On a small island with a population of about 200 people, there are more than 200 cats! The island is known as one of the six cat islands in the world, and everyone wants to explore it. The Japaholic editorial department has sorted out what other fun, photographic, and delicious attractions in this charming cat island are here, let's take a look!
Why is Aishima Island in Fukuoka called Cat Island?
Aijima, located not far from the Shingu fishing port, was originally a secret base for anglers, but later became the focus of tourists as more and more cats flocked to the area, allowing them to roam freely around the island. It will become what everyone calls "Cat Island". And in 2013, it was praised by CNN as one of the world's top 6 cat attractions, so it attracted a large number of cat slaves to make a pilgrimage.
How to get to Ainoshima?
Aijima is a small island located northeast of Fukuoka and there are several ways to get to Fukuoka Aishima. Taking a high-speed ferry from central Fukuoka is the most convenient way to do this and takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the JR train to Hakata Port and then transfer to a ferry or speedboat. If you like a challenge, you can also go by car and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the way, which is also a great choice!
Play with the cats
You can walk through the cats' paradise and observe their living conditions. You'll see the cats dozing off, chasing and playing, and even interacting with visitors. For animal lovers, this is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the adorable cats and take some memorable photos. Whether it's on the beach, on the roadside wall, or in a small shop, there are cats everywhere on the island, which is a great happiness for cat slaves!
Of course, there are some things that must be paid attention to when playing with cats. For example, never "feed cats". This could damage the local cat ecosystem. In addition, don't "move the cat" casually. Although there are about 200 cats on this island, cats are social animals with their own territorial ideas. Some cats may not be able to adapt to their new environment if they are moved to an unfamiliar place. Therefore, in the place where cats live, please do not disturb them, which is the best respect and care for them!
The island is delicious and fun, and it is open to the public
It would be a pity if you came to Cat Island only to play with cats, so you will miss a lot of delicious and fun attractions. There are also many historical sites on Xiangdao, and understanding the local history through some traces of life is also a very important part of in-depth tourism. Here are a few attractions to share with you!
1. Maruyama Shokudo
The island on the sea must not miss the fresh seafood! The sashimi is delicious and clear, and it is not a high-end restaurant, but it is a rare experience to eat in a small restaurant on the island and be an islander for a day!
■Address: 1382-2 Aijima, Shingu Town, Harutan-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture
■Telephone: 092-962-4360
2. Western-style restaurant Umi
Eat refreshing pizza and pasta by the sea, smell the salty sea breeze, and spend lunch in a pleasant place!
■Location: 1310 Aiji, Shingu Town, Harutan-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture
■Telephone: 090-5946-2400
3. Cafes on the island
If you're tired of playing with cats in the sun and want to take a break, go for a cup of coffee! There is still a blue sea with you, and it is also a great pleasure to watch the lazy cats from afar.
■ Location: 2nd floor, Aijima, Station of Shima no Shima, 1382-1 Aijima, Shingu Town, Harutan-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture
■Telephone: 092-962-4360
4. Aijima Stone Mound Group
During the Kofun period, many tombs were built out of earth to bury the dead. Among them, ancient tombs built with stone and mixed earth were found on the island of Sojima. Known as the "Stone Tombs", such a large group of ancient tombs is also listed as an important site in Japan, so visitors to Aijima should be careful not to damage the integrity of the site.
5. Nakushu
The whole is made up of basalt. A 20-meter-high and 100-meter-long sea gate. It is listed as an important scenic spot in Fukuoka Prefecture of Japan, and is very similar to the Elephant Trunk Rock in Taiwan, but the difference is that the nose chestnut is independent of the sea eclipse gate, which is very spectacular. Unfortunately, the Elephant Trunk Rock in Taiwan was interrupted by a big wave a while ago, so you can go to Fukuoka to see the natural wonders!
Plan a trip to Fukuoka and meet the cute cats!
As Cat Island, Aijima is an ideal destination for those who love animals and nature. Not only can you get up close and personal with the cute cats, but you can also enjoy the island's stunning natural scenery. It will be a journey full of joy and memories, allowing you to forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the time spent with the animals!