Kitakyushu, Japan
Ainoshima, Kitakyushu (Cat Island)
Kitakyushu's cat island in the Genkai Sea — not to be confused with Ainoshima off Shingu.
Before you go
- Do not confuse this island with Ainoshima (相島) off Shingu near Fukuoka City — different ferry, different city.
- Ferry sailings are limited. Plan return boats carefully, especially if you also stop at Umashima.
- On busy weekends and holidays, boarding tickets for Kokura departures may be issued from one hour before sailing — check the notice at the waiting area.
About Ainoshima, Kitakyushu (Cat Island)
A small island in the Hibiki Nada off Kokura Kita in Kitakyushu. Roughly as many cats as residents are said to live here, and visitors come for the laid-back fishing-village atmosphere. Accessible by municipal ferry from Kokura (via Umashima) in about 40 minutes.
Important: This is not the same island as Ainoshima (相島) off Shingu Town near Fukuoka City. Both are read "Ainoshima" in Japanese, but they are different places — Shingu's island uses the characters 相島; Kitakyushu's uses 藍島.
How to get to Ainoshima, Kitakyushu (Cat Island)
From JR Kokura Station, walk about 8 minutes to the Kitakyushu municipal ferry terminal (Asano / Kokura ferry for Umashima and Ainoshima). The crossing takes about 40 minutes via Umashima (about 25 minutes to Umashima). Usually three sailings per day; summer and holiday schedules add extra boats. Cars cannot board. Adult one-way fare is typically around ¥400 — confirm current fares. Check the official Kitakyushu City timetable before you go. On busy weekends and holidays, boarding tickets may be required for Kokura departures.
- Arrive at JR Kokura Station (Shinkansen and local lines).
- Walk about 8 minutes to the Kitakyushu municipal ferry terminal for Umashima / Ainoshima (do not confuse it with other nearby ferry counters).
- Take the ferry to Ainoshima via Umashima (about 40 minutes total).
- Explore on foot from Honmura Port (Ainoshima Port) — cats are often seen around the harbor and village paths.
Kokura Port departures (municipal ferry via Umashima) Ferry schedules may change by season or weather. Please check the latest timetable before departure.
Location & map
Open in Google MapsAinoshima, Kitakyushu (Cat Island) Walking Map
This walking map covers Honmura Port (Ainoshima Port), Ainoshima Tunnel, the Ainoshima Lookout Flagpole Platform, Senjoshiki, and other highlights on Ainoshima in Kitakyushu — a different island from Ainoshima (相島) off Shingu. Locations are approximate. Please check the latest ferry schedule before your visit.
Ainoshima, Kitakyushu (Cat Island) Spot Guide
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