Discover the feline-filled wonders of Ainoshima (相島), Fukuoka’s most famous “heart-shaped” cat island, with our comprehensive travel guide. Located just a short ferry ride from the mainland, this small fishing village is home to over 230 friendly cats and a community of residents who have lived alongside them for centuries. Whether you are a dedicated photographer looking for the perfect shot, a traveler planning a unique day trip from Fukuoka City, or a vegetarian traveler seeking advice on how to navigate the island’s seafood-heavy dining scene, we have got you covered. From the latest ferry schedules at Shingū Port and transport tips from Hakata Station to exploring historic sites like the Hanagurise Rock and ancient stone tumuli, here is everything you need to know to enjoy a perfect day on Ainoshima.
What to Do on Ainoshima
- How to Get to Ainoshima from Fukuoka
- Vegan and Vegetarian Survival Guide for Ainoshima
- About the Cats on Ainoshima
- Things to Watch Out for on Ainoshima
- Cycling Around Ainoshima Island
- Ainoshima Information Center (相島観光案内所)
- Wakamiya Shrine (若宮神社)
- Dragon Lord Rock (龍王石)
- Tōmi Guardhouse Ruins (遠見番所跡)
- Taikō Shioi’s Stones (太閤潮井の石)
- Ana Kannon (穴観音)
- Ainoshima Stone Tumuli (相島積石塚群)
- Hanagurise Rock (鼻栗瀬)
- Ainoshima FAQ
Tip: If you understand Japanese and plan to visit Ainoshima on a Sunday, you can join Shingū Town’s Ainoshima Walking Tour. It only costs 500 yen per person. Refer to HERE for more information.
About Fukuoka’s Cat Island, Ainoshima
Ainoshima Island (相島) is a cat island in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is one of our favorite cat islands in Japan. The small heart-shaped island is around 7.5 km off the coast of Shingū Town (新宮町), north of Fukuoka City. The island that once hosted up to 500 Korean emissaries is now one of the world’s most famous cat destinations. So if you are a cat lover, how about a trip to Ainoshima when you visit northern Kyūshū on your next Japan trip?
Since CNN broadcast the cats on Ainoshima to the world, the island has been receiving visitors from around the globe. Currently, there are more than 230 cats on Aionoshima Island. With only around 280 human residents, the cat population is enormous! So, if you are a cat lover, check out Ainoshima Island when you visit Fukuoka next time.
In addition to the cute felines, we will also go through other things to do on Ainoshima in this article (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
How to Get to Ainoshima from Fukuoka
- Step 1: JR Train from Hakata Station to JR Fukko-Daimae Station (20 mins).
- Step 2: Community Bus from Station to Shingu Port (新宮港) (10 mins).
- Step 3: Ferry from Shingu Port to Ainoshima (20 mins).
For more information, including the ferry and bus timetable, refer to our How to Get to Ainoshima article.
Vegan and Vegetarian Survival Guide for Ainoshima
Finding vegetarian or vegan food on Ainoshima (the “Cat Island” in Shingu, Fukuoka) is a challenge because the island is famous for its fresh seafood. Most restaurants there specialize in sashimi and fish-based soups.
1. Buy Food BEFORE You Leave (Highly Recommended)
There are no convenience stores (Konbini) or supermarkets on Ainoshima Island. Since you will likely be passing through JR Fukukodai-mae Station or Hakata Station, buy your food there.
- At Hakata Station: Look for Evah Macrobiotic Dining. They sell 100% vegan bento boxes, sandwiches, and rice balls.
- At any 7-Eleven or Lawson (near the port/station):
- Onigiri (Rice Balls): Look for Ume (Pickled Plum) rice balls.
- Snacks: Edamame, salt-flavored potato chips, or mixed nuts.
- Refer to HERE for a list of vegan food you can get at convenient stores.
2. Eating on the Island (Limited Options)
There are only a few small restaurants near the port. Most of their dishes use Dashi (fish stock).
- The “Dashi” Problem: Even if you order Miso Soup or Udon, the broth is almost certainly made from fish. If you are a strict vegetarian, avoid all soups and sauces on the island.
- Safe-ish Sides: You can often order a bowl of White Rice (Gohan) and a side of Pickles (Tsukemono).
