With snow outside and freezing temperatures, it’s the perfect time to stay at home with a hot tea and make plans for trips to go on once it gets warmer in Fukuoka. Today we will introduce you to another beautiful spot around the city for you to visit and explore: Shika island (志賀島)


As part of Fukuoka city, the island is accessible by a short ferry ride from Hakata. If you’re looking for a nice spot to escape from the crowded urban scenery of Fukuoka and relax on the beach, then take a short hike up to the observatory where you can catch a great view of the bay, metropolis, and ocean.  

If you decide to wander into the woods, you’ll find a huge amour of small Shintō shrines that were built for the gods residing in the trees of the island. Once you get hungry, step into one of a number of local seafood restaurants that, while delicious, are much more affordable than a tourist-oriented restaurant.

The island is known as the spot where the golden block seal, a national treasure was excavated. This golden seal is exhibited in the Fukuoka museum nowadays. Besides using the ferry, the island is connected to Umi no nakamichi (check our article on that) by a bridge as well. 
With the ferry taking less than 30 minutes from Hakata Port, it’s a perfect destination for a day trip while you’re in Fukuoka!