There are particularly two recommended places: “Nokonoshima Island”, only 10 minutes away by ferry, offering a rich nature environment, and the land-tied “Shikanoshima Island” also being a favored destination to explore its historical myth and folklore. This guide introduces the features and attractions of these Hakata Bay islands, and will help you enjoy them to the fullest.

Nokonoshima is an island with a circumference of only 12km which is about a 10-minute ferry ride from Meinohama ferry port in Fukuoka city. The island attracts visitors with its seasonal flowers and spectacular ocean vistas

Opened in 1969, “Nokonoshima Island Park” is famous for having gorgeous flowers throughout the year. The park boasts a variety of flowers from season to season such as rapeseed blossoms in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, cosmos in autumn and daffodils in the winter. The lodges around the flower fields offer panoramic views of the stunning Hakata Bay and are available for a stay in the countryside.

📍more info: Nokonoshima Island Park

In summer, “Nokonoshima Camp Ground” is a popular destination for beach lovers. With the white sand and palm trees, the place has a feeling of tropical paradise. You can enjoy various water activities including swimming, banana boats, beach volleyball, a BBQ by the sea and camping at the lodge facility.

Located just at the shoe of the Hakata Bay, “Shikanoshima Island” is connected to the Kyushu mainland by sandbank. From the mainland, the sandbank provides easy access by car, railway and bus (via Umi-no-nakamichi), and ferries from Hakata Futo. It is an ideal destination for a short trip to explore the abundance of nature, beautiful scenery as well as some historic sites of old shrines and stone monuments.

The greatest point of this island is definitely the marvelous ocean! You can find many tropical fish and sea horses at the diving spots on the east coast such as Akase, Kurose and Shirase. At the tip of the island, Katsuma beach welcomes you with the infinite blue ocean contrasted with pine groves. Yes, it’s still within the city of Fukuoka, can you believe it?!

Enshrining a guardian of the sea, Shikaumi Shrine serves as the head shrine of all Watatsumi (sea god) shrines in Japan. Also known as “the head shrine of the sea gods” or “the Palace of the Dragon”, it has long been worshiped by locals as the guardian of the Genkai Sea. There are over 70 rituals of varying scale performed throughout the year. You can experience those mystical events amidst the calm of nature.

With a circumference of 12km, the island provides an excellent roadway for coastal cycling. Rental bicycles are available at a café on the island. Why not discover its tremendous scenery with a brisk ride?

Shikanoshima’s gourmet specialty, “Kinin (Gold Seal)” Curry. The curry using this unique flavor of “Kinin spice” is served in eight restaurants on the island, and each has a distinctive feature. Enjoy the delicious curry with the marvelous ocean view.

Blessed with rich nature and history, “Nokonoshima” and “Shikanoshima,” the islands close to Fukuoka city, offer much to celebrate. Why not stretch your legs to these great holiday destinations with wonderful scenery and history and feel the temptation to extend your stay?