Luckily for avid beachgoers, the Fukuoka Weather Bureau has predicted even more hot, sunny weather for August and September - as if it hasn't been enough of a sizzling summer already. In Kyushu, beachgoing choices range from long, curling waves at Miyazaki to the glorious peace a few hours away by ferry at Iki and the Goto Islands. For busy Fukuokans, one of the easiest ways to enjoy beach-hopping is by train.
A number of excellent beaches are dotted along the 50-km coastal rail route that runs west from Fukuoka to Karatsu, ranging in mood from surf city to old-fashioned seaside. Pack your beach essentials (the less the better) and a picnic, board a city train and, 20 minutes after leaving the subway lines, the suburbs thin out. A sparkling sea looms ahead. On a clear day you can see as far as Iki and Tsushima Island from most points along this coast, and in the evening the beaches are bathed in a soft, golden sunset.
First stop of note is JR Imajuku Station, on Fukuoka's outskirts. Buses leave regularly for popular Nishinoura Beach, passing the little-known city beach Obaru on the way. Nishinoura is outside Fukuoka's harbor, and surrounded by luxuriant bamboo and rice fields. A large pair of sacred meoto ("husband and wife" rocks) and a shrine remind you that you really are in Japan, despite all the vans and surfboards. In the evening, surfers and city girls sip drinks at Nishinoura's groovy Sunset Cafe, site of the vastly popular music festival Sunset Live, a two-day party of sounds coming up Aug. 26-27.