Uminonakamichi and Shikanoshima Island Driving Tour
Summary
This is a popular seaside driving course which will take you from Uminonakamichi to Shikanoshima Island. From Fukuoka City, this easy-access course can take only 30 minutes by car to the first destination. This is the best drive to take especially during the summer while looking at the scenery of blue skies, the Genkai Sea and the coast of the Hakata Bay.
Time required
1 day (It takes 30 minutes to drive from within Fukuoka City to Shikanoshima Island)
Estimated budget
Around JPY 2,000 (for gasoline and toll fees)
※ This is a rough estimate of the budget coming from Fukuoka City.
※ Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and the Marine World aquarium requires separate entrance fees.
①Fukuoka City Expressway (Kashiihama Exit)
When departing from Fukuoka City, first drive through Fukuoka City Expressway. The regular toll free is \620 per car. If you’re using the ETC (Electric Toll Collection), discounted rates may sometimes apply. Click here for more details on the Fukuoka City Expressway. Go through the Kashiihama Exit to head for Uminonakamichi.
Continue on to the direction of Island City and pass through Kashii Bridge. You will see the Twin Towers of Island City to your left.
②Uminonakamichi Bridge (Uminonakamichi Ohashi)
Drive along Uminonakamichi Bridge away from the Island City.
③Uminonakamichi
Continue along the direct road to Uminonakamichi. You will see the Marine World aquarium to your left and the ferris wheel of Uminonakamichi Seaside Park to your right. Both are highly popular leisure spots.
Marine World Aquarium
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
④Shikanoshima Island specialty, “Kin-in Dog”
Continuing on from Uminonakamichi to Shikanoshima Island, you will see the shop of famous Shika Island specialty “Kin-in Dog” to your right. This is definitely a must-try if you’re going to Shikanoshima Island. You might have to wait for a while if there are a lot of customers, but it would definitely be worth the wait when you’re finally holding your own delicious, freshly-made, piping hot and crispy squid-and-steak hotdog.
⑤From Uminonakamichi to Shikanoshima Island
Going past Uminonakamichi and heading to Shikanoshima Island through a single main road, experience the best drive as you’re surrounded, left and right, by the Hakata Bay and Genkai Sea. You will surely be satisfied with the superb scenery as you’re engulfed by the blueness of both the sky and sea.
⑥Seaside Cottage “Kibarashi” and Nakanishi Shokudo, Shikanoshima Island
You will instantly see the beach to your left once you enter Shikanoshima Island. There’s a seaside cottage here called “Kibarashi” so why not take a break here and have your fill of the Hakata Bay view as well? Having barbecues and playing beach volleyball can also be done here. A ceramic festival is held here every beginning of May.
Near Kibarashi is a restaurant called Nakanishi Shokudo which is famous for its “sazae-don” (turban shell rice bowl). Freshly-caught turban shells can also be grilled and eaten here. There can be quite a line here during weekends and holidays, so for those who want to eat here, it might be better to go early.
⑦Kin-in Park
Kin-in Park is located down the coast. This park was erected as a memorial to the spot where the golden seal of “The King of Japan of the Chinese Colony” was discovered. This seal was said to be given by Emperor Guangwu of the later Han period to the envoy from Na, a country which existed in ancient Japan. A panoramic view of Hakata Bay can be seen from Kin-in Park.
Click here for more details on Kin-in Park.
⑧Nokonoshima Island, seen from Shikanoshima Island
If you go past Kin-in Park, there is another spot from where Nokonoshima Island can be seen.
⑨Kyukamura National Park Resort and Shimomagahama Beach
If you keep driving down the coast, you will come across Shimomagahama Beach in front of Kyukamura National Park Resort. At Kyukamura there are hot springs, hotels, and restaurants. Take a break here while enjoying the beautiful view of Hakata Bay!
Click here for more details on Kyukamura National Park Resort.
⑩Shiomi Park and Viewing Deck
Next, let’s head to Shiomi Park, located at the very center of Shimanoshima Island, which has a viewing deck where a 360-degree view of Uminonakamichi and Fukuoka City. The scenery which will meet your eyes is simply superb! On a clear day, Fukuoka Tower and Yafuoku Dome can be seen from the opposite shore.
Click here for more details on Shiomi Park.
⑪Shikaumi Shrine
Lastly, let’s go to Shikaumi Shrine, popular for being a power spot and a matchmaking shrine. With the “god of sea” enshrined and worshipped here, it is also known as the head shrine of the sea god.
Click here for more details on Shikaumi Shrine.
After leaving shikanoshima island, return via the same way you came from and drive home by entering Fukuoka city expressway via the kashiihigashi exit.
