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan. It lies in the Pacific Ocean off the Oshika Peninsula, to the west of Ajishima. It is an inhabited island, although the population is quite small (around 100 people, down from around 1000 people in the 1950s). It has become known as Cat Island due to the large stray cat population that thrives as a result of the local belief that feeding cats will bring wealth and good fortune. The cat population is now larger than the human population on the island.

There is a small cat shrine, known as Neko-jinja (猫神社), in the middle of the island, roughly situated between the two villages. In the past, the islanders raised silkworms for silk, and cats were kept in order to keep the mouse population down (because mice are a natural predator of silkworms). Fixed-net fishing was popular on the island after the Edo Period and fishermen from other areas would come and stay on the island overnight. The cats would go to the inns where the fishermen were staying and beg for scraps. Over time, the fishermen developed a fondness for the cats and would observe the cats closely, interpreting their actions as predictions of the weather and fish patterns. One day, when the fishermen were collecting rocks to use with the fixed-nets, a stray rock fell and killed one of the cats. The fishermen, feeling sorry for the loss of the cat, buried it and enshrined it at this location on the island.

There are at least ten cat shrines in Miyagi Prefecture. There are also 51 stone monuments in the shape of cats, which is an unusually high number compared to the other prefectures. In particular, these shrines and monuments are concentrated in the southern area of the island, overlapping with the regions where silkworms were raised.

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The Cat That Won't Stop Meowing, on Japan's Cat Island

On the way to the Cat Shrine on Japan's Cat Island, we encountered a cat that started to follow us and wouldn't stop meowing. Locals mentioned that she was the guardian of the Cat Shrine.

To experience the amazing history and culture of Japan's Cat Island, watch the acclaimed Japanese documentary Cat Heaven Island (English Subtitled):


Watch the Cat Island Video Series. New episodes will be added so be sure to subscribe!


The footage was taken during our stay on Tashirojima (田代島), which is a small island in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan. It lies in the Pacific Ocean off the Oshika Peninsula, to the west of Ajishima. It is an inhabited island, although the population is quite small (around 100 people, down from around 1000 people in the 1950s). It has become known as Cat Island due to the large stray cat population that thrives as a result of the local belief that feeding cats will bring wealth and good fortune. The cat population is now larger than the human population on the island.

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Japan's Cat Island - Incredible!

This is the first video of a special video series featuring Japan's Cat Island! To experience the amazing history and culture of Japan's Cat Island, watch the acclaimed Japanese documentary Cat Heaven Island (English Subtitled):


Watch the Cat Island Video Series. New episodes will be added so be sure to subscribe!


Like Tashirojima, Aoshima island (青島), Ehime, has become one of the popular destinations for the cat lovers. The island has 15 people (between 50-80 years old) and more than 100 cats. There is neither inn, restaurant nor vending machine.

During WWII, many people escaped to the island from the main land. The island population hit the highest of 655 people in 1960. There have not been enough job so many people left the island. On 1976 the island's only primary school shut down. In early 2000 the cat population started to grow while the human population hit then new low, 50. Today you only see 15 people( 4 fishermen and the rest retirees) on the island.

There are nos car or even a bike on the island, so there are real threats to the cats, where they live peacefully among the many abandoned houses.

Another cat island in Japan is Tashirojima Island (田代島) in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, with 86 inhabitants and more than 100 cats. On this island, the cat is enshrined. There is a cat shrine and also a cat photo competition!

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Kittens and bunnies, what's not to love?

JG☆☆4K 宮城 ネコの楽園 田代島 Miyagi,Tashirojima,Cats Paradise

宮城県石巻市 Ishinomaki city,Miyagi
田代島 Tashirojima
網地島 Ajishima
JAPAN GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL
Homepage

Girl Swarmed by Cats on Japan's Cat Island!

The second video of the Cat Island video series captures our encounter with a larger group of cats as we approached the main village on Tashirojima, aka Cat Island. Hungry cats followed us about and did not hesitate to jump on our lap or dig through our belongings in the hopes of finding food or treats. The experience being surrounded by so many cats and feeding them was simply surreal, almost like cat heaven!

To experience the amazing history and culture of Japan's Cat Island, watch the acclaimed Japanese documentary Cat Heaven Island (English Subtitled):


Watch the Cat Island Video Series. New episodes will be added so be sure to subscribe!


The footage was taken during our stay on Tashirojima (田代島), which is a small island in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan. It lies in the Pacific Ocean off the Oshika Peninsula, to the west of Ajishima. It is an inhabited island, although the population is quite small (around 100 people, down from around 1000 people in the 1950s). It has become known as Cat Island due to the large stray cat population that thrives as a result of the local belief that feeding cats will bring wealth and good fortune. The cat population is now larger than the human population on the island.

