Sea of Flowers Cycling Tour · Dancing with Sharks: Exploring Fukuoka Uminonakamichi

🌏【Introduction: Overview of the Scenic Area】 Fukuoka Uminonakamichi is a narrow sandbar peninsula connecting Hakata Bay and Genkai Sea, centered around the Seaside Park and Marine World Aquarium, creating a dual experience destination of "nature + ocean." Geographical Coordinates: Nishitetsu Uminonakamichi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, within walking distance from JR Uminonakamichi Station to both major attractions. Key Features: Kyushu’s largest flower sea park, panoramic underwater tunnel, sardine storm, close interaction with adorable animals. Cultural Note: The aquarium, established in 1989, themed on the "Tsushima Warm Current," links the marine ecological chain from Kyushu to Hokkaido. 🕘【Opening Hours】 Scenic Area | Opening Hours | Notes Seaside Park | 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (seasonal adjustments, ticket sales stop 1 hour before closing) | Water park added in summer; some facilities under maintenance in winter Marine World Aquarium | March-November: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM December-February: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Weekends/Holidays: Night sessions extended to 9:00 PM | Entry stops 30 minutes before closing; showtimes vary daily Recommended Visit Duration: Each of the two major attractions requires 3-4 hours; a one-day trip can cover both. 💴【Ticket Prices】 Seaside Park: Adults 450 JPY, seniors 65+ 210 JPY, free for junior high school students and below (bike rental charged separately). Marine World Aquarium: Adults 2,500 JPY; children’s tickets priced by age group; discounts available for online booking on the official website. Recent Update: From May 2025, the aquarium offers a limited edition joint ticket (including souvenirs), requiring advance online reservation. ⛺【Activities】 1. Must-Do at Seaside Park Seasonal Flower Sea Cycling: Cherry blossoms (March-April) and sunflowers (July-August) are the most spectacular; rent a single bike (700 JPY/day) to cycle along the 12 km coastline. Pet Interaction: Kangaroos, alpacas, and capybaras roam freely; feeding allowed from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (feed 200 JPY/bag). Light and Wind Plaza: Kyushu’s largest sports tower plus dome tent campsite; climb to the top for panoramic views of Hakata Bay. 2. Highlights of Marine World Aquarium Sardine Typhoon Show: Three daily performances where tens of thousands of sardines gather and disperse to music, creating an "underwater tornado." Dolphin and Sea Lion Theater: Open-air stage facing Hakata Bay, featuring high jumps by dolphins and ball-balancing sea lions (front-row seats recommended). Healing Cute Creatures: Otters daydreaming with their paws, waddling penguins, glowing jellyfish tunnel—perfect for family photos. ❗Important Notes Avoid cycling at noon to prevent sunstroke; tandem bikes are harder to control, single bikes recommended. Otter feeding at the aquarium requires reserving a spot half an hour in advance; showtimes are subject to daily announcements. 🚌【Transportation Guide】 Recommended Route (from Hakata Station): JR Line (fast and time-saving): Hakata Station → (Kagoshima Main Line 15 minutes) → Kashii Station → transfer to Kashii Line → Uminonakamichi Station (total 40 minutes, 580 JPY). Ferry (scenic option): Hakata Port Bayside Place → Uminonakamichi Pier (20-minute voyage, 2,400 JPY per person, includes round trip + aquarium discount coupon). Avoid Pitfalls: Nishitetsu buses have few routes and detours; not recommended unless driving yourself. 👉【Itinerary Suggestion】 One-Day Tour Reference: Morning: Aquarium (priority to watch the 10:30 AM dolphin show) → lunch inside (joint-themed burger + limited edition drink). Afternoon: Seaside Park cycling → animal interaction → picnic at Light and Wind Plaza. Evening: Take the ferry back to Hakata Port, capturing sunset photos of Fukuoka Tower along the way. Nearby Attractions: Food: Teppanyaki steak 301 meters from the aquarium exit; Chikae seafood restaurant 8 km away. Accommodation: Dome tent campsite near the park (advance online reservation required) or hotels around Hakata Station. 🧡【Preparation Before Departure】 Essentials: Sunscreen, sun hat, sports shoes (non-slip for cycling), picnic mat. Cash: Bike rental and animal feed at the park accept cash only; prepare 2,000 JPY in small bills. Transport Cards: JR line supports ICOCA/Suica cards; ferry tickets must be purchased separately. Official Website: Download the "Marine World" app in advance to check showtimes and avoid missing out.