1. An Exceptional View from a Lush Mountainside: The Aburayama Katae Observatory

The Aburayama Katae Observatory is located 597 meters up on the Aburayama mountainsides and can be accessed from the main downtown area of Fukuoka, Tenjin, by car in roughly 30 minutes. With its exceptional location, it offers an excellent view of the expansive cityscape below. 

From the observatory you can take in views of several landmarks such as Fukuoka Tower, the PayPay Dome, Fukuoka Airport, and much of the Fukuoka City Urban Expressway. 

The nighttime view is also particularly special, and was even selected as one of the best 100 in Japan. 

Brimming with nature, Aburayama is the home to many different birds and wild animals, and is well-loved by the locals for being a relaxation spot. 

For those wanting to spend more time in contact with nature, near the observation deck is ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA, a facility where you can enjoy camping and even go horseback riding. 

📍Aburayama Katae Observatory
■Address: 106-1 Katae, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka City  [MAP]
■For more information, please visit the website.

2. Fukuoka’s Hidden Island Paradise: Shikanoshima 

Located in the northeast of the Bay of Hakata, Shikanoshima is a small island located in Fukuoka’s Higashi-ku and can be accessed from the Tenjin area in about 30 minutes by car. This ‘island’ is actually linked to the mainland by a sandbar known as “Uminonakamichi”, or “path in the middle of the sea”, and for this reason the island can be reached by both automobiles and the city-run ferries. 

With a circumference of roughly 11 kilometers, this island is the perfect place to take a bike ride while taking in the magnificent seaside. The best way to do this is to rent a bike at the nearby cycling shop and head out to sample the delectable local cuisine and beautiful views. 

Shikanoshima faces onto the bountiful Sea of Genkai, ensuring an abundance of delicious fresh seafood. The most famous of these delicacies are the abalone (awabi) and turban shells (sazae). The sazae donburi, or rice bowl, comes particularly recommended.

The island also played a significant role in the history of Japan, with the famed King of Na Gold Seal, an item connected with the foundation of Japan as a nation, being found there a few centuries ago. 

📍Shikanoshima Island
■Address: Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
■For more details check out the official homepage.

3. Shikanoshima’s Spiritual Power Spot: Shikaumi Shrine

The most important shrine located on Shikanoshima, Shikaumi Shrine is the head shrine of all of the sea gods of Japan, and has been extolled in the ancient poetry anthology the Man’yoshu as a protector of sailors and those travelling by sea. 

Shikaumi Shrine is unique for having a unique purifying ritual prior to entering the shrine called “Oshioi”. In Oshioi, visitors will take a small handful of the sand sitting next to the pathway and lightly toss some over the left, right, and finally left sides of their body. Following that, shrine etiquette recommends bowing twice, clapping twice, and then bowing once more.

From atop the small hill one can take in a view of the Sea of Genkai, which taken together with the purifying energy of the shrine is sure to put your heart at ease. 

A small gift shop is attached to the shrine making it easy to pick up a small protective charm or souvenir as a memory of your time there. Or, maybe pick up a fortune telling slip to see what fortune you may have coming your way!

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

4. Shikanoshima’s Best View: Shiomi Park Observation Deck

Shiomi Park is located at the island’s summit, and the observation deck there offers a 360°panoramic view of the surrounding area. 

From the observation deck you can get excellent views of Uminonakamichi, Nokonoshima, Hakata Bay, and Fukuoka City itself. The view of the rising and setting suns and nighttime scenery are said to be particularly beautiful.

The walls of the observation deck are decorated with art, and together with the beautiful scenery help make this one of the prime photo spots on the island.

If you are planning a trip to Shikanoshima, definitely see if you can make it up to Shiomi Park!

📍Shiomi Park Observation Deck
■Address: 968-1, Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City [MAP]
For more details please click here.

Fukuoka’s close proximity to both the sea and the mountains is one of its most distinct advantages, and we hope that you will consider paying a little visit to one of these natural vistas during your stay!