The quaint and lovable Cat Island Tashirojima is home to a public campground featuring adorable cat-shaped cabins. Dubbed Manga Island, the campground is operated by the City of Ishinomaki as affordable lodging for visitors to the island in summer and autumn. The interiors of the cabins are decorated with cat-themed art drawn by famous manga artists, including Miyagi’s own Tetsuya Chiba.

The campground features picnic tables and a grassy lawn area, making it a good picnic spot for day-trippers as well. It overlooks the ocean and is a great spot for stargazing on clear nights. Better yet, the friendly “free-range” cats of the island often come by looking for food and affection.

Each cabin accommodates five to six people and comes equipped with bedding, a shower, kitchen utensils and cooking equipment. Cabin options include a large cabin (five people, two rooms) for ¥9,000, or a small cabin (six people, one room) for ¥8,000. Tent sites run ¥1,500 per night. Tent and camping gear rental is available for an additional ¥1,500.