Hawaii is a beach vacation destination known for its white sandy beaches and sparkling ocean. Did you know that Japan also has a place praised as "just like Hawaii!"? That place is Itoshima (糸島) in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Itoshima City is a relatively young city established in 2010. It is located on the Itoshima Peninsula, the westernmost part of Fukuoka Prefecture. In ancient historical records like the "Giwa Shinzen," it appears as "Itoguni." In the "Hirabaru Site," national treasures believed to be from the Yayoi period have been excavated.
Itoshima has recently gained attention not only for its breathtaking scenery but also due to the increasing presence of the "Hawaii" vibe. After exploring Fukuoka, consider paying a visit to experience the charm of Itoshima!
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Anego beach (姉子の浜)
The wide shallow water area stretches for about 1.1 kilometers, and all the beaches and sands are as beautiful as those in Hawaii, including the crescent-shaped sand beach "Anego Beach" (姉子の浜). The sand that accumulates on Aneko Beach is known as "singing sand," and walking on it produces a sound.
Unique cafes, restaurants, and other beach-friendly dining spots further enhance the coastline. From surprisingly stylish cafes to shops with a Japanese seaside villa vibe, you can simultaneously enjoy the beach atmosphere of Hawaii and Japan.
The best time to enjoy Itoshima is during the day, where the emerald sea is spectacular, but also during the sunset. The brilliant sunset bathes all the scenery in vibrant orange, creating breathtaking views.
The beach view from a mountain at an altitude of about 244 meters is very popular, and the scenery reminds people of Hawaii's famous Diamond Head Mountain.
Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones (桜井二見ヶ浦 夫婦岩)
Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones, consists of two closely spaced rocks, often referred to as the "Wedded Rocks."
These two rocks are connected by a shimenawa (a sacred rope), symbolizing marriage and a happy wedded life. Because of their resemblance to a couple standing closely together, they have attracted many couples who visit to take photos and capture this iconic symbol of love.
Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones is chosen as one of Japan's Top 100 Sunset Views. Around the time of the summer solstice, the setting sun descends between the two rocks, creating a spectacular and breathtaking view.
The torii gate at the seashore is a masterpiece. During high tide, the torii gate is submerged in the seawater, creating a wild and captivating scene.
- Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones (桜井二見ヶ浦 夫婦岩) Information
- Address: Island Sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: From Tenjin, Fukuoka, take a highway bus bound for Itoshima and get off at Futamigaura (Futamimae) Bus Stop, then it's a 1-minute walk. Alternatively, take the JR Chikuho Line to Chikuzen-Hara Station North Exit Bus Stop (Nokin Line), get off at "Ida" Bus Stop, and it's about a 30-minute walk.
- Opening Hours: All day
Beach Cafe SUNSET（サンセット）
The sunset at the "Beach Cafe SUNSET" on the Futamigaura Coast is also highly popular.
You can enjoy the beautiful sunset from inside the cafe or from the terrace seats, but we recommend the driftwood hut owned by the cafe. In the center of the hut, there's a table where you can place your phone or camera for taking selfies.
From the "Sunset" hut, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset view. During this time of day, the lighting is backlit, so be sure to take photos of people facing backward or sideways to capture shots worth sharing on social media!
- Beach Cafe SUNSET Information
- Address: 284 Nishiura, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: Take a bus from Kyudai Graduate Urban Station (Nishi-no-Ura Line) and get off at "Palm Beach" Bus Stop, then it's about a 1-minute walk.
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order at 8:00 PM)
- Regular Holidays: Thursdays and the 3rd Wednesday of each month (open on holidays)
Palm Tree Swing (ヤシの木ブランコ)
A swing made from two palm trees that happen to lean in the same direction. It can be used all year round, allowing you to enjoy the pleasant sea breeze in the summer and the clear sea views in the winter.
Without a doubt, swinging towards the sea provides a sense of openness and feels great!
- Palm Tree Swing (ヤシの木ブランコ) Information
- Address: 79-6 Kotani, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: Take a bus from Kyudai Graduate Urban Station (Nishi-no-Ura Line) and get off at "Kuraosu Tenmae" Bus Stop, then it's about a 1-minute walk.
- Opening Hours: All day
Shiraito Waterfall (白糸の滝)
The approximately 24-meter high Shiraito Waterfall has been designated as a Fukuoka Prefecture designated scenic spot. It is located on a mountainside at an altitude of 530 meters. Just like its name suggests, it flows down the rock face like white threads, creating a serene atmosphere.
As a leisurely place filled with natural beauty, it is a favorite spot for families. Especially in the summer, it attracts many visitors looking to escape the heat.
Around the waterfall, you can rent fishing equipment to catch Yamame trout. In addition to salt-grilled Yamame trout and local specialty "Itojima Somen Fry" (reservation required), you can also taste the famous Somen Flowing Water, which is a soft shaved ice dessert from nearby Murakami-ya.
This is also a place to connect with the seasons and nature, with flowers and the sound of flowing water. From late June to mid-July, about 5,000 hydrangea plants and 100,000 hydrangea blossoms bloom in profusion, creating a beautiful garden to welcome your visit.
- Shiraito Waterfall (白糸の滝) Information
- Address: 460-6 Itojima, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: Take a bus from JR Chikuho Line Chikuzenmaebaru Station South Exit (Shiraito Line) and walk about 30 minutes from "Shiraito" Bus Stop.
