It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy in Fukuoka! It’s also the perfect time to clear your schedule and hit the beach for some sun, sand and waves. Fukuoka City ranks first amongst 21 major cities in Japan for the number of beaches (11 within 30 km of City Hall) with good water quality. But that’s just a statistic. Wait till you see all the long stretches of sandy beaches! Some are inside the city and easily accessible, but some require a bit of effort. To the rescue is Fukuoka Now’s English language beach guide with parking, public transportation info and more! Find the perfect one for you and your family and friends.
Incidentally, “swimming beach” is defined by prefectural ordinances as a beach where the water is clear for playing and swimming and where safety and other conditions are met. They are distinguished from beaches where you can simply swim, so please use this as a reference when selecting a beach.
Note: When visiting beaches, please be sure to follow the rules at each location (check in advance if fireworks and BBQ are permitted – on most beaches BBQ and fireworks ARE PROHIBITED – so don’t!) Also continue other safe practices such as social distancing and refrain from playing loud music and disturbing the peace, nature and others.
Beach spots near Fukuoka
• Sawara-ku, Fukuoka (1)
• Nishi-ku, Fukuoka (2)
• Higashi-ku, Fukuoka (5)
• Itoshima City, Fukuoka (5)
• Fukutsu City, Fukuoka (3)
• Shingu-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka (1)
Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City
Seaside Momochi – シーサイドももち
Located just across the road from Fukuoka Tower, golden sands, parks, restaurants and a multitude of nearby recreation facilities make this one of Fukuoka’s favorite places in summer. Sunbathers, rollerbladers, friends playing soccer, beach volleyball, touch rugby, smoochy couples and toddlers alike vie for space on the beach and promenade. And best of all, it’s easily accessible from Tenjin in 15 minutes by bus!
▷Momochi Now! Stroll the Boardwalk and Hit the Beach
• Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka / Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: 15 min. on foot from Nishijin Subway Station. Nishitetsu buses make frequent stops in front of Fukuoka Tower as well.
Momochi Seaside Park (百道浜地区) : located on the east side of Marizon and Jigyohama
• Swimming season: 7/9/2022~9/1/2022 9:30~17:30
• Parking available: 337 spots (¥300/first 2 hours, after that ¥100/30 min.; ¥1,000/five hours and over, open: 7:00~23:00)
• Basic facilities (cold water shower and toilet: free), outdoor simple changing room
• Rocket fireworks and firecrackers prohibited (hand-held fireworks allowed only on the sandy beach until 22:00)
Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City
Nokonoshima – 能古島
This nature-rich island located in the center of Hakata Bay has several beaches, the largest of which is part of Nokonoshima Campground, and has all the facilities a family with kids could want, including bungalows for overnight stays. It’s also a great place to hang out for couples and groups of friends, too. The island is just a ten-minute ferry ride from Meinohama.
Photo provided by the City of Fukuoka
• Nokonoshima, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access: Take the Nishitetsu bus to the Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal. The ferry crossing takes 10 min., then take the free shuttle bus from the wharf to the Nokonoshima Campground (5 min.)
Nokonoshima Campground Kaisuiyokujo (能古島キャンプ村海水浴場)
• Entry fee (one-day): adult ¥1,200, ES & JHS ¥800, 3 y.o.~ ¥500 (incl. cold shower, beach hut, changing room; excl. hot shower and locker)
• Parking available: approx. 30 spaces (¥2,000), parking at Meinohama Ferry: 300 spaces, ¥500/day
• Basic shower facilities (hot water: ¥200/3 min.), toilet, barbecue facilities, locker (big ¥200, small ¥100), changing room
• Fireworks allowed
• Access: Take the Nishitetsu bus to the Nokonoshima Ferry Terminal. The ferry crossing takes 10 min., then take the free shuttle bus from the wharf to the Nokonoshima Campground (5 min.)
Nagatare – 長垂
With consistently strong winds, Nagatare is popular with windsurfers and other marine sports fans. It’s also a great place to go jogging. The beachside park has a playground, some shaded benches, and water taps. Take in great views of Hakata Harbor, Nokonoshima, and Imazu Harbor. This beach is popular because of its accessibility – it’s just a 10-minute walk from Imajuku Station.
• 1 Imajuku-ekimae, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• No parking available
• Toilet at the park nearby
• Private barbecues and fireworks are prohibited.
