The island has a perimeter of 10 kilometers with it taking roughly 1 hour to make a lap of the island by bike. This compact size and abundance of points of interest allows visitors to take in the sights as they cycle about the place. Furthermore, in Spring of 2023 the Shikanoshima Visitors Center finished its renovations, making it possible to learn about the rich history and nature of the island as you experience it firsthand. 

So, without further ado, let us introduce some of the unique and interesting things to do on the island!

When getting to Shikanoshima from Fukuoka the municipal ferry is usually the quickest way. From the dock located in Hakata Bayside Place it costs 680 yen one way for adults and takes roughly 30 minutes. Taking a boat at 9:30 or so means you will arrive on the island at about 10:00 AM. 

▼For information on ferry times, please consult the Shikanoshima/Hakata route section of this document▼
https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/kowan/kyakusen/hakata-port/hyo.html

This rental bike store and café is located on the entrance of the road leading up to the Shikaumi Shrine. There are many different types of bike to choose from including options for families and children. The staff have thorough knowledge of the island and are more than willing to give you advice on the best route to take, making it easy for first timers as well.  

The store is located in a repurposed traditional Japanese home and oozes personality. Combined with their homemade sweets and coffee it’s also the perfect place to take a small break. There is even coworking space available, making it perfect for nomad workers wanting a quiet and relaxed place away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Having gotten our bikes and route info, let’s set off! 

[Shikashima Cycle]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Shikanoshima 417-1 [MAP]
TEL: 050-6874-4398
Hours: 9:00~18:00 
Days Off: Tuesday
Cost: Minimum 2,000 yen for 3 hours
For more details please check their homepage: https://shikashima-cycle.fun/en/

Located on Shikanoshima, Shikaumi Shrine is known for being the head shrine for gods of the sea in Japan, and for this reason affiliated with safe travel (especially maritime) in the ancient anthology of poetry, the Manyoshu. Situated on top of a small hill that overlooks the Genkai Sea, the shrine is surrounded by nature and permeated with a purifying aura. 

[Shikaumi Shrine]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Shikanoshima 877[MAP]
TEL: 092-603-6501
Visiting Hours: 6:00~17:30 
For more details please click here. 

Rentaiyama Shogon Temple is said to have been opened during the Kamakura Era (1185-1333) by the famed Rinzai Buddhist missionary, Shoichi Kokushi, who is also famous for opening Joten Temple in Fukuoka and Tofuku Temple in Kyoto. The temple is famous for its main object of worship, a Jizo Bodhisattva said to grant longevity. The temple is situated on an elevated surface giving visitors a great view of Shikanoshima’s townscape and even as far as Fukuoka and Nokonoshima off in the distance. 

In October of 2023 a new belfry was installed to house the temple bell which rings out clearly and brightly at 12:00 and 17:00 every day. The sound of the bell is complemented by the pleasant sea breeze, providing inner clarity and calm. Those who provide the temple with advanced notice can even take a look inside. Simplicity is, as ever, hard to beat; the scent of Japanese cypress fills the air and calms the soul.

From here, let’s head to the main hall where a unique activity awaits.

Using juzu prayer beads made from pine and cherry wood like the walls of Shogon Temple’s main hall, you can assemble your own bracelet by joining these beads together with small power stones. 

When you have finished making your bracelet staff will explain the meaning of the power stones you used, providing insight into what your current challenges and what you need to do going forward. The wife of the head monk’s words of wisdom are really inspiring!

Then, after praying at the main altar and listening to secret stories about the history of Shikanoshima you can take a look at the temple’s standing statue of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion, which is a designated cultural artifact of Fukuoka city.

