Ainoshima Island, located off the coast of Shingū Town in Fukuoka Prefecture, is a small heart-shaped island that has gained worldwide fame as a cat paradise. With over 230 cats roaming freely on the island, visitors can enjoy interacting with these friendly felines while exploring the island's historical sites and scenic views. Accessible by a short ferry ride from Shingū Port, Ainoshima offers a unique and charming experience for cat lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Access:

The easiest route is from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka: take the Nishitetsu train to Nishitetsu-Shingu Station, or a JR train to Fukko-Daimae. From there, hop on the Ai-land community bus (#2 from Nishitetsu or #1 from Fukko-Daimae) to reach Ainoshima Ferry Terminal (Tosenba) in 10-15 minutes. Taxis are also available from the stations, costing ¥1,100-¥1,600.

At the terminal, board the ferry from Shingu Port to Ainoshima, where you may already spot some of the famous island cats.