• Access: 10 min. on foot to the beach from Imajuku Sta. (JR Chikuhi Line)
• Swimming is prohibited
Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City
Shikanoshima – 志賀島
Fukuoka national treasure “Kin-in” (gold seal) was discovered in Shikanoshima. The artificial land bridge to the island leads to long, narrow, sandy beaches on the east side. Beachgoers can enjoy white sands, clear waters, and the view of Fukuoka Tower and Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome on the horizon. It’s less than an hour from Fukuoka City by car or train, making it a popular go-to beach spot.
Photo provided by the City of Fukuoka
• Shikanoshima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access by ferry: Take a ferry from Hakata Port to Shikanoshima (approx. 28 min.).
Shikanoshima Kaisuiyokujo (志賀島海水浴場)
• Free parking available: 100 spaces (only for beach hut users)
• Basic shower facilities (¥500), toilet, beach hut (3 shops, ¥1,400/person, included shower)
• Access by bus: Take a Nishitetsu bus for Katsuma from JR Saitozaki Sta. and get off at the Shikanoshima Elementary School bus stop (10 min.), then it’s one min. on foot to the beach.
Katsuma / Shirase – 勝馬 / 白瀬
This charming golden-sand beach, separated from the main road by lush greenery, remains clean and unspoiled. Snorkelers and divers will prefer the rocky Shirase beach (the only diving spot in Fukuoka City), which has navigation ropes in the water leading to prime underwater sights.
• Katsuma, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Access by bus: Take a Nishitetsu bus from JR Saitozaki Sta. to Katsuma and get off at the Katsuma-guchi bus stop (30 min.), then it’s 5 min. on foot to the beach.
• Access by ferry: Take a ferry from Hakata Port to Shikanoshima (approx. 28 min.).
Katsuma Kaisuiyokujo (勝馬海水浴場)
• Parking available: 300 spaces (incl. Kyukamura Shikanoshima and beach huts. No parking in Shirase)
• Basic shower facilities (beach hut: warm shower, Kyukamura Shikanoshima: ¥200/2 min.), toilet, barbecue facilities, beach huts
• Surfing and fire-related activities not allowed
Gannosu – 雁ノ巣
Large, golden sand dunes make this beach very unique and picturesque. Not much in the way of facilities (no showers, etc.), and not the most popular beach spot, but that might be a good thing! Definitely a place to get away from it all. Want to catch your dinner? This is a popular spot in the spring for clam digging.
Photo: Pontafon
• Gannosu, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Paid parking available at Gannnosu Recreation Center (¥300/day)
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Gannosu Sta.
• Swimming is prohibited. (*beware of offshore currents)
Nata – 奈多
Facing east, this is said to be the best beach to catch the sunrise. The waves can be quite big here, even in the summer (the calm season). There’s also a beach hut, making this beach a nice place to enjoy a BBQ.
Photo provided by the City of Fukuoka
• Nata, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• Paid parking available: 1,000 spaces (¥300/day)
• Toilet, beach hut, barbecue facilities
• Access: 16 min. on foot from JR Nata Sta.
• Surfing allowed
• Jet skiing, scuba diving, and fireworks prohibited
• Swimming is prohibited. (*beware of offshore currents)
Mitoma – 三苫
A broad and sandy beach, so clean that the sand squeaks as you walk! No umi no ie (beach huts), so shop before you head out. The beach has clear waters and a lot of rocks to turn over to find small sea creatures, making it a great spot for children to play. The stretch between Nata and Mitoma is a popular surfing spot!
• Mitoma, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• No parking available
• Surfing allowed (surf shop on site)
• Access by train: Take the subway to Kaizuka Sta., then the Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line to Mitoma Sta. (19 min.). About 8 min. (1 km) on foot to the beach.
• Swimming is prohibited. (*beware of offshore currents)
Itoshima City, Fukuoka
Keya – 芥屋
Listed as one of Japan’s top 100 beaches and the location of outdoor music festival “Sunset Live” every summer – Keya is a very pleasant and well-protected cove with sandy beaches, clear waters and gentle waves. Public toilets, umi no ie (beach huts), and parking make it ideal for families. There is a fishing port and several restaurants there too. *Sunset Live is cancelled in 2022.
• Shima-keya, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access by bus: Take the Showa bus for Keya from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta. (North exit) to the final stop at Keya (approx. 25 min.), then it’s 5 min. on foot to the beach
Keya kaisuiyokujo (芥屋海水浴場）
• Free parking available: 200 spaces
• Toilet, beach huts (four shops) with barbecue and basic shower facilities
• Private barbecues, fireworks, and marine sports prohibited. However hand-held fireworks can be used near the beach huts.
