Ainoshima

What it is

• A small island covering 0.68 square kilometers in the Kokurakita Ward of Kitakyushu.
• An ancient site mentioned as Aeshima in the Nihon Shoki chronicles.
• A local community supported primarily by sea bream, abalone, and sea urchin fisheries.
• A destination widely recognized for its high population of resident stray cats.

What to see

• Numerous stray cats that roam throughout the island's residential and harbor areas.
• A historical flag pole stand dating back to 1721, designated as a prefectural cultural property.
• Local island infrastructure including a single elementary school and a medical clinic.

When to go

• The Ainoshima Bon Dance is held as a city-designated intangible cultural property.

Getting there

• Take a regular ferry from Kokura for a journey of approximately 35 minutes.
• The ferry service connects the island to both Kokura and Umashima.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.