13 Popular Itoshima Sightseeing Spots for a Day Trip from Fukuoka Airport or Downtown Fukuoka

If you especially want to enjoy food in Itoshima, spring (March to May) and winter (December to February) are recommended.
In spring, fresh greenery spreads across the area, making it a pleasant season to enjoy Itoshima’s nature, and you can also enjoy activities such as Amaou strawberry picking.
Winter is the peak season for Itoshima’s specialties, oysters and red sea bream. Be sure to enjoy seafood dishes such as tai-meshi.
Another draw is the smaller number of tourists, which lets you enjoy a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

The main way to get to Itoshima from Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, or Tenjin Station, which are often the starting points for access, is by train.
Chikuzen-Maebaru Station, the main station in Itoshima, can be reached from any of those locations in under 1 hour on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line without transfers.
That said, if you are comfortable driving, renting a car is recommended.
By rental car, it takes Approx. 35 to 50 minutes via expressway, or Approx. 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes via local roads.

Located in northern Itoshima City, Sakurai Futamigaura overlooks the Genkai Sea.
Chosen as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches, this scenic spot is one of Fukuoka’s most iconic attractions and an essential stop on any drive through Itoshima.
It has long been revered as sacred ground of Sakurai Shrine, founded by Kuroda Tadayuki, the second lord of the Fukuoka Domain, and its striking white torii gate standing against the blue sea is especially memorable.
About 150m offshore stand the Meoto Iwa, or “Married Rocks”, with the 11.8m-tall male rock and the 11.2m-tall female rock connected by a massive sacred rope.

This shrine complex consists of Sakurai Shrine, built by Lord Kuroda Tadayuki, the second lord of the Fukuoka Domain, in the early Edo period (1603–1868), and Sakurai Daijingu, which enshrines divided spirits from the Inner and Outer Shrines of Ise Grand Shrine.
Sakurai Futamigaura, one of Itoshima’s popular sightseeing spots, is also the sacred body rock worshipped by Sakurai Shrine.
The main hall, worship hall, and tower gate, all of which have remained since the time of construction, are designated Important Cultural Properties of Fukuoka Prefecture.
The main hall in particular is built in the sangensha nagare-zukuri style with a hamayuka platform, preserving architectural techniques from the early Edo period.
Another charm is the long approach beyond the shrine gate, where you can enjoy a quiet walk surrounded by seasonal flowers and trees.
It is one of the spots you should visit together with Sakurai Futamigaura.

A scenic spot designated by Fukuoka Prefecture, located halfway up Mt. Hagane, which has an elevation of Approx. 900m.
With a drop of Approx. 24m, the waterfall is true to its name, with water flowing beautifully like white threads.
In summer, the splashing mist feels refreshing, making it a popular place to relax surrounded by nature and negative ions.
From mid-June to early July, Approx. 100,000 hydrangeas from around 5,000 plants come into bloom, and seasonal activities are also available, including yamame trout fishing from late April to late November and nagashi somen from late April to late September.

A popular photo spot set up along the coast of Itoshima on the grounds of the seafood restaurant Zauo Main Store.
Against the backdrop of the blue sea and sky, a tropical-style scene unfolds with swings hanging from palm trees.
Another attraction is the beautiful sunset you can enjoy at dusk, making it popular with couples and families alike.
If you want to take a memorable photo of your trip to Itoshima, this is a must-visit spot.

Keya no Oto is counted as one of Japan’s three great genbudo basalt caves.
A genbudo basalt cave is formed when magma from volcanic activity cools and solidifies, contracts, and creates cracks, which then become regularly shaped columnar formations.
Keya no Oto, Japan’s largest genbudo basalt cave, is Approx. 64m high, 90m deep, 10m wide at the entrance, and 180m long.
These columnar rocks jut out above the sea as cliffs, and the cave is said to have been formed over many years by wave erosion, creating its irregular lines.
The only way to access it is by sightseeing boat, which operates from mid-March to November. A cruise boat is the only way to view it up close.

A nature-rich park spreading around Keya no Oto, with scenic spots scattered throughout the grounds.
One of them is the tunnel created by trees, located where you reach the coast by passing Daiso Shrine, which enshrines the god of the sea, from the park’s parking lot.
If you continue along the path beyond the tunnel, you will arrive at an observation deck with sweeping views of the back side of Keya no Oto and the Itoshima coastline.

A low mountain with an elevation of 209m at the tip of the Itoshima Peninsula, it takes Approx. 30 minutes to reach the summit, making it easy to climb and popular even with beginner hikers.
From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Genkai Sea and Keya no Oto, and on clear days, you can also see the broad blue coastline and the sun setting over the sea.
Another attraction is encountering uniquely shaped rocks and a variety of plants along the hiking trail.

Anego no Hama is a beautiful beach along the coast of Itoshima, known for its arc-shaped stretch of white sand.
It is also known as a place where you can experience “singing sand”, a phenomenon in which the sand squeaks as you walk on it.
During the day, you can enjoy grand views of the Genkai Sea, while at dusk, the sky and sea turn orange, creating a dreamlike scene.
Also popular as a surfing spot, it is a hidden gem where visitors can enjoy soothing scenery.

