There are two areas along Fukuoka's coast, each with its own distinct charm. One is the East Coast, home to Shikanoshima, a land-tied island. Its charm lies in its mystical scenery, where torii gates appear to merge with the sea. The other is the Kitazaki area on the West Coast, where expansive beaches stretch out. The Kitazaki area features palm trees and white sandy beaches, allowing you to enjoy a resort-like atmosphere.  

Your guide on this journey is the lion dance.

Let's follow the Lion Dancer (shishimai 獅子舞) to explore the wonders of these easily accessible coastal areas near Fukuoka City! We will introduce spots in Fukuoka where you can experience prayer, stunning views, and a sense of liberation.

<Table of Contents>
1. East Coast―Mystical Spot “Shikanoshima”
    1.1 Shikanoshima
    1.2 Gebagahama Beach
    1.3 Shikaumi Shrine・Okitsumiya
2. West Coast―“Kitazaki Area” for Beach Resort Fun―
    2.1 Palm Beach
    2.2 Palm Tree Swing (Zauo)

1. East Coast―Mystical Spot “Shikanoshima”

The island is connected to the Kyushu mainland by a long road that runs atop a narrow spit of sand called the "Uminonakamichi (Sea Road)." You can drive or take a bus along it while gazing at the sea, making it one of Fukuoka's most iconic scenic spots.
 
The island features beautiful coastlines and historic shrines dotted throughout, attracting many people who enjoy cycling and walking. It is an area where nature, history, and faith converge.

1.1 志賀島（Shikanoshima Island)

Shikanoshima, where the Lion Dancer headed from the land-tied road, is one of Fukuoka's most iconic scenic spots.
In 1784, a gold seal engraved with “King of Wa” was discovered on Shikanoshima. This seal is believed to have been presented by China's Han Dynasty around the 1st century AD and is considered evidence of one of Japan's earliest diplomatic relations.

The island boasts a beautiful coastline and an open, expansive feel. The road leading to the island is particularly popular for driving and cycling, offering spectacular views with the sea stretching out on both sides. It reveals different expressions with each season.

The Lion Dancer also makes its way to the island, enveloped in the sea breeze.
 
▶ Shikanoshima Island
【Address】Shikanoshima, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
【Access】Approx. 40 min by car from JR Hakata Station / Get off at Nishitetsu Bus “Shikanoshima” stop
Approx. 30 min by municipal ferry from Hakata Port to Shikanoshima
Using the municipal ferry is the most convenient way to access the island!
【Parking】Multiple lots available within the area

1.2 下馬ヶ浜(Gebagahama Beach)

The Lion Dancer walks to Gebagahama Beach in the island's northwest.
 
Gebagahama Beach is a beautiful beach with white sand, located opposite “Kyukamura Shikanoshima.” It's characterized by its crystal-clear waters and gentle waves, making it perfect for strolling or swimming.
 
It's also renowned as a prime location for sunset viewing. As dusk approaches, the setting sun dips below the horizon, painting the sea surface and creating a fantastical scene.

The Lion Dancer also gazes at the beautiful sunset from the sandy shore. It's a moment to give thanks to nature.
 
▶ Gebagahama Beach
【Address】Katsuma, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City (in front of Kyukamura shikanoshima)
【Access】Take the municipal ferry from Hakata Pier to “Shikanoshima Ferry Terminal” or take a bus from JR Kashii Line “Nishitosaki Station”. Get off at “Kyukamura shikanoshima Stop” and walk 2 minutes.
【Parking】Available

1.3 Shikaumi Shrine・Okitsumiya

Lion Dancer walks toward the shrine to pray to the sea deity.
 
Shikaumi Shrine, located in eastern Shikanoshima, is the head shrine dedicated to the sea deity.
Revered as a guardian deity for maritime safety and navigation, it remains a popular spiritual spot attracting many visitors today.

This shrine appears in Japan's oldest historical texts, the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, as well as in Japan's oldest anthology of poetry, the Manyoshu.
 
