【Itoshima】Sightseeing spots in Fukuoka

Itoshima City in Fukuoka Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Kyushu, right next to Fukuoka City. This area, known for its natural beauty, boasts beautiful coastlines, rich rural landscapes, and unique art pieces, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Itoshima is especially renowned as an ideal place for outdoor activities such as surfing, camping, and hiking. Its pristine seas and beautiful beaches offer year-round enjoyment, not just as a summer resort but as a destination for all seasons.

The city also has a unique art scene known as “Itoshima Art.” It features outdoor art installations and galleries by local artists, offering visitors a blend of art and nature.

The food culture is another significant attraction of Itoshima. Cuisine made with fresh seafood and agricultural products from the local area provides unforgettable flavors for visitors. In particular, strawberry picking and buying fresh vegetables at roadside stands are wonderful ways to enjoy the local produce.

The “Palm Tree Swing” is located on the beach right in front of “Zauo Honkan,” a dining establishment where you can enjoy seafood bowls, situated on the east side of Itoshima.

It is available all year round, offering a comfortable sea breeze in the summer and a clear, panoramic view of the sea during the winter.

In addition to the single-rider swing, there are also swings designed for multiple riders and a variety of swings, including hammocks.

Swinging towards the sea provides an exceptional sense of freedom and is guaranteed to feel amazing!

Nadayama, located at the northern tip of the Itoshima Peninsula, boasts an elevation of 209.5 meters, making it a perfectly enjoyable spot for those looking to engage in some light mountain climbing.

The hiking trails are well-maintained, allowing visitors to easily immerse themselves in the experience.

Along the trail, covered with lush trees, there are two observation decks: the first provides views of Genkai Island and its surrounding islets, while the second offers vistas of Futamigaura (Two Views Bay) and Mount Hiko.

This setup allows climbers to take breaks and enjoy the breathtaking sea views along their journey.

Additionally, the presence of a bus stop near the trailhead ensures good accessibility even for those without a car.

Sakurai Futamigaura, with its high-clarity blue sea and the striking contrast of a pure white torii gate, is a scenic spot in Itoshima that has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches and one of Japan’s 100 Best Sunsets.
The paired rocks, located about 150 meters off the coast in the Genkai Sea beyond the torii gate, are popular as a power spot for matchmaking and marital harmony.

Known for the spectacular view of the sunset between these paired rocks around the summer solstice, many people with cameras flock to this location each year during this period.
Along the Futamigaura beach, there are also many stylish cafes and shops with ocean views, making it a fun area for exploring and enjoying the local vibe.

If you’re looking for a place to take a break while exploring Itoshima, why not try the Itoshima LONDON BUS CAFE?
his eye-catching, bright red bus, a real London bus that has been converted into a cafe, stands out even from a distance.

The main menu item is gelato, with several flavors to choose from daily.
If you go up to the second floor of the bus, you can enjoy your gelato while overlooking the blue sea, or sit on the outside bench to eat with the sound of the waves as your background music.

They also sell original T-shirts and miscellaneous goods, so you can enjoy some shopping as well.

Located on the northwest of the Itoshima Peninsula, at Daimon Cape, is Keya no Oto (Keya’s Great Gate), one of Japan’s three great basalt caves.
Designated as a natural monument by the country, this seascape offers a breathtaking experience.

By taking a sightseeing boat, you can enter the cave and admire its natural beauty up close.
The cave, formed by the erosion of hexagonal basalt columns, stands about 70 meters tall, with an opening of about 10 meters wide and a depth of about 90 meters, creating a somewhat mystical atmosphere.

This popular activity offers a unique experience not easily found elsewhere.
Enjoy exploring this marine cave for a memorable adventure.

Keya no Oto Park is affectionately known as “Totoro’s Forest.”
This spot is found on the way to the Oto Observatory, overlooking the sea.
As you approach, a tunnel of trees bathed in sunlight appears, creating a scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie, reminiscent of the world of Totoro.

It’s a photogenic forest that makes you want to snap pictures.
Why not take a stroll through this forest and feel as if you’ve stepped into the world of the movie?

Shiraito Falls is a prefecturally designated scenic beauty located halfway up Mount Hagane, which has an elevation of 900 meters.

With a height of about 24 meters, the waterfall cascades down in a stair-like fashion, creating a powerful and refreshing spray of water rich in negative ions.

The changing natural scenery through the seasons, from the cherry blossom season to the clear air of winter, is also one of its attractions.
It is said that Japanese giant salamanders also inhabit the clean stream.

As a popular summer retreat, the area around the waterfall offers cool and refreshing experiences such as trout fishing and noodle flowing from Golden Week through autumn each year.

Itoshima is a popular tourist destination in Fukuoka, but since each tourist spot is located some distance apart, it is recommended to travel by rental car if possible.
This allows for easier and more flexible exploration of the area’s attractions.