Some places are simply unforgettable. Fukuoka Kenei Central Park brings the beauty of mother nature to the urban world!
You likely wouldn’t have heard about this park as it’s not very convenient to get to by train. I can also attest to not seeing a single foreigner out here, but why not take a leap of faith here?
Fukuoka Kenei Central Park is located in the Kokurakita or “north Kokura” section of Kitakyushu prefecture.
The closest train stations are Edamitsu and Tobata stations, but even then, you can expect to walk at least 40 minutes to reach the park (though you can catch a bus along the way to halve the time).
Walking Along The Konpira Pond
I’m not an expert on what defines a river or a pond, but I will say the Konpira Pond here absolutely felt much more like a river, but what do I know?
Nevertheless, this “pond” is quite vast and provides the ultimate walking companion as you make your way through the stunning Fukuoka Kenei Central Park.
I’m not sure where the water was coming from, but I can confirm there was an “ocean smell” in the air, and I couldn’t help but feel a hint of a beach vibe here.
Schools Of Koi Fish
To be honest, I’ve never seen so many koi fish packed in one spot.
Groups of black and orange colored koi fish could be seen swarming around in the Konpira Pond all along Fukuoka Kenei Central Park.
As you walk along, they will come to the surface and open their mouths wide, perhaps hoping you will throw them some fish food (best not to feed them)!
Given the liveliness and sheer number of these koi fish, I’d say it’s a strong testament to the ideal living conditions and freshwater of the park.
Indeed, Fukuoka Kenei Central Park makes the beauty and awe of mother nature easily accessible to urban dwellers.
You just have to be willing to walk the distance to get there!
Convenient Facilities
Don’t worry about your bladder (or something else) building up, because you’ll find a well-kept wilderness toilet here to do your business!
In addition, there are quite a few vending machines in the area where you can buy some good cheap drinks for less than 150 yen, including water, tea, coffee cans, juice, soda, and sports drinks.
If that’s not enough, you could also hit up the nearby convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Daily Yamazaki just around the corner.
A Great Place For Professional Photography?
I’m no professional when it comes to photography, in fact, all my photos are taken from my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G (okay, maybe I’m a semi-pro).
However, I came across a fair share of tripod users taking professional photographs around Konpira Pond.
Perhaps they were seeing something I couldn’t see with my peasant phone camera, but I absolutely understand the incentive to want to take the best photos in this beautiful park!
Fantastic Picnic Spots
While there are plenty of park benches in the area to sit and relax, I’d recommend finding one of these tables to set up camp.
Unlike some other parks, Fukuoka Kenei Central Park places these picnic tables in the best spots to optimize the view of Konpira Pond.
Grab yourself a delicious lunch pack and soak in the full vibe of the park in solitude or enjoy the company of a friend as you reflect on the beautiful life you’ve been given.
Overall Consensus? Brilliant!
Needless to say, I harbor zero regrets about having walked an hour from my hostel in Kokura to get here. In fact, I’d argue the harder you work to make it to Fukuoka Kenei Central Park, the more you can appreciate your time there.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!