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Japan's Cat Island - Cat Attack!

Welcome to Japan's Cat Island! This video captures the first encounter with the cats during our visit to Tashirojima, aka Cat Island (or Manga Island, which will be explained later in the video series). The cats here are surprisingly friendly and will easily warm up to you in hopes of getting fed. Many of the cats were obviously hungry and in need of better care. Anticipating this, we had brought many pounds of the most nutritious and delicious food and treats to help fatten up the kitties during the barren winter months.

To experience the amazing history and culture of Japan's Cat Island, watch the acclaimed Japanese documentary Cat Heaven Island (English Subtitled):


Watch the Cat Island Video Series. New episodes will be added so be sure to subscribe!


The footage was taken during our stay on Tashirojima (田代島), which is a small island in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan. It lies in the Pacific Ocean off the Oshika Peninsula, to the west of Ajishima. It is an inhabited island, although the population is quite small (around 100 people, down from around 1000 people in the 1950s). It has become known as Cat Island due to the large stray cat population that thrives as a result of the local belief that feeding cats will bring wealth and good fortune. The cat population is now larger than the human population on the island.

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7 Days Left in Japan - Tashirojima Cat Island

An island with a cat population (over 100) bigger than human population. Just one among other cat islands in Japan, although one of the better (best?) known ones, having even its own small cat shrine.

North Japan Miyagi Prefecture, the nearest big city is Sendai, ferry leaves from Ishinomaki port, ferry line name Ajishima Line ( ) - we found it a bit difficult to find info about, so I hope this helps those who are interested.

Just remember that the whole island will not be filled with cats, they will probably be found where the people are. We saw them at the port, in the village, on this camping site and at the cat shrine. Otherwise, the island offers four geocaches to find and quite a tropical (at least in summer) and nice setting for a small walk / hike around it. You will probably want to take your own food (but don't feed the cats) with you and either plan just a day trip or reserve / make sure your accommodation in advance, from the Manga island lodgings or one of the Guest Houses.

Tashirojima, The Cat Island of Northern Japan.

We are your personal guides and concierge for the Tohoku Area. We go around and checkout all the local tourist spots, restaurants, hotels, businesses, and more. We also help you with maps and cost calculation.

Follow us as we show you around one of the coolest cat islands in Japan. Find out some neat history about the island, and also some need-to-know information before planning a trip.

We help you calculate the costs, help with itinerary planning, and even give you some insights to help make your visit smooth.

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【4K】Walking at cats island - Tashirojima

Not a vlog, no intrusive faces or talking, pure Japan only.
After Fox village I went to Ishinomaki because ferry to cats island goes from there. So next morning I went to pier and filmed a video on the way. At the pier I found that ferry is cancelled for whole day because of strong wind. So I went to Sendai and filmed a walk there and after that went back to Ishinomaki city for the next try next day.
Fortunately next day was OK so at about 10am I was on the island.
The island has two piers and I decided to walk from one to another. I also tried to use my new drone for more (i hope) immersive walk beginning and ending.
At the first pier first 20 minutes there was no any cats at all, but at cats shrine I found few and even more at tourist centre. Manga island has probably most of cats. So if cats is the main goal you should go directly to the second pier.

Map
Time 10/08 around 10:30am

Filmed in UltraHD 4K 60p with Lumix GH5 camera, 8-18 f2.8-4 lens, Beholder EC1 stabilizer and Audio-Technica AT9946CM mic. Drone footage was filmed with Mavic 2 Pro in 4K 30p.
Feel free to correct my English or suggest a video to film.

Kyoto, Japan

2017 Jun 11

Music: Beck Mongolian Chop Squad OST - Like A Foojin
all rights to music belong to their respective owners

Visiting Cat Island Aoshima 青島! Cats EVERYWHERE!!!! Japan Trip S01E05

Our Japan Trip to Aoshima (青島 Aoshima), also known as Cat Island (猫の島 Neko no shima). This will be the last episode of our Japan Trip of 2017. Thank you for support and continue watching our video. Please subscribe and Like if you enjoyed our video, it will help our channel grow!

We are currently planning a Hawaii trip in October of 2017, so stay tune for more traveling videos. But until then, I will be posting more of my car videos lol.

