Nokonoshima, the Island of Seasonal Flowers
This island in southern Japan is famous for its flower-filled park containing almost 300,000 different species of plants.

© Nokonoshima Island Park
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.

© Nokonoshima Island Park

© Nokonoshima Island Park

© Nokonoshima Island Park
TRENDING
-
Japanese Society and Self-Harm
Photographer Kosuke Okahara followed six young girls experiencing suffering in 'Ibasyo -Self-injury, proof of existence-'.
-
Tohl Narita, an Iconic ‘Tokusatsu’ Visual Artist
Artistic director and creator of cult characters like Ultraman, this artist shaped the history of special effects in Japanese cinema.
-
‘Cure’, the Fear of Emptiness
At the crossroads between film noir and the fantastic, Kiyoshi Kurosawa depicts a manhunt where fear infiltrates a lifeless society.
-
'The Spirit of Pleasure', a Glimpse into Eroticism in Japan
From the cult of the samurai to that of geishas and the tightening of conventions, this essay traces the history of hedonism in Japan.
-
Recipe for Ichiraku Ramen from ‘Naruto’ by Danielle Baghernejad
Taken from the popular manga with the character of the same name who loves ramen, this dish is named after the hero's favourite restaurant.