Enjoy the Outdoors! Top 5 Famous Spots to Visit in Fukuoka in Early Summer

Nokonoshima Island Park

Kyushu's Fukuoka has so many spots that are great places to visit in early summer. You can enjoy going on a picnic, cycling and various other activities. Below are five select spots in Fukuoka that you can enjoy in many different way.

1. Nokonoshima Island Park
Nokonoshima Island Park is located on Nokonoshima Island, a small island in Hakata Bay with an area of approximately 4 sq.km. Away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, this is a natural park where you can relax while being surrounded by lush nature. Rapeseed blossoms, poppies, marigolds, hydrangeas, dahlias and various other plants are found at this park, creating colorful landscapes every season. There is also an adventure park and a mini zoo, making it a great place for families to have a fun day out. Going to the island by ferry takes about 10 minutes. This park can be easily reached from downtown Fukuoka.

Park entrance fees: Adult (high school student and older): 1,200 JPY, Child (elementary and junior high school students): 600 JPY, Toddler (3 years old and above): 400 JPY

Official Homepage

2. Shikanoshima

Shikanoshima

Found at the mouth of Hakata Bay, Shikanoshima is an island that is connected to Hakata by a sandbar. It is a nature-rich sightseeing spot, and is surrounded by a beautiful ocean. There is a flat road stretching around the island's perimeter, and it is known as a great cycling route. The sea breeze blowing from the blue sea really is invigorating. One of the things that Shikanoshima is famous for is its sunsets - something that you shouldn't miss. The sun sets at around 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm during early summer, painting the sky in beautiful colors.

Sample bicycle rental fee: 1,000 JPY for 3 hours on a city bicycle

CROSS WAVE CYCLE TRAIL Official Homepage

3. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a government-run park that is situated along the coast. Inside its vast grounds that measure approximately 300ha in area, you will find many attractions that could be a lot of fun for both children and adults, such as the Animal Forest where you can see capybaras, squirrel monkeys and other animals, and the 12km cycling course. Another highlight of this park is the sea of flowers that bloom in bright colors every season. In particular, the blossoming nemophilas, that spread out as far as your eyes can see, are such a stunning sight! You must also check out the various events held at this park, including the Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic, where you can enjoy flowers in the spring.

Park entrance fees: Adult (15 years old and older): 410 JPY, Senior (65 years old and older): 210 JPY, Child (elementary and junior high school students): 80 JPY, Children below elementary school age can enter free of charge.

Official Homepage

4. Yanagawa Kawakudari

Yanagawa Kawakudari

Yanagawa City is a riverside area with a 470km duct (a waterway that is created by digging into the ground) that weaves in and out of the city like a mesh. "Yanagawa Kawakudari" involves going downstream on this waterway. You can get on a gondola-like boat with a unique shape called a "donko boat", and then slowly glide on the surface of the river. If you look around you, you are bound to see natural scenery that is beautiful in any season and a landscape overflowing in old-fashioned and historical vibe.

Sample fares: Adult: 1,600 JPY, Child (6 – 11 years old): 800 JPY, Small child (less than 6 years old): Free (One guardian can have up to two children. The third child and beyond will be charged the child fare)

Official Homepage

5. Hiraodai

Hiraodai

Hiraodai in Kitakyushu City is a karst plateau that has been designated as a national natural monument. It is characterized by its unique and mysterious topography, including features such as the Yogunbaru, where the pinnacle (limestone pillar) looks like a flock of sheep, and the Senbutsu Shonyudo (limestone cave) that measures about 700m in length. Hiraodai Countryside Park is located in this area, and is a place where you can enjoy various activities. Here, you will have a lot of fun with your family by doing such things as going to the deck overlooking the topographic sinkhole that is unique to karst plateaus, observing wild birds, picking blueberries, and even making pottery and soba (buckwheat noodles).

Hiraodai Countryside Park Official Homepage

Aside from the above, there are many other attractions in Fukuoka. Try to go there sometime and experience the wonders of this region for yourself.

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