Timeline
05:13
Take the ferry from Meinohama Port to reach Nokonoshima in time for the early start. The ferry departs at 05:15, which allows you to arrive well before sunrise. Check the route for the exact platform.
06:53
Walk to a clear spot on the island facing WSW. The sun sets toward the WSW, meaning it rises from the opposite direction (ENE). Find an open area where you can watch the eastern horizon. The island is about 12 km around, so you have plenty of space to find a quiet vantage point.
07:23
Watch the sunrise at 07:23. The sky will lighten as the sun climbs.
07:55
Stay on the island as the golden light begins at 16:55. Wait for the light to hit the landscape. Note that the golden light time listed (16:55) seems to refer to sunset/evening light in the context of the fact description, but for a sunrise plan, you will enjoy the morning light transitioning into the day. Since there are no food/drink shops listed on the island, you must plan to leave.
09:23
Take the ferry back to Meinohama Port. The ferry departs every hour usually at 15 minutes past the hour. Check the schedule for the next departure after your sunrise viewing.
Local tip
The ferry service runs from 05:15 in the morning. Ensure you catch the early boat to align with the 07:23 sunrise. There are no food or drink shops on the island, so bring water and plan to have breakfast after you return to the mainland.
Check before you go
- Ferry from Meinohama Port departs at 05:15 on the day of the visit.
- Sunrise is at 07:23 on 15 January.
- No food or drink facilities are available on Nokonoshima; bring your own supplies.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Fukuoka (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).