Guided Walking Tour Around Cat Island

【STORY】 

Tashirojima Island is a small island about 11km in circumference, situated along the Oshika Peninsula with a population of around 50 people. However, it's home to numerous stray cats that outnumber the human residents. Historically, sericulture was practiced on the island, and to protect silk cocoons from mice, cats, natural predators of rodents, were introduced. Additionally, in Tashirojima island, fishing is a thriving industry, and fishermen were said to predict weather and fishing outcomes based on cat behavior. Cats have long supported the island's industries.

There's even a Cat Jinja Shrine on the island, revering cats as deities, highlighting their immense importance. While the current population is around 50 residents, fewer than in the past, locals continue to feed, treat, and spay/neuter cats. Thanks to the community's efforts in managing the cats' health, they continue to live vibrantly. This island, where the lives of cats and humans intermingle, possesses a unique atmosphere. Experience the island's culture while interacting with the cats and immerse yourself in this distinct way of life!

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Explore exclusive cat spots guided by our expert, allowing ample interaction with these adorable felines.
  
• Engage with tales of cats and humans cohabiting on this island, shared by your knowledgeable guide.
  
• Delight in the distinctive townscape, featuring structures adorned with cat-themed designs by manga artists and ancient settlements that endure.
  
• Accompany the guide during feeding time, where cats gather most abundantly.
  
• Revel in the breathtaking views of the sea and forest on this island, savoring the distinct landscapes found only on remote islands.
  

【PRICES】 

Per person (Common for both Japanese and English-speaking guides)
　For 1 participant　68,000 yen (tax included)
　For 2 participants　37,100 yen (tax included)
　For 3 participants　26,800 yen (tax included)
　For 4 participants　21,650 yen (tax included)
　For 5 participants　18,550 yen (tax included)

【SCHEDULE】 

[8:45]　Gather at the Ajishima Line Ishinomaki Chuo Terminal
[9:00]　Ferry to Tashirojima island
[9:44]　Tour of cat spots
[11:00]　Lunch at Tashiro Shokudo Restaurant
[12:00]　Observe cat feeding time
[13:40]　Ferry back to Ishinomaki Chuo Terminal
[14:25]　Disband at the Ajishima Line Ishinomaki Chuo Terminal

*Please note, the ferry schedule may vary depending on the season.

【EXPERIENCE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION】 

The guide will lead you to lesser-known spots on the island, including cat spots and breathtaking vistas. Getting around the island will be on foot, walking along paved roads with some uphill paths. Designated as part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, you'll stroll, enjoying interactions with cats and beautiful natural scenery.

This tour allows you to witness locals feeding the cats, a captivating sight as numerous cats gather seeking food.
For the welfare of the cats, tourists aren't permitted to feed them. Islanders provide food for the cats at specific times daily; let's quietly observe this routine.
While listening to stories from the guide about the intertwined lives of cats and humans, cherish heartwarming moments while interacting with these adorable felines.

<Lunch Details>
Tashiro Shokudo Restaurant
Special menus featuring locally caught fish and seaweed from Tashirojima island. Menus vary depending on the day.
*Please inform us in advance if you have any allergies or require special dietary arrangements.

【THINGS TO NOTE】 

• Duration：6 hours
• Minimum number of participants：1 person (maximum 5 people)
• Meeting point：Ajishima Line Ishinomaki Chuo Terminal
  (Please wait inside the ticket office building.)
  2F, Riverside MOTOMACHI, 1-14-5, Chuo, Ishinomaki-shi, Miyagi, 986-0822[MAP]
  
• Access：17 minutes on foot from JR Ishinomaki Station or a 10-minute taxi ride.
  
• Tour conductor for 24 hours：No
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Meals (included in a tour fee)：Yes（Breakfast：0, Lunch：1, Dinner：0）
• Included：
  ・Guide fee
  ・Round-trip ferry fare
  ・Lunch fee
  
• Excluded：
  ・Drink fee
  
• Items to bring：
  ・Carry essential medications; for those concerned, motion sickness medication (the boat might sway significantly)
  ・Drinking water during activities
  ・Cash for purchasing drinks (vending machines on the island accept cash only. 10,000 yen bills are not acceptable, so it is recommended that you prepare coins and 1,000 yen bills.)
  ・Warm clothes
  ・Rain gear (the activity proceeds rain or shine)
  
• Clothes：
  ・Comfortable clothes easy to move in
  ・Sneakers recommended
  
• Participation requirements：
  The only means of transportation on the island is by foot.
  While the island's roads are paved, there are several uphill paths.
  During the approximately 4-hour duration, we'll take breaks intermittently for a leisurely stroll, but please ensure you're comfortable with your stamina.
  
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
• Other things to note：
  ・In the case of bad weather conditions, or extremely hot days (above 35 degrees Celsius), the tour will be canceled.
  ・There's a possibility of regular ferry cancellation due to strong winds.
  ・In the event of anticipated ferry cancellation by the previous day, the tour will be canceled.
  ・We will communicate the status of the tour via email by 3:00 PM the day before the tour.
  ・However, even if the tour is canceled the day before due to weather conditions, if the weather improves on the day itself, the regular ferry might operate. In such a case, please note that the tour will not proceed.
  

【TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS】

Before booking the tour, please confirm the Tour Terms & Conditions and save the document.

Check [TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS]（Japanese）

【TOUR PLANNER AND CONDUCTOR】

Regional Branding Institute Co., Ltd.
Aqua Terrace UⅡ Bldg., 8F, 2-20-3 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034
Travel Agency registered with a Tokyo Governor 2-7547
A regular member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

10 to 8 days before the departure date of the tour　20%
7 to 2 days before the departure date of the tour　30%
The day before the departure date of the tour　40%
On the day of the departure date of the tour　50%
After the tour departed, No show　100%