Introducing the Renovated Uminonakamichi Seaside Park [Light and Wind Square] and the Best Places to Snap a Photo in Shikanoshima!
Located in Fukuoka’s Higashi ward, The Light and Wind Square located in the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park underwent renovations and was finally reopened to the public on March 15th, 2022. The park was reconceptualized as a destination for travelers in and of itself, with “park tourism” as the guiding theme.
As a part of this new concept, the park features stylish accommodation facilities, an enormous athletic exercise tower, and even horse riding and aquatic sports activities! For those who are willing to walk a little bit, there are even rental bike facilities located on the nearby Shikanoshima Island. Enjoy a spot of relaxation in Uminonakamichi Seaside Park prior to heading over to Shikanoshima in search of the perfect photo spot!
INN THE PARK FUKUOKA
Prior to its renewal the park was originally only open during daytime, but together with its new concept the park is now open to guests even at night. The INN THE PARK FUKUOKA accommodation facility was designed with the concept of being “a park where you can spend the night” and is integrated into the park itself, forming the nucleus of the Light and Wind Square. They offer four types of room: from single rooms to couples’ rooms, family, and group sizes.
<Spherical Tents>
Upon arrival your eyes will first be drawn to the 13 spherical tents that line the area in front of Kamoike. With a diameter of 6 meters and 2 stories high, you first climb a set of stairs before entering. Upon entering you are greeted with an unusual and relaxing space bathed in light. The facility allows guests to spend the entire day on the premises, with a dining plan that allows one to enjoy breakfast and a French dinner course in the restaurant. When it becomes dark outside the tents are illuminated, turning into glowing orbs that lend an ethereal aura to the area. This magical sight is a privilege reserved for those who spend the night here.
<The Suite Room>
Built in a quiet corner a ways off from the center of the park you will find the suite room. The waters of Hakata Bay form an expansive vista outside of the window, creating an unparalleled sense of openness. With dimensions meant to comfortably fit 2~4 adults the space comes recommended for groups. As for dining, course-style dining will be provided on the terrace, allowing you to eat while gazing out on the sea. Staying in the suite room is a luxurious experience, affording guests with a superb view of the Hakata Bay at night, waking to the gentle sound of the lapping waves outside. In the same area there is a compact cabin nearby meant to be used by up to two people.
In addition, from April to November the 12 glamping rooms are also available, allowing you to select whatever accommodations are necessary for you and your group.
<Barbecue/Lounge>
Both guests of the hotel facilities and those only planning to spend the day can use the barbecue facilities, featuring authentic meats with a unique chef’s twist. Don’t worry- you can come empty handed as all the equipment you need is on site! At night, a disco ball descends from the ceiling in the lounge, creating a totally different atmosphere. We recommend spending the evening sipping on your drink in this semi-outdoor, open-air mood.
<The Bathhouse>
Built alongside the waters of Hakata Port and made from the same materials as the spherical tents is the Bathhouse. With a noren curtain featuring the character “ゆ” or “yu” for hot water on it, the building is stylish while retaining a nostalgic air. With high vaulting ceilings, the interior resembles a Japanese bathhouse replete with hot water baths, cold water baths, and even outdoor areas. It’s easy to lose yourself in relaxation in the baths, with the hot water comforting your body as the gentle sound of sea waves calms your mind.
<Reception, Restaurant>
Located by the entrance to the [Light and Wind Square] the front desk for [INN THE PARK FUKUOKA] is not just a place for you to check in and out! In addition to leisure seats meant for park users you can even rent the equipment for a variety of different games and activities free of charge, such as for the popular Finnish game Mölkky. In the adjoining restaurant, even those not utilizing the accommodation facilities can dine from 11:00~17:00, with one plate lunches, spice curry, and coffee supervised by [Little Nap COFFEE STAND] based out of Yoyogi, Tokyo. With much of the menu available as take out, we recommend taking your meal to go when the weather is nice so that you can eat outside in the park.
INN THE PARK FUKUOKA
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Ooaza Saitozaki 18-26, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
TEL: 092-692-7100 (Available from 10:00~17:00)
Homepage: https://www.innthepark.jp/fukuoka/
Sea Dragoon
Conceived and built by the team that created [Muscle Monster] in Kanagawa prefecture and [Bampaku BEAST] in Osaka, the [Sea Dragoon] is the first athletic tower of its kind in Kyushu and the largest in the country. With a height of 17 meters, the wooden hexagonal structure is an imposing sight in the park.
On floors 2~4 you will find the [Athletic Course], meant for children with heights of over 125 cm tall. Since there is no real prescribed order to go through the course, one is free to select from any of the 92 athletic installations on offer. The tower is equipped with safety equipment, but even so the tower constitutes a daunting athletic challenge to those brave enough to enter, with voices of encouragement and fear mingling together. The [Kids Course] comprises the first floor area and is meant for children with heights between 100~125 centimeters and weighing under 40kg.
On the uppermost floor of the structure is the observation platform [Corridor of the Heavens], open to those who are not using the athletic facilities as well. As the observation platform is the tallest spot in all of the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, it affords you panoramic views of Hakata Bay and the Genkai Sea.
