Ainoshima – or more popularly known as “Nekojima” (meaning cat island) – is a fishing island located an hour away from Fukuoka. And because it’s an island, you have to ride a boat to get there. Make sure to check the schedule because only a few boats make trips to the island!
As soon as you get off the boat, you will be met by a signboard telling visitors to not feed the cats on the island. It’s written in English, too. I think this is to prevent any sanitary problems on the island.
The land area of the island is 1.25 square kilometers. One walk around the whole island would be equivalent to 6 kilometers. The current population is around 500 people and more than 100 cats. Because of the large number of cats, it was called “cat island.”
Aside from the cats, another special characteristic of this island is the bountiful nature surrounding it. The color of the sea is really pretty and the waters are so clear, you can see the bottom. An eroded rock called “Megane Rock” and the “Ainoshima Stone Tumuli” which is a designated national historical landmark are the other attractions here. You can come upon the Ainoshima Stone Tumuli if you walk for around 25 minutes to your right.
Near the port is the only restaurant in the island called Maruyama. From their popular menu item, the sashimi set meal, to udon meals and more, all of their fish are really fresh so everything was really delicious. They also serve a “love croquette” set meal here that isn’t served anywhere else in Japan.
The cats of this island are used to people. Also, while cats normally don’t go outside when the rays of the sun are strong, the cats here don’t mind at all and would immediately go to our side and curl up under our shadows or by our feet. So cute ♥-♥
The cats will immediately place themselves by the shadow of your bag as soon as you put it down.
A cat sleeping on a box of onions in front of Maruyama
Cat and the sea
It looks like it feels good!
Yawning cat!
If you like cats, how about going to a cat island instead of a cat cafe?
