Ainoshima Island (相島) is a

small heart-shaped island

around 7.5 km off the coast of
Shingū Town (新宮町) north
A Guide to
of Fukuoka City. The island that Kyūshū’s Most
used to host up to 500 Korean
emissaries is now one of the Famous Cat Island
world’s most famous cat spots.
So if you are a cat lover, how
about a trip to Ainoshima when
you visit northern Kyūshū on
Train, Ferry: 6h 32m your next Japan trip?
Dollar Cost: $162-$219

Car ferry, Ferry:37h 5m

Dollar Cost: $138-$141

Since CNN broadcasted the cats
on Ainoshima to the world, the
island has been receiving
visitors around the globe.
Night bus, Ferry:14h Currently, there are more than
230 cats on Aionoshima Island.
15m With only around 280 human
residents, the cat population is
Dollar Cost: $64-$177 enormous!
1. A sanctuary dedicated to cats : After
continuing for 1km from the Odomari
port, you will arrive at the Cat Sanctuary
which enshrines a cat god
According to legend, fishermen around
the island relied on cats to predict the
weather and the day's catch. One day,
however, a cat died in an accident. The
fisherman wept inconsolably and
established the shrine to worship the cat
as a deity.
2. Eat and play with the cats at Shima no
Eki, a rest stop: Approximately 200
meters south of the cat sanctuary is Shima
no Eki, a rest stop. Here you can find
stores offering cat-themed souvenirs,
snacks and drinks. There are also many
cats relaxing in front of the stores..
3. The road around the port of Nitoda: As
you approach Nitoda harbor from Shia no
Eki, you will see many cats relaxing in
front of houses, closed stores and on the
streets - you will also see many other cats
playing with each other!
.
 Gyudon: is Japan's The island of Ainoshima is small but beautiful. Its
fast food. It is a rice tranquil setting, ocean views and traditional
dish with strips of villages make it a relaxing and perfect
getaway. There are also several things to see
sweet and sour meat, and enjoy that make this island unique:
seasoned with soy Manga Island: a manga-themed camping
sauce and sugar. spot on the south side of Tashirojima.
You can stay in a cat-shaped hostel or camp
outdoors. Each lodge features cat-themed
artwork by famous manga artists, including
Shotaro Ishinomori. Cost: $40
Cat shrine (Nekokamisama): dedicated to a
 Teppanyaki: Is a type cat that was accidentally killed when hit by a
of food cooked on an falling rock, this miniature shrine is the perfect
size for cats. Locals bring offerings to it and you
iron griddle Typically, will see many cat-related items at the shrine. It
dishes included in this is located in the center of the island, halfway
between the 2 villages. Cost: $200
category are
okonomiyaki,
Walk around Tashirojima: the island has only 2
yakisoba, monja and villages (Odomari and Nitoda) and they are
seafood. linked by narrow roads and walking paths
through Tashirojima. Take a walk up the hill,
through the forest and along the coast,
enjoying the natural beauty.. Cost: $60