- Price: Fishing for 1 rod costs 2,500 yen (including the rental fee for fishing rod and bait), and you can exchange the Yamame trout you catch for salt-grilled trout for an additional 100 yen. Somen Flowing Water costs 600 yen per person. Open from May 1st to the end of September.
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (until 18:00 in July and August).
- Shop Closure: Wednesdays from December to March, and year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3)
LONDON BUS CAFE (ロンドンバスカフェ)
This is a café created by renovating a retired double-decker London bus from the UK. It stands against the backdrop of a blue sky and the sea, with its classic bright red body making it stand out from afar.
We recommend sitting on one of the three different colored benches on the front of the bus to take photos. The beautiful view of the sunset over the sea is a perfect backdrop!
The second floor of the London bus serves as a café space where you can enjoy your chosen menu. The wide variety of homemade coffee and ice cream are signature items, and you can enjoy them while gazing out of the window at the beautiful sea.
- London Bus Cafe (ロンドンバスカフェ) Information
- Address: 2289-6 Shimonokita, Shima-no, Itoshima, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: Take a bus from JR Chikuho Line Chikuzenmaebaru Station North Exit (Nokita Line) and walk about 10 minutes from Nokita Bus Stop.
- Opening Hours: 11:00 until sunset
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/itoshima_london_bus_cafe/
ICHIRAN no Mori Itoshima (一蘭の森 糸島店)
ICHIRAN Ramen is a well-known ramen chain that many tourists are familiar with. As the world's number one pork bone ramen company, ICHIRAN has a huge production facility located on the scenic Itoshima Peninsula, which boasts rich natural surroundings.
ICHIRAN no Mori is the production base situated on the Itoshima Peninsula, covering an area twice the size of the Tokyo Dome. Here, you can experience the water, air, soil, and trees of Itoshima, which are integral to the production of ICHIRAN's natural pork bone ramen.
The "secret sauce" and "rich broth" made here are shipped daily to ICHIRAN shops worldwide.
At ICHIRAN no Mori, a small part of the noodle-making process is also open to the public, and there is a shop where you can leisurely enjoy their natural pork bone ramen.
- ICHIRAN no Mori Itoshima Store (一蘭の森 糸島店) Information
- Address: 256-10 Matsukuma, Shima, Itoshima, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: Take a bus from JR Chikuho Line Chikuzenmaebaru Station North Exit (Kyudai Line) and walk about 30 minutes from Kagashiro Bus Stop; by car (direction Karatsu), take the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway Maebaru Higashi IC, and it's about a 30-minute drive.
- Phone: 092-332-8902
- Opening Hours: 11:00-16:00
La'Puni
La'Puni is a tropical yellow cafe that's well-known for its pesticide-free passion fruit smoothies made from Yoko Miyamoto's farm-picked passion fruit.
Additionally, they offer popular items such as smoothies made from dragon fruit and vegetables, as well as homemade sweet sake. The cafe has multiple indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing you to relax and enjoy a drink while feeling the breeze.
- La'Puni Information
- Address: 204-6 Tomari, Shima, Itoshima, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: About 6 minutes by car from JR Hadano Station
- Phone: 80-1747-3274
- Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00
空-KU
For adult dates or a self-indulgent treat, we recommend Sushi and Japanese Restaurant "空-KU." It's a luxurious experience to enjoy fresh sushi and seafood rice bowls while overlooking the sea.
During lunchtime until 15:00, you can savor a sushi set meal that includes sushi, side dishes, and dessert for 1,980 yen. They also offer children's meals suitable for kids in elementary school and below, making it a great option for families.
This restaurant is quite popular, and reservations are recommended for weekends, so plan ahead.
- 空-KU Information
- Address: 1147-3 Miyaura, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
- Access: Get off at JR Chikuzen-Oda Station or Imajuku Station on the Chikuho Line, then take the Nishinoura Line bus to Miyaura Bus Stop. By car, it's about a 20-minute drive from Imajuku IC.
- Phone: 092-805-9007
- Opening Hours: Lunch: 11:00-15:00, Dinner: 15:00-21:00 (Last order at 20:30)
- Closed on Thursdays and the third Wednesday of the month
- Official Website: https://www.sushiandjapanesefoodku-2011.com/
Ito Sai Sai Farmer's Market (JA糸島産直市場 伊都菜彩)
The livestock products in Itoshima, such as Itoshima beef and Itoshima pork, are well-known throughout Japan. The locally raised cattle and pigs are known for their healthiness.
In terms of seafood, Itoshima City boasts the largest catch of wild red sea bream in Japan. Freshly caught sea bream in the morning can be found at reasonable prices in the local fishermen's cooperative stores and supermarkets.
Itoshima City has been actively involved in oyster farming since the early 2000s. The intricate coastline of the area is ideal for oyster cultivation. What began with just a few small oyster huts has now become a popular attraction, drawing many tourists from both inside and outside the prefecture.
At the JA Itoshima Direct Sales Shop "Ito Sai Sai," you can find all these delicious agricultural and seafood products. It's the largest direct sales facility in Kyushu, gathering about 1,600 local farmers.
In addition to the popular Itoshima vegetables, you can find a variety of ingredients, including fruits, flowers, snacks, bento boxes, processed foods, oysters, Itoshima beef, and Itoshima pork. It's a place like a local kitchen, bustling with people from early morning.
- Ito Sai Sai Farmer's Market Information
- Address: 567 Hatoue, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 13 minutes on foot from JR Hatoue Station
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
