Ainoshima Island (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Ainoshima Island?
Couples get scenic walks, sunset views, and cute cat photos that create a romantic mood, but limited cafés and no late ferries shorten date time, so careful planning is needed.
Positives:
- Romantic Seaside Ambiance: The quiet shoreline and gentle waves create a relaxing setting for couples.
- Unique Cat Interactions: Friendly cats roam freely, offering shared moments and great photo ops.
Challenges:
- Limited Facilities: Restrooms and dining options are few and may require cash payments.
- Ferry Schedule: Ferries run infrequently. Check departure times to avoid long waits.
What is so special about Ainoshima Island for couple trip?
- Interact with friendly island cats for memorable photos
- Capture a unique couple selfie at Glasses Rock
- Enjoy a sunset picnic on the breakwater
- Relax over local specialties at the ocean-view café
- Explore the island on rented bicycles
Recommended visit duration: 1 day
Why 1 day visit duration is ideal for couple trip: One day lets you stroll the 5.4 km loop, enjoy the café, and relax at sunset.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Ainoshima Island
Cat Watching and Photography:
Meet and photograph the island’s friendly feral cats near the ferry dock and old warehouses.
Tip: Approach slowly and avoid feeding. Hold your camera low for better eye-level shots.
Glasses Rock (Megane Iwa):
Walk the 5.4 km coastal loop to the basalt formation with a natural ‘glasses’ hole.
Tip: Visit at midday for even lighting. Frame the rock’s hole for a memorable couple selfie.
Sunset Picnic on the Breakwater:
Enjoy a picnic on the concrete breakwater while watching the sun set over Genkai Sea.
Tip: Bring a blanket and close food containers tightly to deter curious cats.
Island-View Café at Shima-no-Eki:
Taste the hijiki seaweed croquette burger or Hakata chicken curry with ocean views.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a window seat. Cash only at the café.
Bicycle Rental:
Rent bikes at the island station and cycle the coastal road together.
Tip: Check tire pressure before you go. Carry a map or GPS; cell signal is patchy.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip ferry (2 adults) | JPY 2,000 |
| Bicycle rental (2 adults, 1 hr) | JPY 1,000 |
| Cafe lunch (2 adults) | JPY 1,600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,600 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Ainoshima Island?
Summer can be hot—bring sun protection and water. Autumn offers clear skies. In winter, check ferry schedules before planning.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Ainoshima Island
- Early Start: Take the first ferry to beat the midday heat and enjoy quieter paths.
- Pack Snacks: Bring water and snacks since café menu is limited and may run out.
Map of Ainoshima Island
Address: Ainoshima Island, Ainoshima, Shingu, Kasuya District, Fukuoka 811-0118, Japan
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Reviews of Ainoshima Island
Zacurry C
A nice weather to taking ferry to Ainoshima only 17 mins, but you gotta checking the time for departure. So many lovely cat on this island, close to human and FOOD ofc 😹
Jeff Ho
Ainoshima Island is highly recommended if you are in the Fukuoka area and want to visit a cat island. For ¥100 (cash only), there's a shuttle bus from Fukko Daimae station that will take you to the ferry terminal. See my photo of the bus you need to take. Otherwise, a ¥3000 cab ride will suffice. The 20 minutes ferry ride was about ¥500 one way to Ainoshima. Note the weird ferry schedule to the is...
Rainbow Leung
A must visit island for cat lovers, many tourists going to this small island but with restraint manner, lower the voices, quietly getting close to the cats and petting them gently.
Kurt Han
If you just wanna pat some cats, 1 hour is total enough. Or you can stay here 3 hours, enough to walk around the whole island and get a dinner, which is what i did.
Isceed Olivarez
Meow 🐱 it’s Cat Island! It was raining hard but I pushed through and thankfully the heavens allowed us to set sail, and enjoy the island that is full of, you know it - cats! It’s predominantly a residential island still, but the cats are everywhere. Yep, one street and look, a cat! Turn your head and walk a bit, and look, another cat! It’s just Catlandia all over 😹
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