Translated by Takuya Erik Watanabe
Seasonal Flowers in Full Bloom! Nokonoshima Island Park, Fukuoka
Written by miki fukumuro
In the Nokonoshima Island Park, Fukuoka, you will find flowers in full bloom each season, as well as a traditional Japanese townscape on the Omohide-dōri street and a petting zoo.
Japan, being an island country, has countless isolated islands. Nokonoshima (能古島) located in Hakata Bay (northern Kyushu) is one of them. It is a highly popular tourist attraction, and you can get there in 10 minutes by ferry from Meinohama (姪浜) Ferry Terminal.
Today we will introduce a natural park in the northern part of Nokonoshima - Nokonoshima Island Park. It is a heartwarming spot where you can see animals and become one with nature.
Seasonal Flowers in the Flower Garden
You can enjoy different seasonal flowers at Nokonoshima Island Park.
Sakura, azalea and poppies create a wonderful sight in spring. Sunflowers, dahlia, hydrangea are the charm of the garden in summer. Cosmos and autumn leaves are the must-see landscape of the fall, while camellia and Japan narcissus are the flowers that bloom in winter.
It seems that there are no less than 6000 visitors a day during October and November when the cosmos flowers are in full bloom. Around late June, as long as you pay the entrance fee, you can pick as many marigolds as you want! And from late July to the middle of August (though there is a limit), you can take home sunflowers at their best.
Some people fill their bags with flowers to take home. That is indeed a great souvenir.
The beautiful flower garden is also popular for wedding photos. Whether you visit here with your partner, family or friends, there is no better place for a photo shoot.
Retro Omohide-Dōri
Omohide-dōri (Memory Street) is a street inspired by the townscape of early Hakata during the
Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa periods. The place brings back memories for the Japanese, and is something new for tourists. Tea shops and and stores selling a wide variety of goods line the street creating a really retro atmosphere.
Read also:
Japanese Encylopedia: Meiji Period
Japanese Encylopedia: Taishō Jidai (Taishō Period)
Japanese Dictionary: Defining Showa
This is Omohideya (pronounced Omoideya), which sells dagashi (*1).
*1…Dagashi: Cheap snacks loved by children.
The street is full of attractions, such as traditional Japanese toys on display and pottery shops. Visitors can even experience using a pottery wheel. Just walking down this street is a whole lot of fun.
A Petting Zoo for Both Kids and Adults
There is a Petting Zoo on the grounds where you can enjoy playing with animals. You can feed rabbits and goats here for 100 yen.
Taking photos of cute animals is part of the fun. But don't get too close to their mouths, they might bite. Make sure you follow the rules and handle the animals gently so that you don't hurt them.
Hungry? Enjoy the Famous Noko Udon
At Kō-chan Udon located in Omohide-dōri, you can enjoy Nokonoshima's famous Noko Udon.
We ordered the Noko Udon (cold, 780 yen). The chewy noodles have a refreshing taste. You can add green onions and sesame seeds and other seasonings to add flavor.
We also drank some Nokonoshima Cider at the Shiba no Hiroba, or "grass field". There's nothing better than drinking cider with a nice view.
Getting Your Souvenirs on the Way Back
Nokonoshima Cider is sold throughout the park. Specialty goods including shōchu and wine, Noko Udon, and snacks are also available. You will have plenty of time to choose while you wait for your bus home.
Nokonoshima Island Park is great for those seeking to rest and relax. Photo spots are plentiful for countless memories.
Bring your camera and stop by!
Information
Nokonoshima Island Park
Address: Fukuoka, Fukuoka city, Nishi, Noko 1624
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00-17:30, Sundays and Holidays 9:00-18:00 (Weekday hours during winter)
Closed: None
Wi-Fi: -
Credit cards: Yes
Languages: -
Menus in other languages: English
Nearest Station: Nishitetsu Bus (西鉄バス) "Noko-Tosenjō" (能古渡船場) station, Fukuoka City Subway Meinohama Station (姪浜)
Access: By bus→Nishitetsu Bus "Hakata-Ekimae A" (博多駅前A) or "Tenjin Kōsoku Bus Terminal Mae" (天神高速バスターミナル前) to "Meinohama-Tosenjō" (姪浜渡船場)
By train→Get off at Fukuoka City Subway "Meinohama" station, Nishitetsu Bus "Meinohama Eki Kitaguchi" (姪浜駅北口) to "Meinohama Tosenjō" (姪浜渡船場)
From Meinohama Tosenjō to Nokonoshima Tosenjō by ferry (10 minutes)
Upon arrival, Nishitetsu Bus for "Island Park" (13 minutes)
Price range: Entrance fee adult 1000 yen, children (elementary/middle school) 500 yen, younger children (over 3) 300 yen
Religion: -
Phone number: +81-92‐881‐4494
Official website: Nokonoshima Island Park
