Nokonoshima, a small island northwest of Fukuoka city and just about 10 minutes by ferry from Meinohama in Nishi-ku, is honoured as a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The highlight of my day trip to Nokonoshima is the Nokonoshima Island Park for sure! It is famous for its floral beauty against the backdrop of the beautiful sea, which will make you feel relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Every summer, lots of of yellow and orange marigold flowers blossom beautifully, creating one of the three largest flower fields on the island. You can enjoy different seasonal flowers all year round too!
Apart from flowers and greenery, the park has a wide variety of animals like rabbits and goats. Recreational facilities including tree swings and slides are great ways to have fun too. You will also find a restaurant and an old Japanese street over a hundred years ago. A perfect place for a half-day trip!
Anywhere to go for the rest of the day? Of course! You can visit the shopping street near the Meinohama Station and the Marinoa City outlet mall to take a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. It’s one of the pleasures of travelling!
Once you reach the island, you will see the tourist information centre and a bus stop nearby. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the Island Park by bus. As the island is not big, feel free to walk if you have plenty of time or want to save the transportation fee. There is only one main road and you will see clear road signs along the walking routes to the observatory tower, the Forest of the Contemplation and the Island Park. You can navigate your way through a silent retreat as you seldom meet other people along the road. You can also enjoy cycling around the island. A fact about the island here - there aren’t any traffic lights.
Before you leave the island, walk to the shore next to the pier and enjoy the gorgeous sunset there, a perfect way to end the day!