What Is Nokonoshima Island? A Flower Island Floating in Hakata Bay
Nokonoshima Island is a small island with a circumference of about 12 kilometers, just a 10-minute ferry ride from the Meinohama Ferry Terminal (Meinohama Tōsenjō) in Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City.
A beloved getaway for both locals and travelers, it’s known as a place to escape the city bustle and enjoy beautiful nature and a relaxed pace of time.
Seasonal flowers are a major highlight, and in spring rapeseed blossoms and in autumn cosmos flowers can transform the island into a vibrant, colorful landscape.
Top Things to Do on Nokonoshima Island
Nokonoshima Island Park: Seasonal Flower Fields in Full Bloom
The island’s most famous attraction is Nokonoshima Island Park.
In this vast park of about 150,000 square meters, you can enjoy flowers throughout the four seasons.
Highlights include rapeseed blossoms and cherry blossoms in spring (early March to mid-April), sunflowers in summer (July–August), cosmos in autumn (early October to early November), and daffodils in winter (January–February). The flower fields with Hakata Bay as a backdrop are also popular on social media.
Stroll through the blooms and enjoy a soothing break from everyday life.
Admission is 1,200 yen for adults (high school students and up), 600 yen for elementary and junior high students, and 400 yen for children (ages 3 and up).
Scenic Coastline and Sunset Views Over Hakata Bay
Nokonoshima is compact, but its coastline scenery is especially beautiful—particularly at dusk, when the sunset over Hakata Bay is spectacular.
From the island’s highest viewpoint (about 195 meters above sea level), you can take in a sweeping view of Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay, making it a popular stop for travelers with cameras.
Local Food and Island Specialties
Across Nokonoshima, you’ll find restaurants and cafés serving dishes made with fresh seafood and local vegetables.
A must-try local specialty is “Noko Udon,” known for its translucent-white noodles and pleasantly chewy texture.
Sweet summer orange (amanatsu) juice and desserts made from Nokonoshima’s local amanatsu citrus are also recommended.
Activities Around the Island
- Cycling: Explore the island by rental bicycle and enjoy the beautiful scenery framed by sea and greenery.
- Fishing: With plenty of fishing spots around the island, it’s perfect for a leisurely day.
- Camping & Barbecue: Enjoy an outdoor stay or meal surrounded by nature at the campsite and BBQ facilities in the island park.
Experience Art and History
Nokonoshima also has scattered art galleries and historical sites where you can connect with local culture and history.
Some places on the island are said to be referenced in the Man’yōshū poetry anthology, letting you feel the island’s heritage on a relaxed walk.
How to Get to Nokonoshima Island
By Ferry
- About 10 minutes by ferry from the Meinohama Ferry Terminal
- Take the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line to Meinohama Station, then ride the Nishitetsu bus No. 98 from the station’s north exit for about 15 minutes to reach the Meinohama Ferry Terminal. From there, the ferry to Nokonoshima takes about 10 minutes.
- Round-trip ferry fare is 460 yen for adults and 240 yen for children. No reservation is required; you can buy tickets from the automated ticket machine.
- Ferries generally run about once an hour, and extra services may operate during peak seasons.
By Car
- About 30 minutes by car from the Hakata Station area to the Meinohama Ferry Terminal
- Use parking near the ferry terminal, then take the ferry to the island.
- Bringing a car onto the island is possible, but space is limited, so walking, buses, and rental bicycles are recommended for getting around on the island.
How to Enjoy Nokonoshima Island
Relax in the Island Park
Soak up nature in a park filled with seasonal flowers.
In addition to enjoying picnics on the lawn, the park also has a mini zoo and athletic playground equipment, making it popular with families traveling with children.
From the Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal, it’s about 13 minutes by Nishitetsu bus to the island park.
Walk Along the Coast
Try a stroll along the quiet shoreline while taking in views of Hakata Bay, Fukuoka Tower, and the city skyline.
You’ll see children playing on the beach and locals enjoying fishing—an authentic taste of everyday island life.
Enjoy Local Food
Try dishes made with fresh vegetables and fish harvested on Nokonoshima.
In particular, juice and jam made from the island’s specialty amanatsu citrus are popular souvenirs.
Explore the Island Actively
Rent a bicycle and tour the island to discover hidden scenic spots and enjoy encounters with local residents.
On the way to the Nokonoshima viewpoint, terraced fields and traditional village scenery are also highlights.
Camping and Barbecue
At the campsite and barbecue facilities in the island park, you can enjoy both hassle-free BBQ and bring-your-own BBQ.
At night, you can take in a star-filled sky that’s hard to see in the city.
Useful Visitor Information
- Best season
- Spring (March–April) for rapeseed blossoms and autumn (October to early November) for cosmos are especially recommended, when the weather is mild and flowers are at their peak.
- Recommended clothing
- Because you’ll be walking around in nature, comfortable shoes are recommended. In summer, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
- Watch the ferry schedule
- Ferries generally run about once an hour. If you miss one, you may need to wait for the next, so check the timetable in advance and arrive at the ferry terminal with plenty of time. Be sure to confirm the last ferry as well.
- Suggested time needed
- If you mainly enjoy the island park, plan 3–4 hours. If you also add island walks, a half-day to full day is recommended.
- Notes
- There are few ATMs and convenience stores on the island, so bringing extra cash is recommended.
- Help protect the environment by taking your trash with you when you leave.
Summary
Nokonoshima Island is a small paradise filled with nature and relaxation, accessible in just 10 minutes by ferry from central Fukuoka.
From seasonal flowers and beautiful Hakata Bay views to local food, you can enjoy a special escape from everyday life.
When you visit Fukuoka, be sure to add Nokonoshima to your itinerary!