Description of the Island:
The island in Ehime Prefecture, also known as Cat Island. For the island named Aoshima in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, see Aoshima, Miyazaki. For the Cat Island in Ishinomaki, see Tashirojima.
Aoshima
Native name: 青島
Iyo-Aoshima Island Aerial photograph.jpg
Aoshima is located in Japan AoshimaAoshima
Location in Japan
Geography
Location Seto Inland Sea
Coordinates 33.736°N 132.482°ECoordinates: 33.736°N 132.482°E
Area 0.49 km2 (0.19 sq mi)
Coastline 4.2 km (2.61 mi)
Highest elevation 298 ft (90.8 m)
Administration
Japan
Region Shikoku
Prefecture Ehime Prefecture
City Ōzu, Ehime
Demographics
Population 50 (2013 estimate)
Ethnic groups Japanese

Aoshima (青島 Aoshima), also known as Cat Island (猫の島 Neko no shima), is an island in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, known for its large number of feline residents. Cats outnumber humans by a ratio of approximately 6:1. They were introduced on ships in the area, but remained on the island and vastly repopulated.

The island is roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) long.[citation needed] It was formerly part of Nagahama in Kita District, but, as of 2005, is part of Ōzu.

「田代島を行く」－１ 猫神社

「ネコの島」として知られている宮城県石巻市の田代島の様子をお届けします。
撮影日：2014/6/16

（１）鳴き声に導かれ猫神社へ



◆石巻かほく メディア猫の目

【4K】Walking from Ishinomaki station to Manga museum and pier

Not a vlog, no intrusive faces or talking, pure Japan only.
Next day after foxes I went to pier to get to cats island. On the way I decided to film streets of Ishinomaki city to Manga museum. The road going to Manga museum has some statues from some manga ( sorry, don't know what manga).
Part of road after museum looks deserted, that's because of tsunami flooding in 2011. You can see the difference in Google Street View.

As you already may know it was too windy for ferry and I got to cats island only next day.

Map
Time 10/07 9:00am

Filmed in UltraHD 4K 60p with Lumix GH5 camera, 8-18 f2.8-4 lens, Beholder EC1 stabilizer and Audio-Technica AT9946CM mic.
Feel free to correct my English or suggest a video to film.

Japan journey from Tokyo to Tashirojima island

0:00 High speed trip on the Shinkansen train from Tokyo
2:00 Sendai - local hybrid MU train to Ishinomaki.
4:55 Ishinomaki
5:20 Finally an hour's boat trip from there to Tashirojima island.

Tashirojima (田代島) aka Cat Island in Japan

A little video tour of Tashirojima (田代島), affectionately known as Cat Island, in the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Japan. Recorded in early March, 2018.

I took the mermaid ferry from Ishinomaki and walked around the island in a loop starting at Nitoda port and passing the Manga Village and Cat Shrine along the way.

Cat island in Japan 猫神様のいる島『田代島』

In Japan, there are some islands called cat island where the number of cats is larger than the population of those islands. One of them is Tashiro Island, it is about 45 minutes by ferry from Ishinomaki city, in Miyagi prefecture. The population of this island is 65 people, while cats double that number. It can be found up to 130 cats living here. Besides, there is a cat shrine where people prays to cats for big catch. Because cats are an important presence for fishing. In addition, cat nourishment planned by islanders, so tourists are asked not to feed cats themselves, but instead of it, put it on the cat food box located near the harbor.


