Fukae Beach

About

Fukae Beach showing the expansive sandy shoreline and shallow waters. Source: Fukuoka Now

Fukae Beach is a 700-meter-wide sandy beach in Nijō Fukae area of Itoshima, characterized by exceptionally shallow, calm waters. What truly distinguishes this beach is its remarkable natural phenomenon: at low tide, the receding water leaves a thin, mirror-like film on the sand that perfectly reflects the sky, clouds, and surrounding landscape. This stunning effect has earned Fukae Beach the nickname "Itoshima's Uyuni Salt Lake," referencing Bolivia's famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats. 🔗

The beach features clean water and white sand with naturally occurring pyrite that sparkles golden as you walk along the gently curved shoreline. From a local perspective, Fukae Beach is cherished for its calm, family-friendly atmosphere and serves as a gathering place for the community, particularly during traditional Sightseeing Beach Seine Fishing events held May to October. 🔗

Fukae is recognized as Itoshima's most readily accessible beach, located just 10-12 minutes walk from JR Chikuzen-Fukae Station, making it exceptionally convenient for visitors staying in the area. 🔗

Cultural & Coastal Significance

The beach's mirror phenomenon connects to the cultural appreciation of natural beauty in Japanese aesthetics, where reflections and ephemeral moments hold special meaning. The comparison to Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats has made Fukae Beach increasingly popular with photographers seeking to capture the illusion of walking through clouds. 🔗

The traditional beach seine fishing (観光地引網) events represent an important aspect of local fishing culture, where visitors participate alongside community members in hauling large fishing nets and enjoying the fresh catch grilled on-site. This practice maintains connections to Itoshima's maritime heritage while welcoming visitors into local traditions. 🔗

Visiting Information

Access

From JR Chikuzen-Fukae Station:

• Walking distance: 10-12 minutes (approximately 1 km)
• Station accessible via JR Chikuhi Line from Meinohama Station (Kuko Subway Line)

From Central Fukuoka:

• Kuko Subway Line to Meinohama Station
• Transfer to JR Chikuhi Line to Chikuzen-Fukae Station
• Total travel time: approximately 45-60 minutes

By Car:

• Free parking: 100 spaces
• Parking hours: Until 5:00 PM standard season; until 7:00 PM summer (July-September)

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Practical Details

• Hours: Beach accessible year-round
• Swimming Season: June 30 to end of August (2025)
• Beach Houses: Early July to late August
• November Access: Unrestricted; swimming facilities closed
• Admission: Free year-round
• Contact: Itoshima Tourism Association: 092-322-2098

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November Conditions

• Temperature: 11-17°C (53-63°F), average 14.9°C
• Humidity: 68.7%
• Wind: 20.9 kph (breezy conditions)
• Sky: Clear/sunny 14.8 hours daily (61% of day)
• Rain Chance: 23% on average day
• Swimming: Too cold (season ended August)
• Atmosphere: Quiet, peaceful, minimal crowds
• Photography: Crisp autumn air, excellent clarity

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The "Uyuni Salt Lake" Mirror Effect

The beach's most distinctive feature is the mirror-like reflections occurring at low tide. The receding water leaves a thin film on sand that creates perfect reflection of the sky, making it appear as if you're standing in the clouds. This phenomenon is particularly striking during sunrise and sunset when reflections are enhanced by dramatic lighting. 🔗

Beach Characteristics

The 700-meter-wide beach features:

• Exceptionally shallow, calm waters extending far from shore
• Clean white sand with naturally occurring pyrite minerals
• Gently curved shoreline creating varied perspectives
• Protected coastal position providing calm conditions
• Open views of both sunrise and sunset

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Photography Experience

Optimal Conditions

• Best Effect: "Spring tide × low tide × no wind"
• Timing: Sunrise and sunset for dramatic reflections
• November Advantages: Crisp air provides excellent clarity
• Tide Planning: Consult tides4fishing.com/jp/fukuoka/itoshima
• Arrival: 30-60 minutes before low tide for optimal reflections

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Photography Techniques

• Shoot from low angles (camera near ground) for enhanced reflection
• Look for tide pools with standing water for "walking in the sky" effect
• Use wide-angle lens to capture expansive reflections
• Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) provides most dramatic lighting
• Golden pyrite highlights visible in sand when walking

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Practical Visiting Tips

Access & Convenience

• Extremely convenient from nearby accommodation (same district)
• Easy 10-12 minute walk from station if arriving by train
• Free parking available if driving
• November parking less restricted than summer season

November Preparation

• Clothing: Warm, windproof jacket (breezy coastal conditions)
• Equipment: Camera, tripod for long-exposure and low-light shots
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes that can get wet
• No Facilities: Plan accordingly—no restrooms/showers operating

Photography Strategy

• Check tide schedule and plan visit around low tide
• Visit on calm, windless days for best reflections
• Walk along waterline during low tide
• Central beach area for widest sand expanse
• Sunrise shots from eastern end; sunset from western perspectives

Safety & Etiquette

Beach Rules (Year-Round):

• Private barbecues prohibited
• Fireworks prohibited
• Marine sports prohibited during swimming season
• No lifeguards or safety equipment outside summer
• No jellyfish prevention nets

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November Safety:

• No emergency services stationed at beach
• Exercise caution near water
• Check weather conditions before visiting
• Be aware of tide changes if near water

Money-Saving Tips

• Free admission year-round
• Free parking (100 spaces)
• Walking distance from station eliminates taxi costs
• Extremely close to accommodation location

Nearby Attractions

Within Itoshima Peninsula:

• Sakurai Futamigaura Beach: Famous sunset spot with Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks), top 100 sunsets in Japan
• Futamigaura Beach: Itoshima's "sunset strip" with beachside cafes and surf shops
• Keya Beach: Scenic beach with surf points
• Nogita Beach: Another top 100 sunset location
• Coastal cafes and restaurants throughout Itoshima

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Integration with Itinerary

Proximity Advantages

• Located in same district as accommodation
• Walking distance or very short drive
• Convenient for early morning sunrise or evening sunset
• Easy to visit multiple times during stay

Daily Integration

• Morning sunrise at Fukae, evening sunset at Futamigaura creates full day coastal experience
• Fits well with coastal cafe exploration
• Complements cultural sites and food destinations in Itoshima
• Serves as starting point for peninsula exploration

Combined Activities

• Can combine with visits to Sakurai Futamigaura and other peninsula beaches
• Easy access to other beaches via JR Chikuhi Line
• Central location on western edge of peninsula
• Good base for exploring both northern and southern coastal areas

Important Notes

November Considerations

• Swimming season closed—beach access for walks and photography only
• No facilities operating (restrooms, showers, beach houses)
• No lifeguards on duty—exercise personal safety
• Moderately chilly and breezy—dress appropriately
• Clear conditions and fewer crowds excellent for photography

Timing & Conditions

• Check tide schedule for optimal low tide windows
• Best mirror effect requires: low tide + no wind
• November daylight hours shorter—plan accordingly
• Sunrise approximately 6:30-7:00 AM
• Sunset approximately 5:15-5:30 PM in early November

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Location: View on Google Maps

Source: attractions/itoshima/fukae-beach.md