Located on the shores of Hakata Bay on the northern coast of Kyushu, Fukuoka City offers an exciting urban environment that’s uniquely complemented by the charming coastal and mountainous regions it lies between. Thanks to its distinctive and contrasting geographic blessings, a visit to Fukuoka promises the chance to experience everything from its vibrant city culture to a range of natural and scenic wonders only a stone’s throw away from central Fukuoka. From cosy stays high in the mountains, to island adventures and rare animal encounters, here’s how to experience the best of Fukuoka’s multidimensional natural oasis.
Experience a magical mountain stay high above the city lights
Recently opened in spring 2024, Snow Peak Yakei Suite Aburayama Fukuoka is an extraordinary accommodation experience located on Mt. Abura, only a 30-minute drive from central Fukuoka City. This luxurious mountain lodge invites guests to embrace nature in its purest form while staying in one of its series of well-appointed villas, cottages, or luxury tents. Imagine the peace and tranquillity of being surrounded by nature while overlooking the sparkling lights of Fukuoka City below at night.
For your overnight stay, the resort’s villa accommodation features a private sauna, spacious outdoor living spaces, and bright open internal areas designed to give a sense of connection to the natural world around. Meanwhile, the Cottage rooms – also with their very own private saunas – are known for their breathtaking views over the city and lush vegetation in front, while the Tents give guests an authentic sense of camping in the great outdoors with all the modern comforts of a hotel. Your days in this incredible setting can be spent cooling off in the cool water bath in summer, cosying up in front of a wood stove in winter, or enjoying some relaxation under the stars in the open-air bonfire lounge elevated above the city lights.
Enjoy the serene sense of escapism on Nokonoshima Island
Nokonoshima Island, located in Hakata Bay and part of Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, stretches only 3.5 km from north to south, and 2 km from east to west. Just a short 10-minute ferry ride from central Fukuoka City, the island is a popular day-trip destination because of its diverse natural environment offering a peaceful escape from the busy city streets.
On the island, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, hiking, insect collecting, and leisurely strolls on the island. At the heart of the island, you’ll discover the Nokonoshima Observation Deck, perched at an elevation of 195 meters above sea level. From the deck, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding sea and on clear days, you can even see landmarks such as Fukuoka Tower and the city’s Baseball Dome on the distant horizon.
Snow Peak Yakei Suite
Take a trip to the north of the island to explore Nokonoshima Island Park, a famous flower spot with spectacular seasonal blooms throughout the year. You can see cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers in spring, cosmos in autumn, and a blanket of white oxalis flowers in winter.
Take a self-guided cycling adventure through the wilds
Little more than 30 minutes from Fukuoka City lies the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – a vast national park located on the Uminonakamichi sandbank and surrounded by Hakata Bay and the Genkai Sea. This incredible park spans an area of around 350 hectares and is home to a variety of natural attractions.
Seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year while guests can visit the “Animal Forest” to interact with rare animals such as squirrel monkeys, capybaras, and kangaroos. To explore this vast natural park, you can also take advantage of the 12-kilometre cycling course by rental bike which takes you on a journey through shady pine forests and colourful tunnels of cherry blossoms during sakura season. Choose the seaside route to capture the amazing panoramic views of Hakata’s cityscape and the Genkai Sea horizon
Adjacent to the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, you’ll discover Marina & Tennis, which offers the chance to participate in a variety of activities including tennis, diving, boat cruises, and fishing. With so much to see and do in and around the park, the park boasts several accommodation options if you feel like extending your stay beyond a day including The Luigans – a hotel with ocean-view rooms – and INN THE PARK Fukuoka, where guests can enjoy resort-style glamping in dome-shaped tents.
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