This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
Ainoshima (相島) is a lived-in fishing island, not a cat café. The municipal ferry takes about 17 minutes from Shingu Port, costs ¥480 each way for adults and ¥240 for children, and has fewer sailings from November through February.
Visitors come for the harbour, cats and island scenery. Respect residents and fishing work, and keep enough time for the ferry queue and the connection back to the station.
Ferry basics
| Route | Shingu Port–Ainoshima Port, about 17 minutes |
|---|---|
| Fare | Adult ¥480 one way; child ¥240 |
| March 1–October 31 | Six departures from Shingu; last return from Ainoshima 17:30 |
| November 1–end of February | Five departures from Shingu; last return 17:00 |
Buy the outward ticket at the Shingu ferry waiting room and the return ticket on Ainoshima. Weekends and holidays can fill, and cancellation due to waves is decided 30 minutes before the Ainoshima departure. Check the official timetable and current fare.
Getting to Shingu Port
Use JR or Nishitetsu rail followed by the local community bus or a taxi. Do not plan a tight transfer: locate the correct port, park if driving and buy the ticket before boarding. Aim for the ferry before your absolute last possible return.
What to see
Harbour lanes and cats
Cats are often seen around the port and narrow lanes. Fishing boats, homes and work areas remain private or operational space.
Hanagurise / “Megane-iwa”
The rock with a sea arch can be seen from the ferry, so watch on both the outward and return crossing.
Ainoshima Tsumuishizuka burial mounds
The coastal stone burial-mound group adds history to the walk. Paths can be hot, exposed or slippery after rain.
Cat and island etiquette
- Do not chase, pick up or corner cats for a photograph.
- Do not feed them unless current local instructions expressly permit it.
- Stay out of homes, boats, fishing equipment and private land.
- Keep roads clear for residents and work vehicles.
- Take rubbish away and carry water, sun protection and some cash.
Useful packing
Bring comfortable shoes, water, a hat, motion-sickness medicine and a charged phone. The deck is windy in winter and the island is exposed in summer. Bicycles cannot be carried on weekends or holidays and may be refused on weekdays if cargo space is needed.
For more coast ideas, see the Fukuoka beach guide.
