Shikanoshima × Uminonakamichi Date Guide｜Food, Relaxation, and Aquarium Fun
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One weekend, my girlfriend and I went on a drive date to Shikanoshima. The highlight was a visit to Marine World, but we also had a fantastic time enjoying lunch and a relaxing hot spring. It turned out to be a perfect day together!
This article shows our exact itinerary—including our meal, waiting times, and tips—so you can easily copy our plan. Perfect for planning your Fukuoka date!
Our Day Trip Schedule (Approximate)
| Time | Spot | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00–14:00 | Nakanishi Shokudo (Shikanoshima) | About 1.5–2 hours | Famous for turban shell rice bowl and grilled shellfish. Has parking (use Google Maps). |
| 14:30–17:30 | Teruha Spa Resort | About 3 hours | Relax with hot baths, sauna, stone spa, and lounge. Couples should choose the “Spa Resort Course.” |
| 18:00–20:30 | Marine World Uminonakamichi (Night Aquarium) | About 2.5 hours | The dolphin & sea lion show is best enjoyed with reserved seats (+¥500). |
| 21:00–22:00 | Kin-in Dog (Yasuragi Maru) | About 30–60 mins | Steak cubes + squid fritters in a soft roll = perfection. Open late! |
Image credit: Bruno Plus, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
12:00–14:00
A Must-Try Local Favorite: “Nakanishi Shokudo” in Shikanoshima
We started our date with lunch. We went to Nakanishi Shokudo, a popular local restaurant. It was very busy, and we waited about 30 minutes to get a seat. When we sat down, we both ordered the famous Turban Shell Rice Bowl (¥1,200). The shellfish was chewy and tasty, and the soft egg mixed well with the rice. The shrimp and seaweed also gave nice flavor. You can add wasabi or pickled ginger if you like a little spice.
We also ordered Grilled Turban Shell (¥300). The taste of the liver was a little bitter but delicious. You can drink the soup or pour it on your rice for extra flavor—local people often do that!
There’s parking available along the seaside, but it can be a bit tricky to find the first time. Check the Google Map below in advance to make your visit smoother.
Read our previous visit review from a year and a half ago here.
14:30–17:30
Relax Time at “Teriha Spa Resort”
After lunch, we took a short break.
We still had time before the Night Aquarium at Marine World, so we went to Teriha Spa Resort, a popular place for couples and families.
There are two plans: the “Spa Course” and the “Spa Resort Course.” For dates, the second one is better. It includes not only baths but also saunas, stone spas, relaxing rooms, manga books, and TVs. You can relax together or spend quiet time separately—it’s perfect for both.
Photo: Official Website
Photo: Official Website
18:00–20:30
Night Aquarium at “Marine World Uminonakamichi”
Now it was time for the main event of our date — the Night Aquarium at Marine World.* The lights inside the aquarium created a totally different atmosphere from the daytime. Don’t miss the dolphin show that happens every two hours! You can enjoy watching cute and lively dolphins with the beautiful night view of Fukuoka in the background.
* The Night Aquarium is held only during Golden Week and the summer season. Normally, the aquarium closes at 17:30 (17:00 in winter).
- Entrance fee: Adults ¥2,500
- Parking: Regular car ¥600
- Show: Free (Reserved seats ¥500 are highly recommended)
Free seats are very crowded, so it’s hard to see the stage. The ¥500 reserved seat was totally worth it! That day, a small whale also appeared with the dolphins. Their performance together was amazing, and the crowd went wild. My girlfriend loved it!
Dolphin Show Schedule (for reference)
- Entry 10:30 / Start 11:00 – Dolphins & Sea Lions: 30 min
- Entry 12:30 / Start 13:00 – Dolphins & Sea Lions: 30 min
- Entry 14:30 / Start 15:00 – Dolphins & Sea Lions: 30 min
- Entry 16:30 / Start 17:00 – Dolphins & Sea Lions: 30 min
- Entry 18:30 / Start 19:00 – Dolphins only: 15 min
* Schedule and prices may change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
21:00–22:00
Late-Night Snack at “Kinin Dog”
Before heading home, we stopped by a local food stand called Kinin Dog at “Yasuragimaru.” It’s a famous snack on Shikanoshima Island. The sandwich comes with cabbage, diced steak, and fried squid inside a soft bun, topped with a special sauce. It tasted even better than we expected—just the right meal to recharge after a long day! The parking area is big and free, and the shop stays open until late, which is really nice.
* “Kinin” means “Golden Seal,” the name of a real gold artifact discovered on this island long ago. Today, it’s one of Shikanoshima’s symbols.
Summary of Our Shikanoshima Date
- ① Arrive before noon: Nakanishi Shokudo gets crowded, so arriving before 12:00 is best.
- ② Get a reserved seat for the dolphin show: It’s only ¥500, and the view is so much better.
- ③ Bring some cash: Some shops on the island don’t take credit cards.
- ④ Driving is easiest: The loop from Shikanoshima to Island City and Uminonakamichi is smooth by car.
- ⑤ Use Google Maps: Save each parking spot on My Maps so you won’t get lost.
We enjoyed local seafood rice bowls, relaxed at a spa, and felt excited watching dolphins at the Night Aquarium. We ended the day with a Kinin Dog—the perfect way to finish our trip.
It was a classic but wonderful day, one we’d love to repeat. If you’re planning a date in Fukuoka, the “three-spot route” of Shikanoshima, Island City, and Uminonakamichi is a must-try. Add it to your weekend plan!