・Prayer Bead Assembly and Supplication: 2000 Yen
https://www.ne.jp/asahi/shikanoshima/syougonji/syougonji/juzu/juzu

In addition to juzu making the temple offers Zen meditation, sutra copying, tea ceremony, matcha sets, as well as city tour activity plans. For those of you wanting to get the most out of your visit we recommend the 120 minute juzu bracelet making, sutra copying, and Zen meditation set plan. If you’re short on time, you can enjoy a matcha set with matcha and sweets made by the wife of the temple head as if you were at a café! The bracelet will make for the perfect souvenir, but the memories of peaceful self-reflection are ones that will last for a lifetime. 

[Shougo Temple]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Shikanoshima 813-1  [MAP]
TEL: 092-603-6702 (Reservation required)
For more details please click here. 

Befitting Shikanoshima’s location on the sea, the island is known for its delicious and volume-packed seafood dishes, particularly the famed turban shell rice bowl.  

The rice bowl is a combination of stewed turban shell meat, wakame seaweed, and scrambled egg. One bite and you’re transported to the rocky shoals where turbans thrive, a nostalgic and briny flavor that must be tried to be understood. 

Once you’ve eaten your fill, get back on your bike and gaze out upon the sea as you head in the direction of the beaches of the Katsuma area. 

[Seafood Restaurant ”Yuu”]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Shikanoshima 411-3 [MAP]
TEL: 092-603-2400
Hours of Operation: 11:00~15;30 (L.O. 15:00)
Days Off: None
For more information click here

The highest point on Shikanoshima, to get here by bike requires moving towards Shiomi Park via the Katsuma bathing area. The observation deck within the park provides an excellent view of nearby Uminonakamichi and the slightly more far off Nokonoshima, as well as a view of Fukuoka that transcends Hakata Port to afford a view of the entire city. From here you can really get a good idea of the geography of the area!
 

Why not snap a commemorative photo next to some of the wall art on the platform?

[Shiomi Park Observation Deck]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Shikanoshima 968-1[MAP]
 

At Kyukamura Shikanoshima (Kyukamura roughly translates to “village of relaxation”), renting out a portable nap mat is a breeze! Once you’ve selected your mat bring it over to the nearby coastline, plop down on the ground, and relax away. Resting beneath the big blue sky, occasionally turning to hear the chirping of the birds or the rhythm of the waves… Now that’s relaxation! 

This would also be the perfect time to have a good book to read. Just seat yourself on your mat and read to your heart’s content. 

[Kyukamura Shikanoshima]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Oaza Katsuma 1803-1 [MAP]
TEL: 092-603-6631
Period: Year-round
Hours: 9:00 ~ Sunset
Capacity: 5 people
Cost: 310 yen
Click here for more information

This facility was renovated and reopened to the public in May of 2023. The facility focuses on the nature, culture, and history of Shikanoshima and allows visitors to discover (or rediscover) little known things about the island. 
 

The screens, which uses the latest digital technology, can be operated via a touch screen and conveys the island's attractions through images and sound.

There are many exhibits and activities that allow visitors to learn more about the structure and/or behavior of the plants and animals of the island in a hands-on setting. It’s both fun and educational for all ages.

Once you’re done, successfully answering a quiz earns you a seal of approval modeled off of the famous Golden Seal treasure that was found on Shikanoshima. Altogether we’d liken the new and improved visitor center to a kind of theme park where you can learn more about the island!

[Shikanoshima Visitor Center]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Katsuma 1803-1[MAP]
TEL: 092-603-6631 
Hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00 
Days Off: Monday
For more details click here

On the beaches of Shikanoshima seashells and other objects often wash up on shore. Taking a walk on the seashore you may be able to find some eye catching objects to help add a littoral touch to your home.

As a suggestion, we recommend using the items as part of the interior design of your home. The photo above showcases just one possibility!

[Gebaga Beach]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Katsuma[MAP]

On the Katsuma shore on the northern coast of Shikanoshima you will find this swing made up of driftwood arranged in the shape of a heart. The spot is practically made for photo taking, with the deep blue skies and emerald green of the sea calling to mind tropical seaside resorts. For those searching for an Instaworthy photo look no further!  

