A 30 minute drive from the city center, Iki no Matsubara and Odo are regions in Fukuoka’s west ward that are renowned for their spectacular coastal views and nature. Filled with history, delectable cuisine, nighttime fun, and other activities, the area is attracting a lot of attention!

In this issue, we introduce spots in the Ikumatsubara/Odo area where you will be able to enjoy a day wandering about from spot to spot. These are some of the best activities and ways to spend your time in the bay area.

Iki no Matsubara is roughly 30 minutes away from the Tenjin area of Fukuoka by car, and for those taking public transporation is a 10 minute walk away from the JR Shimoyamato train station. From there, you walk along the Karatsu highway for about 3 kilometers until you arrive at an unfolding expanse of black pine trees, and you’re there.

Part of the beachfront is covered in white sand and green pines, and is listed in the prefectural list of top 100 places to relax. Take a stroll along the coast, do a spot of fishing, or even go for a dip in the sea water all as you are caressed by the gentle sea breeze.

Nearby there are restaurants and café’s with excellent ocean views that offer both eat-in and take-out dining options, making this area perfect for those who want to go for a promenade.

Odo is a coastal region that is close to the Meinohama station that connects the JR line that goes further west with the Fukuoka subway system. Facing out onto both the Imazu and Hakata bays, a large yacht harbor and Kyushu’s largest outlet mall [Marinoa City Fukuoka] can be found here. Lately, it has become very popular as a leisure spot. 

Additionally, one of the three major Atago shrines of Japan can be found here, and it is famous for offering a spectacular view of the city skyline. 

Before coming here though let’s rewind a bit, and begin our journey from Iki no Matsubara.

Spanning a 2.5 kilometer stretch from the Nagatare coast to the Odo coastline, old stone fortifications used to repel Mongol invaders from the Yuan dynasty still remain intact. That’s right! These are the very same walls that protected Japan during those two infamous failed invasion attempts.

In the midst of the beautiful scenery you can see and feel the relics of days long past. If you continue alongside the remnants of the wall eventually you will come to a quiet and peaceful tori gate.

This tori gate marks the way to the shrine on Iki Island far off in the sea. Depending on the season, the sun will sometimes emerge directly into the middle of the gate, creating truly photogenic scenery. 

In preparation for the impending Mongol attack, in the Kamakura era the defending army erected a 20 kilometer stretch of wall in order to protect the coastline. As part of this a span of fence in the Iki no Matsubara area was recently repaired, and is now open to the public. 

The adjustments to the fence allow one to now inspect the stone fortification from closer than ever before, granting visitors an even more intimate view of the past. 

The parking lot (paid) is located 3 minutes away from the wall and has a bathroom. We hope that you will make the journey to the impressive remains of the stone fortifications in Iki no Matsubara. It would be the perfect outing for a day of exploration on a summer day!

[Iki no Matsubara Mongolian Fortification Parking Lot]
Location: 5-chome, Odo and 1-chome, Iki no Matsubara, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka　
3-minute walk (approx. 200 m) to the Mongolian Fortification
Parking: 1 bus (large buses allowed), 7 standard-sized vehicles
Fees: 1,000 yen per hour for buses, 100 yen per hour for standard-sized vehicles

The Seaside Bulls Café restaurant sits right next to the Iki no Matsubara coastline. This café is allows owners to come with their pets. The café is filled with verdure, modeled on the nearby surrounding west coast area. Come on over and take a load off! 

The menu features items modeled off the mascot of the café, Umechan, with offerings ranging from the Umechan Grill and Umechan Burger. 

Mascot dogs Umechan (right) and Popochan (left) are sometimes in the store. Their “working hours” are not fixed so please check the café’s Instagram account to make sure before coming. 

The cream soda (740 yen) and yoghurt ice cream lemon soda float (740 yen) are also big hits with customers. Food and drinks can be ordered for take-out as well, so if the weather is nice you can take your meal with you to the coast and chow down! 

[SEASIDE BULLS CAFÉ]
Address: 1-19-5 Iki no Matsubara, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-836-9903
Business hours: 11:00-19:00
Closed: No regular holidays
Parking: Yes
For more information, please visit us on Instagram: @seasidebullscafe

Here, roughly 7 minutes away from Iki no Matsubara in the area of Imajuku you will find the resort restaurant Ocean House located on the California BBQ Beach premises. 

At all seats of this restaurant you will be afforded an extraordinary view of the sea as you dine. 

Particularly popular here is the charcoal grilled steak that is cooked on the enormous central grill. Lunch menus and course menus are also available. Lunch runs from 1,848 yen (tax included) and dinner from 3,980 yen (tax included).

You can enjoy your meal on either the first floor terrace or 2nd floor rooftop seating that comes with a scaffold for shade. There are also drink and dessert menus, and even coffee for those wanting a cup. 

[OCEAN HOUSE]
Address: 1119-1 Aoki, Imajuku, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
California BBQ Beach
TEL: 092-807-6667
Business hours: [LUNCH] 11:30 - 15:00 [CAFÉ] 15:00 - 17:00 [DINNER] 17:00 - 21:30 (Sat. & Sun. - 22:00) [BBQ] 11:30 - 21:00
Closed: No regular holidays
For more information, please visit us on Instagram: 
＠ocean.house_fukuoka

After enjoying the nature of Iki no Matsubara it’s time for us to head over to the Odo area. Here you will find Marinoa City Fukuoka which is home to one of the largest indoor experience facilities in Japan, combining sports, athletic activities, and entertainment. 

The facility, with an area of approximately 4,000 m2 and a height of approximately 20 m, offers 16 types of attractions, including sports and athletic activities complete with digital entertainment, allowing visitors to exercise while playing. 

[NOBOLT]
Address: 2-10-76, Odo, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-884-0810
Hours: Weekdays 11:00 - 20:00 (last admission 18:00), Weekends and holidays 9:00 - 20:00 (last admission 18:00)
For fees and details: https://www.taito.co.jp/NOBOLT

Kyoto and Tokyo) that is located closer to the city. Since ancient times this protective deity has been enshrined from atop Atago Mountain in the city’s west ward. It is known as a power spot to locals. 

Additionally, the scenery from the shrine is spectacular, affording visitors a commanding view of Fukuoka Tower and the PayPay Dome further east. It has a reputation for being one of the most scenic spots in western Japan and is a popular tourist attraction in Fukuoka.

While the view at daytime is great, the nighttime view is truly not to be missed! This way you can capture the glittering cityscape in all of its majesty.

[Atago Shrine]
Address: 2-7-1 Atago, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City
TEL: 092-881-0103
For more information: http://atagojinjya.com/

Did this give you any good ideas for a day trip? By all means, come and explore the Iki no Matsubara and Odo areas for yourselves!