Ainoshima (Shingū)
Island off the coast of Fukuoka, Japan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ainoshima (Japanese: 相島) (Aino-Island) is an island in Shingū, Fukuoka, Japan. Many feral cats and strays live on this island. Hence, it is known as "Cat Heaven Island".[1]
LocationGenkai Sea
Coordinates33°45′44.5″N 130°21′54.5″E
Area1.25 km2 (0.48 sq mi)
Coastline8 km (5 mi)
Native name: 相島 (Ainoshima) | |
|---|---|
 Ainoshima | |
  Location within Japan  Location within Fukuoka Prefecture | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Genkai Sea |
| Coordinates | 33°45′44.5″N 130°21′54.5″E |
| Area | 1.25 km2 (0.48 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 8 km (5 mi) |
| Administration | |
Japan | |
| Prefecture | Fukuoka Prefecture |
| District | Kasuya District |
| Town | Shingū |
| Additional information | |
| Official website | Shingū Town Official Website (in Japanese) |
Sightseeing spots
Ainoshima has some historic sites.
Ainoshima Stone Tumuli (相島積石塚群, Ainoshima tsumiishitsuka-gun)
The old wharf for Joseon missions to Japan
Tumuli
These piles of stone from the 5th century are located on the eastern side of the island. They are speculated to mark ancient graves.[2]
Transportation
- Shingū Municipal Ferry Service (新宮町営渡船, Shingū Chō-ei Tosen)
- Shingū Port (Shingū Fishing Port) – Ainoshima Port : Required time and fare: approx. 17 minutes, 480 JPY[3]
- Shingū Port is a twenty-minute walk from Nishitetsu Shingū Station.
Ferry "Shingū" (しんぐう)
See also
- Aoshima, Ehime, another Japanese "Cat Island"
- Tashirojima, another Japanese "Cat Island"
- Ōkunoshima, known as Usagi-jima ("Rabbit Island") for its feral rabbit population
