About the Island
Shikanoshima is an island that is connected to the mainland of Fukuoka City, at the end of the spit called Umi-no-Nakamichi.
The island boasts beautiful beaches with clear water. It's a great place for swimming and a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the island...about 11 kilometres. A bit a beach fishing can also be done here.
It's great for a day out and it's very accessible, about 25 minutes from the city center by car. There's also accomodation on the island and at a reasonable price if you'd like to chill for longer.
You can also take the local ferry from Hakata port. There's an express that goes straight to Shikanoshima or a local that stops at Saitozaki. It's a smooth ride.
History
The Gold Seal of the "Kanno Wano Nano Kokuo” was found in Kananosaki on Shikanoshima in 1784 and is now a national treasure. The seal is made of gold and is very small, about the size of a thumb. In the Gold Seal Park on a hill there is a plaque that pinpoints where the seal was found by two farmers.
The Kobu Emperor of Houhan, from a dynasty in ancient China, gave the seal to an envoy from Japan and was originally sent as a gift to the emperor of Japan in 57 A.D.