- What to Ask: You can try asking for “Vegetable Tempura” (Yasai Tempura), but be aware that it might be fried in the same oil as fish. Note that the dipping sauce is more than likely to contain fish stock. But you can enjoy the vegetable tempura with salt!
3. Essential Phrases for the Island
Most shop owners on Ainoshima are locals who may not speak English. Use these phrases:
- “I don’t eat meat or fish.”
- Niku to sakana wa tabemasen. (肉と魚は食べません)
- “Is there any fish stock (dashi) in this?”
- Dashi wa haitte imasu ka? (出汁は入っていますか？)
- “Please, no fish flakes (katsuobushi).”
- Katsuobushi nashi de onegai shimasu. (かつお節なしでお願いします)
About the Cats on Ainoshima Island
The cats on Ainoshima are extremely used to humans to the point that some might even approach you and rub themselves against you!
Originally, the Ainoshia’s residents introduced cats to the island to protect their fishing gear and crops from mice. With few natural enemies and ample food, the number of cats on Ainoshima skyrocketed.
Tip: It is best not to visit Ainoshima on a hot day because the cats will hide in the shade.
We also want to note that sterilization surgery was performed on the cats on Ainoshima in 2021. The island has been advertised as a cat’s paradise globally. But there are way too many cats on the island for the carers to care for. This has resulted in some cats being malnourished and/or sick. Thus, the hard decision was made by Ainoshima’s residents.
Things to Watch Out for on Ainoshima Island
- Please don’t feed the cats for their health
- Don’t try to catch them and bring them somewhere else. They have their territory.
It is probably best to only play with the cats that approach you at their own will. For those who want their own space, let’s respect their privacy and take photos of them from a distance. This is especially important if you see a cat family. Trying to touch the little kitten will result in an attack from the mother cat.
Important: Although there are restaurants on Ainoshima Island, the main dishes on the set menus are either sashimi or meat dishes. If you are strict with your vegetarian diet, please bring your own food, as the noodle soup broth also contains seafood extract.
Cycling Around Ainoshima Island
Ainoshima has a circumference of around 6 km. The best way to enjoy what the island has to offer is probably by hiking along the 5.4 km promenade, where you have a chance to meet the wild animals (other than cats) and discover Ainoshima’s historical heritage.
As it will take around 2 to 3 hours to stroll through the promenade, how about renting a bicycle to reduce travel time between the small attractions on Ainoshima Island?
While not intuitively, a sushi restaurant called Sushi Sakanano Shippo (寿し さかなのしっぽ) offers bicycle rental service. The cost is 1,000 yen per hour.
For more information, please refer to the official website HERE and translate it using your browser’s translation function.
Ainoshima Information Center (相島観光案内所)
Ainoshima’s tourist center is called ‘Shima no Eki Ainoshima’ (島の駅あいのしま). It is where you can get all the tourist information you need.
Furthermore, the Shimano Eki has various cat-themed souvenirs such as biscuits and cups.
- Ainoshima Information Center is open from
- 10 am to 5 pm from March to October
- 10 am to 4:30 pm from November to February
- Light meals are served from 10:30 am to an hour before the center closes for the day.
Wakamiya Shrine (若宮神社)
Located near the ferry terminal is the Wakamiya Shrine. On the precinct, there is a sacred tree called ‘Umino Shiba’ (産の柴). An interesting custom is that locals use the tree’s leaves as a charm for safe delivery.
Dragon Lord Rock (龍王石)
At the south end of Ainoshima, a Dragon Lord Rock is enshrined. The locals treat the rock as an object of worship for the God of Water named Hachidai Ryūō (八大龍王).
With most islanders working as fishermen, the rock has been revered. A Ryūō Festival is held on the 15th of November to pray for a good fish catch for the following year.
Even if you don’t believe in the myth of a dragon lord, we would still recommend you pay the rock a visit for the magnificent ocean view from where the rock is. Also, while it is hard to tell the size of the rock from a photo, with a height of 216 cm, it is taller than most of us!