A distinctive custom at Shikaumi Shrine is the “Oshioi” ritual. Oshioi involves sprinkling sea sand onto one's body in the order left, right, left before worship to purify the mind and body.
 
After sprinkling the sea sand placed at the torii gate onto your body, proceed to worship.

Okitsumiya is a subsidiary shrine of Shikaumi Shrine, located on a small island at the northernmost tip of Shikanoshima, away from the main shrine building. It's about a 5-minute walk from the Kyukamura Shikanoshima bus stop.

Okitsumiya is across from Nakatsumiya, which is also a subsidiary shrine.

At low tide, you can walk to the small island to worship. Even if the timing doesn't work out, simply gazing at the beautiful torii gate from the sea and joining your hands in prayer is sufficient.
 
The Lion Dancer also gazed at the beautiful torii floating on the sea from afar, enjoying the sound of the waves for a while.
 
▶ Shikaumi Shrine and Okitsumiya Shrine
【Address】877 Shikanoshima, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
【Access】10-minute walk from Bus Stop “Shikanoshima” / Municipal Ferry “Shikanoshima Passenger Waiting Area”
【Phone】092-603-6501
【Visiting Hours】6:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Shrine Office 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
【Parking】Available

2. West Coast―“Kitazaki Area” for Beach Resort Fun―

Lion Dancer dances into the Kitazaki Area, northwest of Fukuoka City.
The coastline of the Itoshima area is dotted with beautiful ocean views and photogenic spots.

Its charm lies in its good access from the city and the expansive beaches where you can enjoy a sense of liberation.

2.1 Palm Beach

The Lion Dancer is captivated by the beautiful beach.
 
Palm Beach, located in Nishiura, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, boasts crystal-clear waters.
 
As the Lion Dancer listens to the waves, a crowd gathers across the beach. There, the 'Angel's Wings' wall art appears. The Lion Dancer, without thinking, strikes a pose in front of it.

Right by that beach lies Palm Beach The Gardens.
 
This resort mall, featuring restaurants and shops, offers an ideal location to enjoy gourmet food while taking in the ocean views. It boasts a diverse range of shops, including those serving dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, fresh squid from the nearby Nishiura Fishing Port, gelato, and hot dogs.
 
The Lion Dancer felt like he was at a tropical resort, taking lots of photos and having a great time.
 
▶PALM BEACH THE GARDENS
【Address】285 Nishiura, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
【Access】From JR “Kyudai Gakuen Toshi Station”, take the bus to “PALM BEACH Stop”
From “Hakata Bus Terminal” stop via the West Coast Liner express bus, get off at “Futamigaura/PALMBEACH-mae Stop”
【Parking】Available
 URL：http://pb-gardens.com/

2.2 Palm Tree Swing (Zauo)

The last place the Lion Dancer visited was the 'Palm Tree Swing', a popular photo spot on social media. Two palm trees stand on the beach within the grounds of 'Harbor House BBQ Garden,' with swings installed between them.
 
The swings give you the feeling of flying over the beautiful sea, creating a fun and exciting experience for both adults and children. Ride the wind, soar toward the sky, and fly over the sea—it's an expansive and photogenic spot.

There are also plenty of play structures around the swings, where kids can get plenty of exercise on things like the Tarzan rope. 

Summer brings fun activities like bucket showers, so you can enjoy carefree time at the beach.

The Lion Dancer took romantic photos with the setting sun as a backdrop.
 
▶Harbor House BBQ Garden
【Address】79-6 Oda, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City
【Access】From JR “Kyudai Gakuen Toshi Station”, take the bus to “Nishiura (Zauo Main Store) Stop”
Take the West Coast Liner express bus from “Hakata Bus Terminal” stop to “Zauo Main Store Front Stop”
【Phone】092-809-2989
【Hours】July–September: 10:30 AM–9:30 PM / October–June: 10:30 AM–6:00 PM
【Parking】Paid parking lot across the street

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