Kamiamakusa, Japan
Yushima (Cat Island)
The Amakusa region's "cat island" — a small island where locals and cats live side by side.
Before you go
- Only five round trips per day. Service may be cancelled in bad weather — check the official timetable and operating status before you go.
About Yushima (Cat Island)
A small island in the Ariake Sea off Kamiamakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture. Known locally as a cat island, it offers a quiet fishing-village atmosphere where cats are part of daily island life.
How to get to Yushima (Cat Island)
From Kumamoto, take a highway bus to the Sanpar bus stop (about 90 minutes), walk about 10 minutes to Ebito Port, then take the ferry to Yushima (about 25–30 minutes). Five round trips per day.
Service may be cancelled in bad weather — check the latest timetable and operating status before you go. The island is small and easy to explore on foot. Island restaurants often require advance reservations.
- From Kumamoto city, take a highway bus to the Sanpar bus stop (about 90 minutes).
- Walk about 10 minutes from Sanpar to Ebito Port.
- Take the ferry from Ebito Port to Yushima (about 25–30 minutes). Five round trips per day.
- Cats often greet you as soon as you arrive. The Yushima Cat God statue is near the harbor.
Ebito Port departures (Yushima Shosen — Showamaru / Kikumorimaru). Five round trips per day. Ferry schedules may change by season or weather. Please check the latest timetable before departure.
Location & map
Open in Google MapsYushima (Cat Island) Walking Map
This walking map covers Yushima Port, the Yushima Cat God statue, the Heart Acacia Tree, Mine Park, and other highlights. The island is small and best explored on foot. Locations are approximate. Please check the latest ferry schedule before your visit.
Yushima (Cat Island) Spot Guide
Nearby cat spots
Kakarajima (Cat Island)
Karatsu, Japan
Saga's "cat island" off Yobuko — a short ferry ride where cats roam a fishing village known for camellias.
Ainoshima (Cat Island)
Shingu, Japan
Japan's "other" cat island — a 20-minute ferry from Shingu port in Fukuoka.
Ainoshima, Kitakyushu (Cat Island)
Kitakyushu, Japan
Kitakyushu's cat island in the Genkai Sea — not to be confused with Ainoshima off Shingu.
Iwaishima (Cat Island)
Kaminoseki, Japan
A heart-shaped island in the Seto Inland Sea — one of Yamaguchi's quieter cat islands.
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