Shikanoshima Island 志賀島

Sweeping around Hakata Bay is Shikanoshima, an island connected to the Kyushu mainland by a long road that runs across a narrow spit of sand.

You can reach the island by bus, ferry, or car.

It takes about 60 minutes from Tenjin to Shigashima Bus Terminal by bus, about 30 minutes from Bayside Place Hakata to Shigashima Ferry Terminal by ferry, and about 50 minutes from Hakata by car.

A ferry service connects the Seaside Momochi (Marizon) area and the Uminonakamichi Tosenjo ferry terminal. There is also a ferry from Bayside Place to the Saitozaki Tosenjo ferry terminal.

The Shikanoshima area is a popular place for cyclists who venture out of the city to this somewhat secluded island. Visitors can also rent bikes on the island.

The highest point of the island is located in Shiomi Park, and the viewing tower built here offers views across Hakata Bay that are particularly enjoyable at night, when Fukuoka's coastline is illuminated.

The island's beaches offer some good surf, making it an ideal spot for some snorkeling or even scuba diving.

The Kinin Golden Block Seal was discovered on Shikanoshima. It is recognized as a National Treasure, and a small park, known as Kinin Park, was created at the spot where it was found.

The seal, which is thought to be around 2,000 years old, was gifted to a Japanese envoy by Emperor Guangwu of Han, an ancient Chinese dynasty. The words Kanno-Wano-Nano-Kokuo (King of Japan, Chinese colony) are engraved on the seal, which is now housed in the Fukuoka City Museum.

On Uminonakamichi, the island preceding Shikanoshima, you will find Marine World Umino-Nakamichi, a large aquarium housing species of fish found in the waters to the north of Fukuoka. The large panoramic tank contains more than 80 species of fish, including several species of sharks.

Uminonakamichi also connects to the Seaside Momochi area via an approximately 20-minute ferry that leaves from the Uminonakamichi Tosenjo ferry terminal.

If you are traveling by train or car, take a moment to stop at Kashiigu, a shrine located in the Kashii area of Fukuoka. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu, the children of Yamato Takeru. The main building is a designated cultural asset.