Camp Hakata

Known for its outstanding natural scenery, the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park features flower gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, a water park, a zoo, large open spaces and picnic spots. Landscaping and reforestation projects are at the core of the park: the natural landscape and vegetation suffered due to the frequency of military vehicles. Since 2009, the park has sought to “create a forest from scratch on land that was initially empty.” Meanwhile, Marine World Uminonakamichi has welcomed over 25 million visitors since its inception in 1989, and is continuously expanding.

These sites in Fukuoka are just a few examples of what happens to thousands of former U.S. military bases around the world. What about the rest?

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Timeline

1945: American forces move into Camp Hakata

1972: Base returned to Japan

1975: A plan to create a large-scale urban park is approved

1976: Construction begins

1981: Part of the park opens

1989: Aquarium opens

2025: 65% of the planned area is open to the public

Size: 864 acres

Base in operation: 1945–1955

Construction started: 1976–1981; 2017–

Ownership: Public. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

A large colorful Ferris wheel overlooks a field of blue nemophila flowers with people walking.