Shikano-shima Island

Shikano-shima is an island beyond Saitozaki, connected by a causeway (pictured above) at the end of the Uminonakamichi Peninsula. "Shima" means island in Japanese, so it is actually Shikano Island. Because of its nearness to Camp Hakata, its resort beach, and its numerous physical and historic sites, it was very popular among those stationed at Hakata.

"Uminonakamichi" means street or road between the seas, which is very much what this thin peninsula looks like.

The map above also shows Shikano-shima in relationship to Saitozaki, Camp Hakata, and the city of Fukuoka, which is on the right side of the map. Today, the peninsula, along with Shikano-shima are part of Higashi Ward of Fukuoka City.

Within a week of my arrival at Camp Hakata, I walked to and around the island with the soldier (can't remember his name) at left, who had arrived with me, taking pictures and getting my first real view of the Japanese people. On our way back to base we were out of film, but we saw these Japanese girls walking down the road. One was very beautiful. In fact, the most beautiful Japanese girl I've ever seen. We asked if we could take their picture, although we had no film, just to start a conversation. We talked to them for a while, but nothing came of it, and I never saw them again. I regret to this day that I'd run out of film.

Shikano-shima is famous for the Gold Seal, below, found there which dates back to 57 AD, and is now housed in the Fukuoka City Art Museum. The seal is inscribed, "King of the State of Na of Wa (Japan) [Vassal] of the Han [Dynasty]." The picture at right marks the spot where it was found in 1784.

This site is located on the southwest corner of Shikano-shima at Kin-in Park, near the Nishitetsubus stop. Kin-in is the name of the golden seal. The seal has been designated a Japanese National Treasure. Near the site is also a monument for the resting place of the soldiers' souls who died in a typhoon at the time of the first Mongolian invasion in 1274.

Mongol and Chinese armies of Kublai Khan had landed on and saked Shikanoshima and neighboring islands in their unsuccessful attempt to invade Japan in 1274 and 1281.