Ainoshima Cat Island Day Trip from Fukuoka: 150+ Cats

Walk or cycle past 150 cats roaming freely across a CNN-featured island, then return to Fukuoka the same day.

This guided afternoon tour takes you by train, bus and ferry from Fukuoka to Ainoshima Island, a small Japanese island home to around 150–200 friendly feral cats living peacefully with residents. Your English-speaking guide shares the island's history and culture while you explore on foot or by included 2-hour bicycle rental, visiting the Ainoshima Tumuli (ancient stone burial mounds), Hanagurise rock formation, and historic shrines. The 5.4 km loop road is easy to navigate, and you'll have time to rest at a café before the ferry returns you to Fukuoka. Public transportation is used throughout. Lunch is not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ainoshima Cat Island

• Take ferry from Shingu Port
• Walk or cycle island loop road
• Visit Ainoshima Tumuli burial mounds
• See Hanagurise rock formation
• Explore historic shrines
• Relax at island café
• Return ferry to Fukuoka

The experience

Ainoshima sits just 20 minutes by ferry from Shingu Port, making it a reachable half-day escape from Fukuoka. CNN named it one of the world's six best cat spots, and the cats here, mostly friendly ferals, roam the island openly, unfazed by visitors. The island is small enough to cover in a few hours, with a 5.4 km loop road that works equally well on foot or by bicycle. Your guide speaks English and will explain the island's history and the unique coexistence between residents and cats as you move through the day.

The bicycle rental (included for 2 hours) lets you cover more ground than walking alone, reaching spots like the Ainoshima Tumuli, ancient stone burial mounds that dot the landscape, and the Hanagurise rock arch overlooking the coast. Several historic shrines are scattered across the island. Between exploration, you'll have downtime to sit at a café and absorb the island's quiet coastal atmosphere. The tour uses public transportation (train, bus and ferry), so you'll travel with other passengers rather than in a private vehicle.

The full day runs 5.5 hours from pickup to drop-off in Fukuoka, though much of that is travel time on public transit. You'll need to arrive at the pickup point 10 minutes early. Bring your own lunch or plan to eat at the café. The tour does not include a meal. The island suits all fitness levels, and the pace is gentle. This is a relaxed day among cats, not a strenuous hike.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide.
• round-trip public transportation (train, bus, ferry) from Fukuoka.
• 2-hour bicycle rental to explore the island.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by H.I.S.Co., Ltd.

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English throughout, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably even if you don't speak Japanese. The public transportation means you travel with other passengers rather than in a private vehicle, and the pace is leisurely: ideal if you want a low-key afternoon among cats without a strenuous schedule.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get to Ainoshima from Fukuoka?

You travel by train, bus and ferry using public transportation. The ferry ride from Shingu Port to Ainoshima takes about 20 minutes. Your guide meets you at the pickup point in Fukuoka and leads the group through each leg of the journey.

Can I walk the whole island, or do I need the bicycle?

The 5.4 km loop road can be walked, but the included 2-hour bicycle rental lets you cover more ground and reach sites like the Ainoshima Tumuli and Hanagurise rock formation more easily. You choose how to use the rental time.

What are the Ainoshima Tumuli?

The Ainoshima Tumuli are ancient stone burial mounds scattered across the island. They are one of the main historical sites your guide will show you during the tour.

How many cats will I see, and are they friendly?

Around 150–200 cats live on Ainoshima, and most are friendly feral cats that roam freely across the island. They are accustomed to visitors and live peacefully alongside residents, so you'll encounter them throughout your day.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, so you'll need to arrange your own meal. There is a cozy café on the island where you can eat and rest during your visit.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring comfortable walking or cycling shoes, sun protection, and money for lunch or café purchases. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and the pace is relaxed.