What are Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and MARINE WORLD like? Explore this comprehensive guide to these popular spots!

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, located in Higashi Ward of Fukuoka City, stretches across a sandbar surrounded by Hakata Bay and the Genkai-nada Sea. This national park seamlessly blends the lush natural environment with a wide variety of activities. The breathtaking scenery created by the seasonal flowers is a particular highlight. There are attractions galore in the park that both adults and children can enjoy all day long, including opportunities to interact with adorable animals, spacious lawns with a liberating sense of openness, and thrilling large-scale playground equipment.

To explore the vast grounds efficiently, we recommend cycling through the park while feeling the sea breeze against your skin! Moreover, riding on the latest mobility options, such as electric kick scooters or Segways, may help you discover completely different facets of the park's attractions.

At eight flower spots centered around the large lawn square, you can enjoy dazzling views of flowers no matter when you visit.

In spring, visitors are captivated by approximately 1 million nemophila flowers that cover the ground in a carpet of sky-blue. A fantastical “world of blue” unfolds, where the sky, sea, and flower fields blend into one. In summer, delicate hydrangeas and water lilies come into full bloom. In autumn, be inspired by photogenic scenes such as the fluffy, round kochia plants transitioning from green to deep red, and approximately 1.2 million cosmos flowers swaying gracefully in the breeze. Come winter, ice tulips bloom, undeterred by the cold, and richly fragrant daffodils blossom in the crisp, clear air.

This generous, open area is home to approximately 500 animals from around 50 species, including capybaras taking lazy afternoon naps and kangaroos with their adorable mannerisms, all living in an environment that closely mimics their natural habitats. Characterized by the absence of high fences or cages, visitors can observe the animals as if they were simply dropping in to visit the animals as they go about their daily lives.

The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to interact directly with the animals. Feel the weight of a guinea pig on your lap or witness the strength of a Tokara goat as it eats. By actually touching them and feeling the warmth of their bodies and breath, you can learn firsthand the value of life, which cannot be fully grasped just by looking at illustrations in a book.

Open every year from early July to early September, this area features six diverse pools. Among them, the “Dragon Slider," which involves sliding down inside a tube, is immensely popular. The exhilarating sensation of hurtling down at speed, sending water flying everywhere, is sure to get you hooked once you try it. There are also plenty of attractions that the whole family will love, such as the “Running Water Pool” where you can relax and float along with the water, and the “Water Jungle” where buckets tip large amounts of water over the swimmers.

After working up an appetite from running around the park, head to one of the gourmet spots! The Wonder Shuttle serves up classics such as tonkotsu ramen, curry, and pasta, as well as the Hakata specialty “Goma Saba Don” (rice bowl topped with raw marinated mackerel and sesame). We also recommend taking a break on the terrace of Play Cafe, where you can admire the seasonal flowers, or using the food trucks that pop up for limited periods.

The Animal Museum Shop sells sweets including soft-serve ice cream and donuts. Be sure to check out the adorable exclusive items found only in the park, such as stuffed animals and keychains.

MARINE WORLD Uminonakamichi is themed around “the seas of Kyushu,” and it is home to approximately 30,000 creatures of about 350 species. The spacious, three-story facility features exhibits recreating Kyushu's coastal waters, open ocean, and deep seas, as well as displays showcasing the seas and forests of Amami. There are also areas to satisfy your intellectual curiosity by observing penguins and seals up close and learning about the connection between the forest and the sea. Set against the backdrop of Hakata Bay, the dolphin and sea lion show is a must-see, presenting performers and animals working in perfect harmony.

Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows take place in an open show pool. You will find yourself captivated by the dolphins’ dynamic leaps as they soar through the air with strength and grace, and by the comical performances of the sea lions that bring smiles to the audience with their lovable, playful antics. Each show lasts about 30 minutes and takes place three times a day on weekdays and four times a day on weekends and holidays. Experience the power of these creatures from a distance where you can almost feel the spray of the water. 
*Reserved seating is available during Golden Week, summer holiday period, and other peak periods. Please check the official website for details.

Sea Animal Island is an area where you can see penguins and seals up close. In addition to observing their adorable antics closely, you can also try the wide variety of hands-on activities available. One of the highlights is the seal feeding experience, held exclusively on weekends and holidays. Feeling them breathe right in front of you and looking into their big, round eyes, you simply cannot help but smile! Food for feeding is available for purchase without a reservation until it sells out.