Nestled in Hakata Bay, Nokonoshima (能古島 / "Island of the Old Talent") is a peaceful retreat just an hour from downtown Fukuoka. Easily accessible, this charming island enchants visitors with its laid-back atmosphere, stunning coastal views, and most famously, its seasonal flower park that draws nature lovers year-round.
A park map is available on their website, but it’s only in Japanese.
A brief history of Nokonoshima Island Park
The park first opened in 1969, driven by a bold yet simple idea: to revive abandoned farmland while preserving the island’s natural scenery. Its founder, Yoshitake Matsuo, envisioned a space where urban dwellers could reconnect with nature, experience the changing seasons, and rediscover rural Japanese traditions.
At the time, many young people were leaving Nokonoshima for the city, and local agriculture was in decline. The park became a sustainable alternative: a cultivated space that also serves as a cultural and recreational hub.
More than 55 years later, the park now welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually, all while staying family-run, eco-conscious, and proudly independent. In 2025, the park celebrates its 56th anniversary and continues to expand its offerings to captivate a new generation of visitors.
Why visit Nokonoshima Island Park ?
Can you see flowers all year round?
Absolutely, that’s what makes this park so special. Nokonoshima Island Park is designed as a giant seasonal garden, where every month brings a new wave of blooms.
From yellow rapeseed flowers in spring to vibrant cosmos in fall, and camellias and daffodils in winter, the flower calendar is carefully curated to ensure something is always in bloom.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Spring: Rapeseed, cherry blossoms, daisies, poppies
- Summer: Sunflowers, hydrangeas, dahlias, bougainvillea
- Fall: Cosmos, red foliage, oxalis
- Winter: Camellias, daffodils, plum blossoms
Best spots for flower viewing
The terraced gardens offer breathtaking views of the Genkai Sea (玄界灘). Throughout the park, you’ll find wooden benches and scenic overlooks perfect for admiring:
- Flower fields backed by glistening ocean views
- Cascading blooms down the hillsides
- Romantic sunsets over the bay
Things to do at Nokonoshima Island Park
Meet the animals at the mini zoo
A kid-friendly petting zoo features goats, rabbits, and other farm animals in a safe, interactive space—perfect for families!
Get active in nature
The park is built for both relaxation and recreation:
- Soccer and volleyball courts (ball rentals available)
- A kids' adventure zone with rope bridges, slides, and climbing features
- A 9-hole flower-covered golf course (500 yen). Groups can compete for a small trophy!
- Grass sledding (200 yen for 15 minutes)
More activities are listed on the park's official website.
Try traditional arts & crafts
Pottery workshop (陶芸体験 – tôgei taiken)
- Make your own bowl or vase with guidance from a local artisan
- 15–20 minutes | Shipping within Japan available (after 2 months)
- From 2,300 yen
Raku Pottery Painting (楽焼体験 – rakuyaki taiken)
- Decorate your own fired pottery piece
- From 2,500 yen
- In some seasons, you can take it home the same day
How to get to Nokonoshima from Fukuoka ?
Getting to the Ferry Terminal
Option 1: Subway + Bus + Ferry
- Subway Kūkō Line to Meinohama Station
- Nishitetsu Bus from Meinohama-eki Kitaguchi to Noko Tosenba Ferry Terminal
Option 2: Direct Bus from Hakata
- Nishitetsu Bus from Hakataeki-mae A directly to the ferry terminal
Ferry to Nokonoshima
- 10-minute ferry ride for 230 yen one-way (460 yen round trip)
- Check ferry and bus schedules on the park’s website
Once on the Island
You have two options to reach the park:
- Local Nishitetsu Bus (15 min, 260 yen one-way)
- Scenic 45-minute walk along the coastal trails
Food and lodging
Where to eat?
You’ll find several options on-site:
- Family-style restaurants serving Japanese meals and homemade udon.
- Outdoor barbecues (advance reservation required).
- Snack stands with treats like fresh milk ice cream and artisanal juice.
Can you stay overnight?
Yes! The park has 10 cozy wooden cottages available for overnight stays:
- Accommodates up to 6 guests per cottage
- Must be reserved in advance via the official website (Japanese only)
Flower calendar : what to see and when?
Spring
- Late Feb–mid-April: Rapeseed fields
- Late March–early April: Cherry blossoms (hanami season)
- Late March–early May: Colorful daisies
- Late March–late May: Poppies
- April: Rhododendrons
- Late April–late July: Marigolds (yellow & orange)
Summer
- June: Blue to violet hydrangeas
- Mid-June–early July: Bucare (ceibo) trees
- June–September: Dahlias
- Early July–late August: Bright red celosia
- Late July–late August: Sunflowers
- Mid-July–late November: Bougainvillea
- August–late December: Scarlet sage
Autumn
- Early October–early November: Cosmos
- Mid-September–late October: Dahlias
- Early November: Autumn foliage
- September: Bucare (ceibo)
- August–late December: Scarlet sage
- Late November–late February: White oxalis
Winter
- January–mid-February: Japanese daffodils
- December–early February: Camellia sasanqua
- Early January–late February: Japanese camellias
- Early February–early March: Blooming plum trees
- Late November–late February: White oxalis