Niginohama – 幣の浜海岸
Long, natural, and uncrowded, this is one of our favorite beaches near Fukuoka. So it’s no surprise that with its light golden sands and many pine trees, it’s listed as one of Japan’s top 100 beaches. It’s also a good area for surfing in the winter or any time there are waves. The coastal road is part of the “Sunset Road” route and it’s an excellent place to watch the sunset. On the cove just before Niginohama (walking from Nogita towards Keya) there’s Natty Dread, a rustic jerk chicken and hamburger shack. Fabulous food and drinks and a secluded swimming beach.
• Shima-keya, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Free parking available: 70 spaces (in total / several spots)
• Toilet
• Access by car: drive to Maebaru IC, head in the Shima direction along Prefectural Road 12. Go straight to the Hatsuno intersection and turn left at Nogita intersection. 50 min. from Tenjin.
• Access by bus to Keya: Take the Showa bus heading to Keya and get off at Kamamoto-mae bus stop. Niginohama Beach is 10 min. on foot from there. On the way you’ll walk by Nogita Beach with several shops.
• Access by bus to Nogita: Take the Showa bus to Nogita from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta. and get off at the Nogita bus stop (approx. 30 min.). Then it’s about 2.5 km westward to Niginohama Beach (approx. 70 min. on foot).
• You can also rent bicycles at Thalia Coffee Roasters located in front of the Nogita bus stop. (Limited number bicycles available between 10:00~17:30, regular bicycles: ¥1,200 for 1 day, electric bicycle ¥1,500 for 1 day,)
Nogita – 野北海岸
This collection of coves with sandy beaches and clear water is becoming increasingly popular with nearby cafes and restaurants such as Hinode, (serving healthy tacos), Current (a full-scale restaurant and bakery), and Ohana (known for their set meals). The beach is also popular as a surfing point, but when the water is calm and the tide is out, its shallow waters are ideal for families. However parking fills up quickly on weekends, so it should be avoided unless you like crowds and waiting.
• Shima-nogita, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access by bus: Take the Showa bus for Nogita from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Sta. and get off at Nogita (approx. 25 min.), then it’s 10 min. on foot to the beach.
Nogita Kaisuiyokujo (野北海水浴場）
• Paid parking available: 80 spaces (weekdays: ¥500, weekends and hol.: ¥1,000)
Futamigaura – 桜井二見ヶ浦海岸
Excellent waves and the widest choice of cafes in Itoshima, including the legendary Sunset Cafe. Right next door is Palm Beach, and further down the road you’ll find Hona Cafe Itoshima, a shop with Hawaiian pancakes. Futamigaura is famous for Meoto-iwa, the “husband-and-wife” rock shrine which stands 150 m from the shore. It’s also ranked in the top 100 sunsets of Japan, so plan to stay until nightfall! Keen surfer? The waves here are popular amongst the more advanced surfers. Weekend traffic in the area has become very heavy and you can avoid it if you go by bicycle.
• Shima-sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Free parking available: 50 spaces (until 20:00. Each cafe also has their own parking lots)
• Toilet
• Access by bus: Take the Showa bus from JR Kyudai Gakken Toshi Sta. to the Futamigaura (Meoto iwa mae) bus stop (approx. 30 min.), then walk to the beach.
• Swimming is prohibited.
Fukae – 深江
A long, wide and shallow beach with clean water and white sand. Popular among families and safe for young children. From May to October, visitors can also go seine fishing to catch fish in season. (To reserve, call Fukae Kanko Hotel at 092-325-1238. (Click here for more details.)
• Nijo-fukae, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: From JR Chikuzen-Fukae, 12 min. on foot
Fukae Kaisuiyokujo (深江海水浴場)
• Free parking available: 100 spaces (until 17:00, Jul. ~ Aug. until 19:00)
• Basic shower facilities, toilet, beach huts (six shops) with barbecue facilities
• Private barbecues, fireworks, and marine sports prohibited. However hand-held fireworks can be used near the beach huts.
Fukutsu City, Fukuoka
Long, windswept beach immensely popular with surfers. There are many beach cafes in the area, lots of events throughout the summer, and you can usually count on excellent sunsets. Good for a leisurely drive! From nearby Miyajidake Shrine, there is a path going straight down to the beach known as the “Road of Light” at sunset. Best viewed from the top of the stairs of the shrine. This phenomenon can be viewed on Miyajihama, a 3-km-long sandy beach that stretches between Tsuyazaki and Fukuma, when the shallow water at low tide reflects the sky like a mirror. You can see the Fukutsu Sea Mirror when the following conditions are met.