■Local Topics Japan：　
■JKN：　
■Reporter： Yukiko Fujimura

Cat island recovers from tsunami

(10 Mar 2012) SHOTLIST
Tashiro Island, Miyagi Prefecture - 9 March 2012
1. Mid of two cats sitting at the port
2. Close of cat
3. Wide of ferry arriving at the port
4. Wide of Tashiro island
5. Mid of ferry arriving at the port
6. Wide of man feeding the cats by the port
7. Close of cats eating
8. One cat facing the camera as others are eating in the background
9. Wide of men walking by the port and giving some snack to a cat
10. Close of cat eating
11. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Chikao Ogata, Resident and owner of an oyster farm
As a start, we need to rebuild the oyster farm but it is equally important to use donations for the cats living on this island. We just want to make any small contribution in realising the residents' wish to come true. What would help is if the water systems were restored, like toilets for example.
12. Tilt up of cat statues
13. Wide of men cleaning up the cat shrine
14. Close up of man removing dried leaves off the cat shrine
15. Cat drawings on rocks
16. Pan down from the Torii gate to Hama, owner of bed and breakfast
17. Cutaway of cat statues
18. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Yutaka Hama, Resident and owner of bed & breakfast
We support each other here in this island but most of all, we're grateful to the cats and to the people who have supported us from afar. People's thoughts were very heartwarming.
19. Focus shift from cat statues to Hama
20. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Yutaka Hama, Resident and owner of bed & breakfast
The people of the island will make their own efforts but continued support from others had helped us even more. I wish Tashiro island to be the one and only cat island in the world and I'm sure the cats would like that idea.
21. Close of three cats staring at the camera
22. Wide tracking shot of cats along the street
23. Close up of cat sitting by an drill
24. Wide shot of bed and breakfast under construction
25. Close up of buzz saw shaving wood
26. Wide of carpenter working
27. Pan down from Hama playing with the cats at the gateway of his bed and breakfast
28. Close of cats playing with Hama's hand
29. Wide shot of cat-shaped lodges overlooking the Sea of Japan
30. Close up of a roof designed like a cat
31. Wide of port with a pile of debris from the tsunami
32. Tourists feeding the cats at the port
33. Wide of tourists feeding the cats at the port
34. Wide pan from cat crossing the street to small cat statues placed on the fence protecting the house
35. Focus shift of small cat statues sitting on the fence
LEADIN
The island of Tashiro is still recovering from the devastating earthquake and tsunami one year ago.
Thanks to the local cat population, people from across Japan have donated to a special fund to help the residents here.
STORYLINE:
Contented cats sit waiting for the ferry to arrive in the hope that food may soon follow.
This is the island of Tashiro, known locally as 'cat Island' as there are twice the number of felines to humans, which is not surprising as the main industry is fishing and oyster farming, haute cuisine for cats.
But like much of this area of Japan, Tashiro, one year ago the island was devastated by an earthquake followed by a 6-metre high tsunami.
Miraculously just one person was declared missing after the disaster from a population of just sixty people.
But everyone was deeply affected by the catastrophe.
The islanders specialised in oyster farming and had lost all of the fishermen's boats and supplies, as well as some houses along the port.
Electricity was limited for the first three months after the disaster and water did not return for the first couple of weeks.
Ogata lost his brother and niece at the mainland in Ishinomaki in the disaster.


You can license this story through AP Archive:
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A Day on Japan's CAT ISLAND: TASHIROJIMA

????????????Watch my Month Long Road Trip Across Japan HERE
▶︎

Welcome to Tashirojima, aka Cat Island! The island with more cats than people!! More details about Tashirojima are listed below.
TOHOKU Travel Playlist ▶︎

Rachel & Jun's Video ▶︎
CHRIS ▶︎
ROAD TRIP VLOGS ▶︎
FOX VILLAGE ▶︎

HOW TO GET TO TASHIROJIMA
Take a bus from JR Ishinomaki station to Ishinomaki Port. From Ishinomaki Port take the Ajishimaline Ferry (about a 40 min ride) and get off at Nitoda Port on Tashirojima.

PRICE
One way: Adult 1230 Yen, Child 615 Yen
(The ferry makes 2-3 round trips a day depending on the season)

FOOD ON THE ISLAND
- There are a couple vending machines that sell drinks.
- Look for the signs that say Marin Raifu (マリンライフ) on the island, they will lead you to the one place that sells meals!

OTHER TIPS
- Bring cash! I don't remember seeing any ATMs around
- Bring food for the cats! Preferably wet food, I felt they lacked hydration
- It's really freakin hot there in the summer, bring lots of drinks and sunscreen
- Don't miss your ferry! There's only a few trips a day and not much accommodation on the island, so you probably don't wanna get stuck there

SUBTITLES
English - Me
Japanese - Me
Cat - Me
Spanish - Iro
Dutch - Yorben
German - Bastian
French - Raskar Kapak

Thank you for your help!!!

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Hanging Out with Hundreds of Cats... On Cat Island!

On Japan's Cat island, there is only one store where you can get food and supplies, and the front steps leading into the store is a favorite place for the wild, hungry cats to hang out. We decided to take a break here to hang out and feed the cats before continuing on our journey.

To experience the amazing history and culture of Japan's Cat Island, watch the acclaimed Japanese documentary Cat Heaven Island (English Subtitled):


Watch the Cat Island Video Series. New episodes will be added so be sure to subscribe!


The footage was taken during our stay on Tashirojima (田代島), which is a small island in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan. It lies in the Pacific Ocean off the Oshika Peninsula, to the west of Ajishima. It is an inhabited island, although the population is quite small (around 100 people, down from around 1000 people in the 1950s). It has become known as Cat Island due to the large stray cat population that thrives as a result of the local belief that feeding cats will bring wealth and good fortune. The cat population is now larger than the human population on the island.

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Past Tsunami Inundation Road 15; Ogatsu of Ishinomaki ,Miyagi JAPAN (4K Movie)

May,2014
Panasonic DMC-GH4 LUMIX G VARIO 12-35/F2.8