MICHELIN GUIDE

Real Japan,Fukuoka -”Cat Haven Island”Ainoshima

Cat Haven Island

Only 17 minutes from Shingu Port, Ainoshima is a historic island often mentioned in poetries such as the Man’yoshu and the Shokukokin Wakashu. The island is home to some of the most interesting spots in the region, such as the national historic site of Ainoshima Rock-mound Tumuli, Hanagurise rock formation, a columnar jointing sheer cliff, ancient shrines, and so forth. Most of these are located along the 5.4-kilometer road that loops around the island, and many take advantage of the route as a hiking course. It is also a great birdwatching route as migratory birds nest here on the island along the way.

Ainoshima is also quite internationally renowned for its high volume of stray cats, earning the nickname ”Cat Haven Island”.