Sea Dragoon
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Ooaza Saitozaki, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
TEL: 050-6833-8911
Hours of Operation: 10:00~17:00 (entry from 9:30~16:00)
Holidays: Wednesdays (From December to February both Wednesday and Thursdays), end
and beginning of year, the first Monday and Tuesday of February.
***During Summer and Spring Vacations there are no days off.
Admission Fees:
For the Athletic Course
For Middle Schoolers and older: 3,500 yen/60 minutes
For Elementary Schoolers: 2,500 yen/60 minutes
For the Kids’ Course
1,500 yen/60 minutes
Observation Deck (Corridor of the Heavens)
500 yen
Homepage: https://seadragoon.jp/
Activities
The [Light and Wind Square] is brimming with nature and physical activities that will get your body moving! Yoga, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), and other such activities are all available, and there are even programs designed for children that will allow them to interact with the nature around them.
For more information: https://uminaka.net/
<Horseback Riding>
Arguably one of the main attractions of the park, horseback riding is offered year-round (with the exception of July and August). One of the special features is that in all of the courses users themselves get to control the horses and trail ride with them. The instructors here are highly experienced veterans who have ridden horses on the highlands of Kuju in Oita prefecture at [Kokopelli Western Riding], and with horses that are accustomed to being ridden even total beginners can ride alone if they’d like.
The approximately 30 minute long [Half Trail Ride] involves practicing a bit by the stable on the panoramic square before heading off into the pine woods. In the advanced course riders get the chance to even ride next to the sea coastline. We recommend this activity to anybody who may be interested in trying out horseback riding for themselves!
Horse Riding
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Ooaza Saitozaki, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
TEL: 090-3769-2022
Time: 9:30~17:30 (From November to February the end time is at 17:00)
Holidays: July and August, *Note: On days with bad weather there may be cancellations.
Fee:
Half Trail Ride (about 30 minutes) … One rider (elementary school and up) 7,000 yen/Two riders (one child that is not yet in school and one adult) 9,000 yen.
Trail Ride (60 minutes)… 15,000 yen
Special Trail Ride (120 minutes・middle school and up) 30,000 yen.
Homepage: https://kokopelli-uminaka.com/
<Light and Wind Square Entry Cycling Center>
The Cycling Center also underwent a renovation, and is now available for bicycle rentals. From bikes meant for children and adult bikes to tandem bikes and electronic bikes, you can rent any of them and ride along the park’s cycle roads. Additionally, with the [Shikanoshima, Uminonakamichi Area Excursion Crossbike] you can even go outside the park boundary. With these brand new cross bikes you can go as far as Shikanoshima, making it the perfect way to explore the island! You can also rent an electronic kickboard for a brisk trip around the park (the kickboard is limited to inside the park).
The Light and Wind Square Entrance Cycling Center
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Ooaza Saitozaki, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Hours:
Rental
From park opening to 1 hour before park closing.
Return
Please return the bike 30 minutes prior to closing.
Holidays: None (July and August closed) *Also unavailable during poor weather.
Fee:
Child, Adult, with a child seat attached, tandem bikes: all 300 yen for 3 hours.
Electronic Assist Bike: For one day, 2,000 yen (+1,000 yen in insurance).
Shikanoshima, Uminonakamichi Area Excursion Crossbike: 3 hours 3,500 yen (plus 1,000 yen in insurance).
Electronic Kickboard: 1 hour 1,000 yen.
Homepage: https://kokopelli-uminaka.com/
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Address: Fukuoka City, Higashi Ward, Ooaza Saitozaki 18-25
Tel: 092-603-1111
Duration: 9:30~17:30 (November to February until 17:00) *Note: park admission is allowed up until one hour before closing.
Holidays: December 31st, January 1st, the first Monday of February and the following Tuesday.
Cost: Over the age of 15…450 yen. Over the age of 65…210 yen. Below middle school…free.
Parking: Various places located around the park (regular cars 530 yen/day)
Homepage: https://uminaka-park.jp/
Shikanoshima’s Brand New Photo Spots!
If you’ve come out all the way to the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, why not pay nearby Shikanoshima a visit while you’re at it? The relaxed pace and balmy island atmosphere will help you forget the fact you’re in the city. Recently, new excellent photo spots have appeared throughout the island, so please be on the lookout for them!
<Shiomi Park Observation Deck>
The tallest point on Shikanoshima is Shiomi Park, and from the observation deck you can get a panoramic 360 degree view of the surrounding Uminonakamichi, Hakata Bay, and Genkai Sea. This time the observation deck was renewed for expressly this purpose. Decorating the walls of the observation deck are art of strawberries, a bell that glows against the blue sky, and a map of Shikanoshima that would be perfect garnishes to your photograph.
<Shikanoshima Guest Waiting Room>
In 1784, there was an incredibly important archaeological find on Shikanoshima. Known as the King of Na gold seal, it is one of the first official objects to recognize Japan as a state, having first been issues likely somewhere around 57 AD. In this building which serves as the waiting room for the ferry that links Fukuoka, Saitozaki, and Shikanoshima together, there is a large monument devoted to the golden seal and would make for yet another ideal photo spot. We hope that you enjoy the newly renewed monument and that this photo will make for an excellent souvenir of your time here.
Please Enjoy Uminonakamichi, Saitozaki, and Shikanoshima in their Entirety!