Shikanoshima Island Run

Date: 20 Mar, 2019

Time: 3:30pm

Weather: 20C partly sunny

Distance: 9km / roundtrip

Course type: seaside path

Elevation: 34m, gentle up-downs

Traffic Light: few

Start Point: Shikanoshima Bus Stop

Access: 15 mins by bus from JR Saitozaki station

Comments:

- It's a pretty much untouched small island in Hakata Bay, with relatively easy access from city centre by bus or ferry. It's also close to sightseeing spot Uminonakamichi Park.

- The seaside road "Kin-in Kaido" is along the seashore and very easy for runners to follow.

- It's 90% seaside run and very nice view all the way, you will pass by clear water beach at the north of the island, and very nice sunset from the West Coast.

This is the closest train station, Saitozaki, from here you need to take a 15 mins bus to Shikanoshima, of course you can run there by crossing the Shikanoshima Bridge as well, which is around 5km one way.

Bus passing Shikanoshima Bridge, it's the island in front of us.

Here is where I started the run, I run anti-clockwise after arriving Shikanoshima main road.

Passing by a small seaside burger shop along the road, seems it's closed on that day.

Quite a lot of big rocks of all shapes along the East Coast.

Passed by the road sign of the main road Kin-in Kaido Avenue.

Turning to the north coast of the island.

Found a restroom and nice beach at the north coast.

The beach is really clean, quiet, and wide. Wish to stay there for longer time.

After passing the beach, entering a gentle slope, where you see a big road sign of Shikanoshima Country Park.

The slope didn't last long, very soon I entered the west coast, with nice seaview again.

With the sun coming down from the west, this side of the road is brighter.

sunset along the west coast.

Another road sign along West Coast, the blurred tall buidlings at the other side of the sea is Fukuoka city.

The water quality is very good at the West Coast, it's crystal clear!

After finished the seaside road, entering the quiet small village.

Passing by Shikanoshima Primary School.

Arrived back to the start point, the entrance of Shikanoshima from the bridge.

It's a really nice running route especially during sunset, the clouds are lovely!

After 9km round the island run, I took a bus back to Hakata for dinner!