Shikanoshima

To reach Kinin Park on Shikanoshima (Deer Island), you must drive along Uminonakamichi, the road in the middle of the sea, past sand dunes and an amusement park, and cross over an isthmus to reach Uminonakamichi. The Kinin Park was built around a historical discovery, the Kinin, or golden seal.  It is said that the Gold Seal that Chinese Emperor Guangwu (Later Han Dynasty) presented to a local ruler in the Yayoi Era (400BC - 250AD) was discovered here.  The unearthed gold seal (kinin) has been declared a national treasure and is currently on display in the Fukuoka City Museum. The park has lots of steps and ramps leading up high to the upper deck area, but it’s worth the walk up to enjoy views out over Hakata Bay over Nokonoshima and the Genkai Sea to Genkaijima.

The seal from Kin-in Park
It’s a fine place to have a picnic lunch, too, especially if you stop at the hot dog stand before you reach the island and pick up a Kinrin Dog. This curious food item turns out to be a surf’n’turf concoction with golden fried squid and steak pieces on a hot-dog bun with cabbage. Most likely, this royally-colored creation sprung from the imagination of an inspired history buff. I enjoyed mine with a cola by the side of the boat-shaped hot dog stand heading back as my Kyushu tour came to an end.
The Kin-indog is served here