Fukuoka Is Even More Fun with Children!
Pictures courtesy of Kashii no Hama Village (upper and lower left)
Fukuoka, located in the Kyushu Region, is filled with unique amusement facilities that are easily accessible from urban areas.
This article introduces an excellent outdoor activity destination in Fukuoka City, an aquarium that allows visitors to dive in the sea, and a retro amusement park supported by locals. All these facilities have rental strollers and breastfeeding rooms, so families with small children can enjoy a stress-free trip.
1. Experience Camping at Kashii no Hama Village!
Picture courtesy of Kashii no Hama Village
Kashii no Hama Village is the perfect spot to conveniently enjoy camping with the whole family.
Family-friendly facilities offered at the site include an athletics facility for children to play in, and this dog-friendly campground even provides a dog run!
A Superb Family Camping Experience
Picture courtesy of Kashii no Hama Village
Kashii no Hama Village is easy to access, as it is just 15 minutes by car from Hakata Station. The coast can be reached within just 30 seconds on foot, and the campsite is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
The site consists of six areas labeled from A to F, each with its own features and distinct scenery. Area F even allows visitors to camp with their dogs. Camping essentials such as tents and sleeping bags can be rented on-site, and firewood can be procured locally.
Exciting Playgrounds for Kids
Picture courtesy of Kashii no Hama Village
Kashii no Hama Village has an impressive playground with 22 different attractions, where children can run around and play to their heart’s content!
On rainy days kids can play in the indoor facility, ‘Kodomo No Heya’.
Children staying at the site can use this facility for free, and those not staying there can still access it for a 500 yen fee per child.
Dog Run With a Special Reserved Area
Picture courtesy of Kashii no Hama Village
The site’s dog run consists of three separate areas; the small dog section, the medium and large dog section, and the privately reserved area.
The fee for using the first two areas is 800 yen per dog for two hours and 1,000 yen for two hours in the reserved area.
Fees and Access
A fee is charged for the use of each campsite, and the maximum capacity is six people per site. The use of the campsite costs 4,000 yen from Monday to Thursday, and 6,000 yen from Friday to Sunday, on holidays and the day before holidays.
Areas that allow dogs cost 7,000 yen from Monday to Thursday, and 9,000 yen from Friday to Sunday, on holidays, and the day before holidays.
The closest station to Kashii no Hama Village is Kashii-Kaen-Mae Station on the Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line. From Hakata Station take the JR Kagoshima Main Line to Chihaya Station, and from here transfer to the Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line. The trip takes around 30 minutes in total.
2. Marine World Uminonakamichi: Dive into the Sea!
Marine World Uminonakamichi is an aquarium full of surprises. It will make visitors feel like they're swimming alongside a school of fish in the tank.
Recreating the Underwater Environment of Kyushu
Set up in a dark room, the first tank is a recreation of the Genkai Sea, which borders the northwestern coast of Kyushu.
With its choppy waves, the Genkai Sea is one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. To produce the same effect, 500 liters of seawater is poured into this tank every few minutes. The visitors can feel the waves coming at them.
Marine World is based on the concept of reproducing the sea around the Kyushu Region. All of the exhibitions are prepared with the utmost care.
For instance, the picture above shows a fishing reef, made by humans intending to attract marine creatures. The aquarium asked local fisherpeople to submerge the reef in the ocean for a period of time until it was covered in seaweed—an added authentic touch!
During our visit, the aquarium staff explained that the dim lighting and dark shade of the floor allow visitors to focus on the tanks.
A lot of time and effort was spent on creating this atmosphere that draws adults and children into this underwater world.
QR codes are displayed in each exhibition room. When visitors scan the code, they'll be able to listen to audio commentary in English, Chinese, or Korean to help them understand the exhibited materials (*).
Now, our next stop is Creature Island, a popular outdoor facility.
*The aquarium offers free Wi-Fi service.
Seals Swiming at You!
Something is coming this way...
And growing larger...
It's right before your eyes! This is a spot where seals approach aquarium visitors. These marine animals have become famous on social media with swarms of visitors snapping and sharing photos.
The roly-poly spotted seals will come to greet you. They follow a route that leads them to the viewers, who are excited to see these cuties swimming by.
Interact with Marine Animals
At Creature Island, guests can feed seals and sea lions by tossing snacks (sand eels and small fish) into the sliders built for this purpose.
The feed costs 400 yen (tax included) per plate. Hundreds of plates are sold every day in the morning and afternoon. Visit in the early hours because they are sometimes sold out.
Enjoy a Meal by the Dolphin Pool
When hunger strikes, head to the restaurant on the basement floor. It's located next to the pool where dolphins and whales swim.
The picture above shows the Dolphin Parfait (700 yen after tax). This popular dessert is topped with raspberries, bananas, and a dolphin-shaped cookie.
The restaurant serves other dishes as well. The rich-flavored hamburger steak is made with domestic beef. The steak is cooked rare, so use the sizzling iron plate to sear it to your liking.