Tōmi Guardhouse Ruins (遠見番所跡)
After the Shimabara Rebellion (島原の乱) in 1638, Japan entered an era of national isolation. To monitor the arrival of foreign ships, five guardhouses were established in Fukuoka Prefecture, with one located on Ainoshima Island.
The guardhouse was built on high ground at an elevation of 77 meters. This allowed the guards to see as far as possible.
Back then, two guards and three foot soldiers were stationed at the guardhouse each day. Fukuoka Domain’s ship would be dispatched if a foreign vessel was discovered to chase the unwelcome ship away.
Nowadays, you can still see the stonewalls of the guardhouse. Next to it, a white lighthouse replaces the guardhouse.
Taikō Shioi’s Stones (太閤潮井の石)
Although Toyotomi Hideyoshi united Japan, he wasn’t satisfied. In 1592 and 1597, he sent troops to Korea, hoping to expand Japan’s territory.
On the way to Nagoya Castle (名護屋城) in Saga Prefecture, he stopped by Ainoshima. It is said that Hideyoshi piled thousands of stones and prayed to the Thousand-arms Kannon statue for victory and safe sailing.
At the place where Hideyoshi made the prayer, a shrine (Iwamiyamiya Shrine, 岩宮神社) was erected.
Ana Kannon (穴観音)
Close to Taikō Shioi’s Stones, there is a cave underneath a cliff that enshrines a Kannon Bodhisattva. The cavern used to be accessible. However, after a recent earthquake, it was determined to be too dangerous to go down the small path, and entry is currently forbidden for your safety.
Ainoshima Stone Tumuli (相島積石塚群)
The tumuli in the southeast of Ainoshima were determined to be a graveyard from the 4th to the 7th century. A total of 254 tombs were discovered during research. Unlike other ancient tombs in Japan, which are covered with soil, the entire Ainoshima tomb is made of stone.
Due to its uniqueness, the Tumuli were designated a National Historic Site in 2001.
Hanagurise Rock (鼻栗瀬)
Around 300 meters from Ainoshima’s southeast coast, there is a gigantic basalt. The sea cave, with a height of 200 meters, resembles a monocle, which is why the locals call it Megane Rock (めがね岩).
Ainoshima FAQ
How much is the ferry to Ainoshima?
The ferry costs 480 yen for adults and 240 yen for children (one-way). You can purchase tickets at the vending machine inside the Shingu Port waiting room. Note that credit cards are generally not accepted, so bring cash.
How long is the ferry ride to Ainoshima?
The boat ride from Shingu Port to Ainoshima Island takes approximately 17 to 20 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
Which station is best for Ainoshima: JR or Nishitetsu?
- JR Fukukodai-mae is best if you are coming from Hakata Station (fastest train).
- Nishitetsu Shingu is best if you are already in the Tenjin area. Both stations have “Marinks” community buses that take about 10–15 minutes to reach the ferry port.
Is Ainoshima open every day?
The island itself is always “open,” but the ferry may be cancelled during extreme weather or typhoons. Additionally, many small local shops and the island’s only information center may be closed on certain weekdays or during the New Year holidays.
Can I stay overnight on Ainoshima?
There are very limited “Minshuku” (Japanese-style guesthouses) on the island, but they usually require booking via phone in Japanese. Most tourists visit Ainoshima as a half-day or full-day trip from Fukuoka City.
Ainoshima vs. Tashirojima
Both islands are good destinations to visit if you love cats. But they are located far apart from each other. Tashirojima is up north in Miyagi Prefecture, and Ainoshima is down south in Fukuoka Prefecture. If you are unsure which island to visit, we would recommend making the decision based on where else you plan to visit in Japan.
Another decision factor is how easy it is to get to the island. Ainoshima is easier to reach from a major city (Fukuoka) than Tashirojima (Ishinomaki), making it better for day-trippers.
Apart from Ainoshima and Tashirojima, Japan has several more cat islands you can explore. Refer to our article on the Top 10 Cat Islands in Japan for more information!
The Rabbit Island in Japan
In addition to all the cat islands, Japan also has a rabbit island. If you are an animal lover, you can meet the adorable deer on Miyajima Island and rabbits on Ōkunoshima Island during your next Japan trip!
If you are interested, find out more information about this island with our article on Ōkunoshima, filled with a massive rabbit population!