[Gebaga Beach Heart Swing]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Katsuma[MAP]

In Kyukamura Shikanoshima you can also rent a reclining chair that can be set up right by the seaside. The scene of the sun setting beneath the waves against a crimson sky is vivid and unforgettable. In this moment allow yourself to be transported to a place of tranquility and think- 1000 years ago the people here saw the same sunset too. *The sunset changes depending on the time of year.  

[Kyukamura Shikanoshima] 

Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Oaza Katsuma 1803-1  [MAP]
TEL: 092-603-6631
Period: Year-round
Hours: 16:00 ~ Sunset
Capacity: 5 people
Cost: 200 yen
For more details click here

In September of 2023 the hotel and cottage rental LAMROF opened, where you can fully rent out a renovated traditional Japanese style home for your exclusive use for a night. The facility features a kitchen-and-counter as well as a projector, making this perfect for family or group use.

The building takes its traditional feel and adds to this a more modern sense of minimalistic luxury. It is close to the coast as well making it perfect for taking strolls by the beach. Taken together this gives it the feeling of an exclusive seaside villa. 

[LAMROF]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Shikanoshima 590-2 [MAP]
TEL: 050-6874-4398
For more information please click here

We recommend coming to Shikanoshima when one of the following events is being hosted. 

1. The October [Shikanoshima Golden Seal Festival]

Every year in October the Shikanoshima Golden Seal Festival is held to commemorate the finding of the famed Golden Seal on the island. There are stamp rallies, fresh seafood markets, a marathon that runs a lap around the island, and even dragnet fishing activities. On the day of the event there is a free shuttle bus that runs from the JR Saitozaki station to help guests get to Shikanoshima easier.

[Shikanoshima Golden Seal Festival]
For more details please confirm with their official X page [@fuk_higashiku]

2. Snag Some Fresh Seafood at [Shikanoshima Asaichi]

At the Shikanoshima Asaichi (translating to Shikanoshima morning market) one can find fresh shrimp, crab, and flounder caught in Hakata Bay. When making a purchase you require a reference number, so please do not forget to get one when you come. 

[Shikanoshima Asaichi]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Oaza Shikanoshima, Shikanoshima Fishing Wharf (Next to the municipal ferry port) [MAP]
TEL: 092-603-6509 (Fukuoka Fishery Cooperative Association Shikanoshima Branch 9:00 ~ 17:00 except for Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays)
Operation: On the first and third Sundays of every month April to December (reference numbers are distributed on a first come first served basis starting at 6:00
For more details please click here

3. Shopping at the [Hiro Night Market] 

At the Hiro Night Market expect to find only the freshest seafood on offer. If you come during the right time of year you can also expect to find fresh wakame seaweed for sale (Hiro Wakame, both natural and cultivated). Please bear in mind that stock can sell out in as quickly as 30 minutes, so for those seeking to make a purchase please plan on coming early. For other treats and comestibles check out the nearby SHOP HIRO as well!

[Hiro Night Market]
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Oaza Hiro, Hiro Fishing Harbor, Cargo Facility [MAP]
TEL: 092-603-6611 (Fukuoka Fishery Cooperative Association Hiro Branch 9:00 ~ 17:00 except for Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays)
Hours: On the second and fourth Saturday of every month May to December, opens at 14:00

For more information please check their homepage here

From the heart of the Fukuoka to the lush nature and tranquility of Shikanoshima in 30 minutes by ferry. 

So, what do you think? This was the Shikanoshima Full-Day Sample Tour. 

This time we introduced you to some seasonal and year-round activities you can enjoy on Shikanoshima, as well as some of the delicious foods and events that you can experience concurrently to help spice up your stay. We definitely recommend building an itinerary out of some of these suggestions! We hope that next time you’re in Fukuoka that you will consider paying the resort island, Shikanoshima, a visit. 

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