Ainoshima

Ainoshima, floating off the coast of Shingu Town in Fukuoka Prefecture, is a small remote island where time seems to pass at a slower pace. Many cats live across the island, and their presence has long been a topic of conversation among visitors. In recent years, it has also been introduced by overseas travel media as one of the "World's 6 Great Cat Spots," quietly drawing attention from Japan and abroad.

After an Approx. 20-minute ferry ride from Shingu Fishing Port on the town-operated ferry, you arrive at an island with a calm, easygoing atmosphere. More than 100 cats roam freely here, napping around the fishing port and narrow alleys or padding up to visitors' feet, creating the strange but delightful feeling that you’ve stepped into a town where people live side by side with cats.

Ainoshima’s appeal goes beyond its cats. Spots where history and nature intersect are scattered across the island, including the Ainoshima Tsumuishizuka Burial Mounds, believed to date back to the Kofun period, and the unusual sea-carved rock formation known as Megane-iwa. It’s just the right size for a relaxed walk, and the route around the island is about 5 km, making both walking and rental cycling popular ways to explore.

You can also enjoy meals made with fresh seafood, and depending on the season, fishing and birdwatching are available too, so even non-cat lovers will find plenty to enjoy. It’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a refreshing break from everyday life, where you can experience the island’s slow, unhurried rhythm firsthand.