Nokonoshima, the Island of Seasonal Flowers

Located in Hakata Bay, Nokonoshima Island can be accessed from the city of Fukuoka by ferry in 10 minutes. With its population of 800, this haven covering an area of 12 square kilometres lends itself to peaceful, rural escapism. 

This destination, with its dense vegetation and spectacular views, offers tourists no shortage of rustic and water-based activities. Hiking, cycling, camping, pottery, and ceramics lessons… Noko Market can also be found close to the terminal, with its modest restaurants. Here, visitors can discover locally grown products and try the island’s signature food and drink, including udon noodles, oranges, and shoshu cider.

A field of colours

Famous for its park full of flowers located in the north of the island, Nokonoshima attracts numerous visitors every year. The public garden was created in 1969 by farmer Kosaku Kubota, then aged 19, with a view to making the most of the environment that was available naturally. 

Thus, 300,000 flowers bloom on an area of land covering 15 hectares. Yellow, pink, orange… With over 30 varieties of plants, the space is made up of fields that stretch as far as the eye can see and that change colour with the seasons. In spring, poppies flourish there, and in summer, sunflowers can be admired. Then, when autumn comes, cosmos—the most popular flowers—give off a sweet scent, before winter signals the blooming of Japanese narcissi. 

More information about the flower park can be found on the official Nokonoshima Island Park website.