Located on the northern coast of Kyushu and close to the mountains and sea, the city of Fukuoka offers visitors a vibrant experience with easy access to magnificent natural landscapes. From islands filled with colourful flowers to sprawling beaches of golden sands, a visit to Fukuoka and surrounds provides travellers with the perfect balance of urban energy and serene natural beauty without having to travel far to experience this quintessentially Japanese dichotomy. Here are some of Fukuoka’s must-see nature hotspots to add to your Japan travel itinerary.
Mt Abura
A short 30-minute drive from central Fukuoka will take you to Mt Abura which pierces the Fukuoka skyline at 597 metres above sea level. The mountain offers the perfect city escape to enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and camping. Mt Abura attracts visitors in spring keen to witness the spectacular sight of cherry blossoms and azaleas in bloom from the observation deck. The observation platform is also an ideal spot to catch sweeping panoramic views over the Fukuoka skyline, and on a clear day, out towards the Ainoshima and Oshima Islands.
Whether you’re keen to experience Mt Abura as a day trip or as a place to stay overnight for a multi-day adventure, why not visit the recently opened, ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA – a multi-experience outdoor activity centre featuring a campground and barbecue area, farm, restaurant, cheese workshop, coworking space, and the glamping facility, Snow Peak YAKEI SUITE ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA. At Snow Peak YAKEI SUITE ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA, guests can choose from a variety of unique accommodation options including the Villa with cave-like living spaces, Cottages with breathtaking views, and luxurious Tent style accommodations.
Nokonoshima Island
Situated in Hakata Bay, Nokonoshima Island stretches only 3.5 kilometres from north to south and 2 kilometres from east to west, making it an easy place to get around to see the sights. Ideal for day trips, the island is conveniently only a 10-minute ferry ride from central Fukuoka and is a place visited for activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, and leisurely walks.
Journey to the heart of the island to experience the Nokonoshima Observation Deck where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the island’s coastline and surrounding sea including the Fukuoka city skyline from 195 metres above sea level. On the north of the island, you’ll discover the famous flower fields of Nokonoshima Island Park where springtime brings colourful blooms of yellow rapeseed, pink cherry blossoms, and vibrant red poppies set against an ocean backdrop. Meanwhile, you’ll find blooms of cosmos in autumn and even winter is a spectacular sight with the park blanketed by white oxalis flowers.
Shikanoshima Island
A short 40-minute car journey or a 30-minute ferry trip will take you from the centre of Fukuoka to the nature-rich island of Shikanoshima. With a circumference of only 10-kilometres, the island is a perfect destination for cycling while stopping at some of the island’s must-see sights. Visitors can rent bicycles at the entrance to Shikaumi Shrine from Shikashima Cycle which offers a range of bikes including children’s bicycles.
From Shikaumi Shrine’s hilltop setting, take a moment to admire the sweeping views of the Genkai Sea. Visit the highest point of the island at Shiomi Park where you’ll also discover a viewing tower offering views of Hakata Bay and the Fukuoka coastline which is illuminated for a spectacular sight at night. Meanwhile, the island’s many beaches and clear shallow coastal waters make for an ideal environment to enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving. Marine World Uminonakamichi – featuring a large aquarium filled with more than 80 species of fish from the waters around Fukuoka – is a great place to visit on your journey around the island to learn more about the surrounding sea life and ecology.
Nogouchi River Valley
Only 40 minutes by car from central Fukuoka, you can enjoy stunning waterfalls and unusual rock formations at Fukuoka City’s only gorge. Nogouchi River Valley is characterised by its dense greenery and clear streams. An easy day trip activity from Fukuoka City, you can take the 700-metre-long walking trail to enjoy a peaceful nature stroll while listening to the sounds of birds and rushing water from the Ayugaeri and Yabuchi waterfalls.
Nogouchi River Valley offers an enjoyable experience for visitors at any time of the year, with its cooler air in summer providing a welcome break from the city heat and colourful autumn leaves making for an attractive sight in the colder months.