Fukuoka is famous for its style of cooking hamburger steaks on a hot plate. While people typically wait in line at famous restaurants for this specialty, visitors at Marine World can enjoy this signature dish without the queue and in front of an aquarium. The bottom photo shows the Domestic Beef Hamburger Grill Set (1,590 yen after tax).
The Dolphin Curry Plate (700 yen after tax)—served with a mound of dolphin-shaped rice—is another recommended dish.
The Cutest Fish-Themed Items!
Tote Bag 1,500 yen, Zippered Flat Pouch 1,000 yen
Be sure to take a look at some original souvenirs on your way home. The fan-favorite tote bag and pouch (upper left-hand photo) can only be purchased at the aquarium. The humorous designs on the merchandise will make you want to use them every day.
Fares and Access to Marine World Uminonakamichi
The admission fee is 2,350 yen for adults and 1,100 yen for junior high and elementary school students. For children over three years of age up to preschool age, the admission costs 600 yen. Those under two years of age can enter for free.
There's a bus operating from the Tenjin district in central Fukuoka to Marine World. Be sure to purchase a special ticket (2,940 yen including tax) that covers both the bus fare and aquarium admission fee. It costs 470 yen less than the normal rate of 3,410 yen.
From Tenjin Chuo Yubinkyoku-Mae bus stop, board the Nishitetsu Bus 21-B route bound for Ohtake. Get off at Marine World Uminonakamichi bus stop. The ride takes about 40 minutes.
3. Dazaifu Amusement Park: A Paradise for Kids
Dazaifu Tenmangu. Photo by PIXTA
Dazaifu Tenmangu is a prominent sightseeing spot in Fukuoka. Did you know that there is an amusement park on the shrine grounds?
Opened in 1957, the Dazaifu Amusement Park has a long history and is the only park in Japan located on the grounds of a shrine.
Infant-Friendly Attractions
The Elephant Family ride can be enjoyed by infants. Picture courtesy of Dazaifu Amusement Park
This park is ideal for families with small kids—who will have no shortage of attractions to ride. Even infants can enjoy their first ride with parents on seven attractions. There are also free rides for toddlers up to two years old.
The Water Coaster
Those who are slightly older should venture further into the park. Attractions like the Water Coaster and the Train Coaster might even give adults a chill. Guests have the option of purchasing a special ticket for unlimited rides. Apparently, some die-hard fans even enjoy more than ten consecutive rides on the coaster.
Picture courtesy of Dazaifu Amusement Park
We recommend heading to the Bikkuri House (House of Surprises). We won't spoil your fun by describing what goes on inside because it's best that you see it for yourself. An adult park-goer said it was an experience that will last a lifetime.
Visitors can also stop by Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. A local resident who has been visiting the park since childhood told us that "adults usually visit Tenmangu Shrine while children play in the park. This is a place where two generations can have fun together."
The deity enshrined at Dazaifu Tenmangu is Sugawara no Michizane, the guardian of learning and children. One of the chief priests suggested that a playground should be built on the grounds.
With more than 60 years of history, the park has welcomed families spanning three generations. When these children mature into adults, they'll continue the family tradition of bringing their own kids here.
The Benkei Train is a symbol of the park as it's the only attraction remaining since its opening.
The train continues to be well-cared for and is still going strong. Passengers can get a sense of history during the retro ride. Benkei will welcome you on your next visit to the park.
Built within the shrine grounds, this retro amusement park is adored by the locals. Pay a visit to the park with your small children as they experience their first ride.
Fares and Access to Dazaifu Amusement Park
Dazaifu Liner Bus "Tabito"
The admission fee is 600 yen for adults and 400 yen for children (three years old to junior high school students). An additional fee is required for the rides. The special pass for unlimited rides costs 2,900 yen for adults and 2,700 yen for children.
The Dazaifu Liner Bus "Tabito" runs directly from Fukuoka Airport and the Hakata to Dazaifu Tenmangu. It takes about 25 minutes from Fukuoka Airport's International Terminal and 40 minutes from Hakata Bus Terminal.
If you prefer taking the train, board the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line from Nishitetsu-Fukuoka Tenjin Station. Switch to the Dazaifu Line at Futsukaichi Station and get off at Dazaifu Station. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
Dazaifu Amusement Park is located on the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Follow the approach to the shrine and cross the arched bridge shown in the photo above. The main shrine will be straight ahead.
Look for the sign shown in the picture above when visiting the park. It's on the right-hand side of the bridge. Follow it to ensure a smooth entrance to your destination.
Make Family Memories in Fukuoka
Each of the places mentioned in this article has their own unique appeal. When visiting Fukuoka, head out to one of these locations for family-friendly fun and lasting memories.
Read also
Written by Kousuke DEKI
In cooperation with Marine World Uminonakamichi, Kashii Kaen Sylvanian Garden, and Dazaifu Amusement Park. The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.