Hakojima Shrine stands on a small island off the coast of Nijo in Itoshima City. It is a mystical spot where a sandy path appears only at low tide, allowing visitors to walk across to the island.
Long loved as a scenic spot, it is now also popular as a power spot for love and romance.
On the island are a small torii gate and shrine building, where Aizen Myoo, believed to grant success in love, is enshrined.
The island also enshrines Hibuki-dake bamboo, which is said in local legend to cure ear ailments.

Nigi no Hama is a white-sand beach stretching for Approx. 6km between Keya no Oto and Nokita Beach.
The contrast between the gracefully curving white sand and green pine trees is beautiful, making it a spot you can enjoy throughout the year.
At dusk, the setting sun turns the beach red and creates a magical scene.
Another attraction is the wide range of ways to enjoy it, including swimming, surfing, and driving.

Forest Adventure Itoshima is located in a lush forest also known as the “Hundred-Year Forest.”
It is a nature-friendly outdoor park where you can enjoy nature, scenery, and thrills while crossing platforms set up in the trees.
There are two types of courses: the more challenging Adventure Course and the Canopy Course, which children can also enjoy.
The Adventure Course features a wide variety of activities, including a 110m-long zip slide and a Tarzan swing that sends you flying out into the air from the treetops.
The Canopy Course is lower in height and difficulty, making it safe and enjoyable for the whole family.

A special head temple of the Daikakuji branch of Shingon Buddhism with a history of over 1,300 years.
It offers many highlights, including a giant wooden standing statue of Senju Kannon, designated an Important Cultural Property by the national government, as well as the seated statue of the temple’s founder, Priest Seiga, the wooden statue of Tamonten, and the wooden statue of Jikokuten, all designated cultural properties by Fukuoka Prefecture.
Within the temple grounds stands a giant maple tree that is a Natural Monument of Fukuoka Prefecture and Approx. 400 years old, showing vivid autumn colors in fall and fresh greenery in spring.

Angel Wings is a mural on the sandy beach near PALM BEACH THE GARDENS, a complex with cafes, gift shops, and more.
If you stand in front of the large wings painted on the wall and take a photo, it looks as if wings are growing from your back.
It is such a popular photo spot that there is always a line for photos no matter when you visit.

What catches the eye most along Shima Sunset Road, a popular driving route running by Nokita Coast in Itoshima, are two bright red double-decker buses parked by the roadside.
People seeing them for the first time might wonder, “Why is there a London bus in Japan?”, but this is actually a cafe famous for its gelato.
After buying your order at the counter, head into the bus on the left.
The second floor is an eat-in space where you can relax while enjoying the view outside.

A cafe located along Shima Sunset Road, a classic route that is a must for any drive in Itoshima.
It stands on Oguchi Beach, a favorite among surfers, and is well known for offering stunning views right in front of you.
The cafe opens at 9:00am.
There are four breakfast menu items: Elvis Sandwich, TIME Homemade Quiche, Morning Curry, and French Toast.
Together with the ocean-view scenery, you can enjoy an elegant breakfast unlike your everyday routine.

Opened in 2018, Hamayaki Shirahamaya is a restaurant where you can enjoy seaside barbecue at Keya Fishing Port in the Itoshima area, which is known for producing high-quality oysters and is home to many oyster huts.
The stylish restaurant, reminiscent of a chic cafe, enjoys an outstanding location with the sea spread out right in front of it.
It has spacious indoor table seating and an open terrace with a resort-like feel, and from both you can dine while looking out at the sea.
In the large live tank inside the restaurant, you will find carefully sourced seafood, mainly from Itoshima, including squid from Yobuko and kuruma prawns from Goto.

An authentic hotel, the first of its kind in Itoshima, located Approx. 40 minutes by car from central Fukuoka.
It offers 85 guest rooms in total, from single rooms to spacious twin rooms, meeting a wide range of needs.
Inside, there is a buffet restaurant serving dishes made with local ingredients, a large public bath, and a cafe space, and guests can also use the adjacent hot spring facility.
The parking lot is free and spacious, making it an ideal base for a trip by rental car.

A resort hotel located in the popular Futamigaura area, where many attractions are gathered.
All 47 rooms feature ocean views and balconies, creating a luxurious stay.
There is a wide variety of room types, including suites with rooftop terraces and jacuzzis, Japanese-Western style rooms, and pet-friendly rooms, making it suitable for groups and families as well.
The hotel also has a creative cuisine restaurant and a shop selling local sweets and雑貨.
Its easy access to the beach and sightseeing spots is another welcome feature.

Kubikai is a whole-villa rental accommodation in Oku-Itoshima, located along Fukuyoshi Coast overlooking the Genkai Sea.
There are four villas with different concepts, allowing you to choose according to your preferences and travel style.
These include ZERO, a beachfront villa just 10 seconds on foot from the sea, and ubusuna, limited to one group per day and designed to blend into the natural environment.
There is also 1co ITOSHIMA, where you can stay with pets, and THE THALASSO ITOSHIMA, where you can enjoy an extraordinary stay surrounded by spectacular sea and mountain views, each with its own unique appeal.