Itoshima City, located in the western part of Fukuoka Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy beautiful nature, culture, and gourmet food. This time, we will introduce you to the charming sightseeing spots of Itoshima.
Sakurai Futamigaura (Married Couple Rocks) [Shima Sakurai]
One of the most scenic spots in Itoshima, designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by Fukuoka Prefecture. The Meoto Iwa Rocks stand tall in the sea about 150 meters from the coast, and have been considered a sacred place since ancient times as the grounds of Sakurai Shrine. They are also known for their beautiful sunsets, and many people visit them throughout the year.
In particular, the Oshimenawakake Festival, which is held on the day of spring tide from late April to early May, and the sunset around the summer solstice in June are popular spots that attract many tourists and photographers from inside and outside the prefecture.
The main gate of Keya [Shima Keya]
It is the largest basalt cave in Japan, known nationwide as a scenic spot of strangely shaped rocks in the Genkai Quasi-National Park. The cave is 64m high, 90m deep, and 10m wide, presenting a mysterious landscape. The hexagonal and octagonal basalt columnar joints are designated as a national natural monument, and sightseeing boats operate from Keya Fishing Port from mid-March to November. You can see the majestic shape from the boat.
Heinohama Beach (Shima Keya, Koganemaru, Nokita)
The coastline of white sand and green pines, which is representative of Genkai Quasi-National Park, stretches for about 6km between the Keya area and the Nokita area, and is a arch-shaped sandy beach and pine forest. The contrast between the sea and the sand is beautiful, and you can see many surfers and people enjoying walks along the coast throughout the year. There are also restaurants and workshops scattered near the coastline, and it is a popular seaside spot where you can enjoy exploring Itoshima using electric tuk-tuks and buggies.
Keya Beach (Tateishiyama) [Shima Keya]
This beautiful beach has crystal clear water and white sand. It has also been selected as one of the 100 best swimming beaches by the Ministry of the Environment. During the summer swimming season, beach huts are open and the beach is crowded with many beachgoers from inside and outside the city. You can also climb the low mountain Tateishiyama (210m above sea level) from the beach, and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from near the summit. The photo was taken looking towards Keya from near the top of Tateishiyama.
Mount Kaya [Shima Shiyoshi]
Mount Kaya (365m above sea level), which can be seen from anywhere in the city, is also known as "Tsukushi Fuji" for its beautiful shape. It takes about an hour to climb from the base to the summit, and the view from the observation deck is also good, so it is popular as a mountain that can be easily climbed. It was also known in ancient times for its high-quality granite, and the large torii gate of Nikko Toshogu Shrine was made from granite quarried from Mount Kaya. Access: From JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (North Exit), take a 15-minute bus bound for Funakoshi or Ito Eigyosho. Get off at "Shiyoshi Community Center" and walk 60 minutes to the summit.
Himejima [Shima Himejima]
It is the only inhabited island in Itoshima that floats in the Genkai Sea, and a municipal ferry runs regularly from Gishi Fishing Port. The island is about 3 kilometers in circumference, and time flows slowly here. On the island are the remains of Nomura Botoni, a female poet from the end of the Edo period who was exiled for being a supporter of the Imperial Patriots during the turbulent period at the end of the Edo period, and a monument erected in 1902 lists the names of Ito Hirobumi, Yamagata Aritomo, and others.
Fukae Beach [Nijo Fukae]
The 700m long sandy beach is shallow and a popular spot where everyone from small children to adults can safely enjoy swimming in the summer. From May to October, you can experience the tourist attraction of seine fishing here, catching fish and squid with your own hands, and you can also enjoy barbecuing the fish you catch at the beach huts. Another attraction is that it is close to the nearest Chikuzen Fukae Station, and you can walk to the sea.
Aneko no Hama (Singing Sand) [Nijo Shikaga]
Just below the Nijyo Parking Area is Anego Beach, which stretches out in a bow shape, 1.1 km long and 20 m wide. When you walk on this beach, you can hear a strange squeaking sound. This is the sound of quartz particles in the sand rubbing against each other, and is proof that the beach is beautiful and has little trash. Although the squeaking stopped at one point in the past, it has started to make a comeback as a result of beach cleanups and water purification, making this a unique beach in Japan.
Raizan Sennyoji Daihio-in Temple [Raizan]
Sennyoji Temple is said to have been founded in 770, and Daihio-in Temple was built by Kuroda Tsugutaka in 772, which is still preserved to this day. The main image is a wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon statue measuring 463.6cm, said to have been made in the Kamakura period, and is a designated Important Cultural Property along with the wooden seated statue of Shoga Shonin. Within the temple grounds is a large maple tree said to be 400 years old, which boasts ever-changing beauty with the seasons, from new greenery to autumn leaves.
Haro Observatory [Nijoharo]
Ikisan Observatory [Nijo Ikisan]
Paradise Observatory [Nijo Yoshii]
There are three observation decks along the wide-area trunk forest road that runs east-west through the mountains to the south of the city, and on a clear day you can enjoy views of Itoshima city and as far as Iki. There are also many spots along the forest road where you can enjoy nature, such as Ikazuchi Shrine, Shiraito Falls, Forest Adventure Itoshima, Manakogi no Ko Land, and the 600-year-old giant maple tree. When driving on the forest road, please be mindful of your speed and drive safely.
Shiraito Falls (Fureai no Sato) [Shiraito]
Located 530m up the hillside of Mt. Hagane (900m above sea level), Shiraito Falls is a designated scenic spot by Fukuoka Prefecture. The sight of the water cascading down the 12m-wide, 24m-high waterfall is a spectacular sight. At Fureai no Sato, adjacent to the falls, you can enjoy trout fishing and somen noodle nagashi. You can also try Itoshima's local dish, somen chiri. In late June, you can also enjoy the colorful hydrangeas planted around the falls.
Mount Ibara [Ibara]
Ibara Mountain (983m above sea level) is the highest peak in Itoshima and the second highest peak in the Sefuri mountain range. Many climbers love this mountain as a famous flowering mountain because they can enjoy many flowers from spring to autumn, such as the Kobano Mitsuba Azalea and the Ookitsune no Kasorobi. The photo shows a group of Kobano Mitsuba Azalea near the summit.
Access: 40 minutes by bus bound for Ibarayama from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (North Exit). Get off at the last stop, "Ibarayama Iriguchi," and walk 130 minutes to the summit. Please use the Choisoko Yokamachi Mirai-go bus from 8:30 to 18:30 on weekdays.
Nokita Fishing Port
Surrounded by the lush nature of Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, this historic fishing port is run by local fishermen. This place, overflowing with fresh seafood, not only supports the lives of the locals, but is also a special spot where fishing-loving tourists can experience the charm of Itoshima.
More and more fans are visiting the fishing port scenery and filming locations depicted in the NHK morning drama "Omusubi."
Nogita Beach
Located on the beautiful coastline of Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, this beach is attractive for its crystal clear waters and shallow, easy-to-play sand. Its gentle waves make it popular with families and beginner surfers alike. There are stylish cafes and restaurants dotted around the area, so you can enjoy Itoshima cuisine while enjoying the beach. It is also known as a famous sunset spot, and many photography enthusiasts visit the beach at sunset.
Itoshima is an area that has everything: nature, food, culture, and experiences. One of the great things about Itoshima is that you can discover new charms every time you visit. Why not spend a special time in Itoshima on your next day off?
A trip filled with the charm of Itoshima awaits you!