▷ Fukuoka Now Report – Visit Fukutsu Sea Mirror for Spectacular Scenery
Fukuma – 福間
It is one of the leading meccas for marine sports in Fukuoka. The wind and waves are stable all year round, and windsurfing in particular is well known for its ease of use. The coastal street is lined with marine sports stores, cafes, and restaurants, where you can enjoy a meal on the terrace on a sunny day while feeling the sea breeze.
• Nishi-fukuma, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka
• Access by bus: Take a Nishitetsu bus from JR Fukuma Sta. and get off Fukuma Kaigan, then it’s 1 min. on foot from the Fukuma Kyoku-mae bus stop.
Fukuma Kaigan (福間海岸)
• Parking available: 200 vehicles (free)
• Basic shower facilities: ¥500, toilet
* Local authorities ask people to refrain from using BBQ and fireworks. The Fukutsu coast is a precious place where sea turtles visit from June to October to lay eggs. We would like to refrain from any activities that interfere with the ecosystem of sea turtles.
Miyajihama – 宮地浜
The beach is located about 15 minutes straight from the approach to Miyajidake Shrine towards the sea. The beach is located right next to Fukuma Beach, and the waves are not high and the sea is shallow, so you can enjoy a relaxing time.
• Miyajihama, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka
• Access by bus: Take a Nishitetsu bus from JR Fukuma Sta. and get off Miyajihama 2cho-me (3 min.), then it’s 15 min. on foot to Miyajihama Beach
Miyajihama Kaisuiyokujo (宮地浜海水浴場)
• Parking available: approx 120 vehicles (¥500/day)
• Basic shower facilities: ¥300, toilet
* Local authorities ask people to refrain from using BBQ and fireworks. The Fukutsu coast is a precious place where sea turtles visit from June to October to lay eggs. We would like to refrain from any activities that interfere with the ecosystem of sea turtles.
Tsuyazaki – 津屋崎
Wide, long beach also popular with families, and it has facilities including umi no ie (beach huts) and showers. The waters here are beautifully clear! Want to stay overnight? There is a minshuku (Japanese-style bed and breakfast) in the area.
• Tsuyazaki, Fukutsu City, Fukuoka
• Access by bus: Take a Nishitetsu bus from JR Fukuma Sta. and get off at the Tsuyazakihama bus stop (12 min.), then it’s three min. on foot from there.
Tsuyazaki Kaisuiyokujo (津屋崎海水浴場)
• Parking available: approx 20 spaces (free)
• Shower, portable toilet (during beach season only), beach huts
* Local authorities ask people to refrain from using BBQ and fireworks. The Fukutsu coast is a precious place where sea turtles visit from June to October to lay eggs. We would like to refrain from any activities that interfere with the ecosystem of sea turtles.
Shingu-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka
Shingu – 新宮
This big, long, flat beach is OK for swimming but even more popular for beach walking, as the beach enjoys a 2 km long stretch of green pine forest. The path along the forest edge is known as the “Parasol’s Edge”. It’s a popular beach for families as well.
• Shimonofu, Shingu-machi, Kasuya, Fukuoka
• Access: 5 min. on foot northeast from Nishitetsu Shingu Sta. Public transportation recommended.
Shingu Kaisuiyokujo (新宮海水浴場)
• Free parking available (during beach season only): 160 spaces
• Basic shower facilities (hot water ¥500, cold water ¥300), toilet (during beach season only), changing room (¥100), beach hut (¥1,500), barbecue facilities
• Surfing allowed
• Late night fireworks (22:00 ~ sunrise) are prohibited
Hit the Beach – But!
• Keep it clean: Follow the cardinal rule “leave nothing on the beach but your footprints”. That includes bottles, cans, cigarette butts… Burying them in the sand is not acceptable! Always bring a bag as there might not be trash cans, especially at the more remote beaches. Set a good example and help keep Fukuoka’s beaches beautiful.
• Fires & BBQs: With the exception of the BBQ pits set up by the local authorities, officially they are prohibited. DO BBQ ON BEACHES – IT’S PROHIBITED!
• Party: But remember, this is Japan, not Ibiza. Topless sunbathing is not popular either. Feel free to express your culture but respect others’ too.
• Play it safe: Most beaches here do not have lifeguards, so swim with a buddy. Give consideration to tides, undertow, sharp shellfish, and ouch! those nasty jellyfish which begin to appear in mid-August. Also be aware of the scorching Kyushu sun and lightning storms – both of which can ruin your day at the beach.
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Originally written in Jun. 2016, updated in July 2022.
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NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in Jun. 2016.
