Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

A Wide Variety of Attractions and Facilities

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park offers numerous attractions and facilities for visitors of all ages. One of its most popular areas is the Animal Forest, where visitors can encounter a variety of animals, including capybaras, alpacas, and kangaroos. At the Flower Museum, seasonal floral displays showcase different flowers throughout the year.

The Sports Area provides facilities for active recreation, including tennis courts, cycling paths, and swimming pools. The cycling routes extend throughout the park, making it possible to explore the grounds at a leisurely pace. Rental bicycles are available for visitors who want to enjoy the natural scenery while cycling.

Leisure Facilities and Events

The park also has family-friendly attractions, including Sunshine Pool and the Children’s Plaza. Sunshine Pool is a large leisure swimming complex that opens during the summer season and features attractions such as a wave pool and water slides. The Children’s Plaza has play equipment where younger visitors can enjoy themselves in a family-friendly environment.

A variety of events are held throughout the year. Seasonal highlights include a flower festival in spring, a fireworks display in summer, and a harvest festival in autumn. The illumination festival, during which the park is lit up at night, is especially popular for its enchanting atmosphere.

The Park’s Main Areas and Facilities

Flowers and Greenery

The park has several areas where visitors can enjoy flowers throughout the year. The rose garden and expansive lawn are especially popular. Seasonal events include the Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic in spring and the Uminaka Flower Festival in autumn, offering opportunities to appreciate the park’s changing floral displays.

Nature Experiences and Animals

Animal Forest is home to small animals, including capybaras, and is a favorite attraction among children. The Environmental Coexistence Forest, also known as Mirai no Mori, provides opportunities to experience nature firsthand. Other scenic areas include Panorama Plaza, which overlooks Hakata Bay, and Kamo Pond, where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings.

Play and Recreation

Sunshine Pool features six pools, including a flowing-water pool, and becomes lively with families during the summer. The park also has a dog run and a day-camping area, making it suitable for visitors traveling with pets and those who enjoy outdoor activities. At Shiomidai, which faces the Genkai Sea, visitors can take in beautiful ocean views.

Resort Facilities and Marine Activities

The park grounds are also home to Marine World Uminonakamichi, an aquarium featuring exhibits themed around the seas of Kyushu. The resort hotel The Luigans Spa & Resort and marina facilities are also located in the area, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy a resort-like atmosphere.

Outdoor Theater, Concerts, and Live Events

The outdoor theater at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is described as the largest of its kind in Fukuoka City. It frequently hosts music events and concerts. Major Japanese artists who have performed there in the past include Shogo Hamada, Mr. Children, and Southern All Stars, drawing large audiences.

Seasonal Events Throughout the Year

The park’s event calendar offers something to enjoy in every season. Spring brings the Uminonakamichi Flower Picnic, summer features the Uminaka Rose Festival, and autumn welcomes the Uminaka Flower Festival. In winter, the Uminaka Christmas Candle Night creates a festive atmosphere. Each visit can offer a different experience depending on the season.

History and Development of the Park

From Wartime Use to a Public Park

The land now occupied by the park was once used for military facilities during the war. In May 1943, the aircraft manufacturer Kyushu Hikoki completed the Saitozaki Airfield. The Hakata Naval Air Group subsequently requisitioned adjoining land for training with land-based aircraft.

After the war, the area was used as the U.S. military’s Hakata Base before being returned to Fukuoka City. Following its return, the land was used as the Fukuoka City Gannosu Recreation Center. Development as a national government park began in 1975.

Opening and Expansion

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park officially opened on October 20, 1981, with an initial area of approximately 50 hectares. Facilities such as Sunshine Pool, the Children’s Plaza, and the Great Lawn were added in stages, and the park subsequently expanded to approximately 260 hectares.

In 1991, the Marine Ecological Science Museum, now known as Marine World Uminonakamichi, opened in the area and became a popular tourist attraction in Fukuoka City.

Getting to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

By Train

The park is located close to Uminonakamichi Station on the JR Kashii Line, making rail travel a convenient option. Visitors can also use Nishitetsu Bus services and get off at the Marine World Uminonakamichi bus stop, from which the aquarium area is approximately a three-minute walk away.

By Boat

From central Fukuoka, visitors can travel from Hakata Port’s Bayside Place Hakata Pier to the Uminonakamichi or Saitozaki ferry landing. Services operated by Yasuda Sangyo Kisen and the Fukuoka City ferry system offer an alternative way to reach the area while enjoying a boat journey.

By Car

The park is approximately 8.5 kilometers from the Island City exit on the Fukuoka Urban Expressway Route 6 Island City Line and approximately 17 kilometers from the Koga Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. Parking facilities are available, making access by car convenient.

A Spacious Destination for Nature and Recreation

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a large recreational destination where visitors can enjoy nature, leisure activities, and cultural events in one place. Away from the bustle of central Fukuoka, it offers an inviting setting for families and friends to spend time together. Its changing seasonal landscapes and wide variety of facilities make it a place where there is always something new to discover.