Itoshima, also known as “Fukuoka’s Shonan,” is known for its magnificent nature and beautiful sea.
There are many delicious foods to enjoy in Itoshima, such as fresh seafood and sweets made from the freshest ingredients! Here is a one-day driving course that takes you to the emerald green sea, white sandy beaches, lush green mountains, and other spectacular sights of Itoshima.
Model Course 1: Drive along the coast in a rental car
1-1.Rent a car at Hakata Station and go to Itoshima
First, rent a car in the Hakata Station area.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful nature and delicious food of Itoshima to your heart’s content, a rental car is recommended. With a rental car, you can freely tour at your own pace to the most scenic spots and secluded cafes that are difficult to reach by train or bus.
1-2.Keyanooto
糸島のシンボルとも呼ばれる芥屋の大門は、高さ64m、奥行き90mの巨大な玄武岩洞です。波の浸食によって長い年月をかけて形成されたこの洞窟は、日本最大級を誇ります。遊覧船に乗って洞窟の中に入ると、その圧倒的なスケールに圧倒されることでしょう。特に、洞窟内に差し込む光が作り出す神秘的な空間は、訪れる人を魅了します。
1-3.Itoshima is famous for its seafood.
The kaisen-don (seafood bowl) is a true delicacy, using an abundance of fresh seafood grown in the clear waters of Itoshima. Itoshima is known for its abundance of fresh seafood. The seafood bowl made with freshly caught seafood of the morning will whet your appetite with the aroma of the sea that spreads in your mouth.
There are many restaurants where you can dine with a view of the sea, and the kaisen-don is a special treat to be enjoyed with a spectacular view in the background.
1-4.Drive along the coastline of Itoshima
Driving along the coastline of Itoshima is one of the most spectacular courses in Fukuoka Prefecture. The blue sea, white sandy beaches, and the endless horizon. You can enjoy driving to your heart’s content in such magnificent nature.
Itoshima also offers a wide variety of gourmet food, including cafes that use local ingredients, so there are many places to stop by during your drive. Be sure to check them out.
1-5.Take a break at a seaside café with a view of the ocean
Along the beautiful coastline of Itoshima, there are many cafes where you can relax and enjoy the view of the ocean.
The horizon seen from the window and the sound of the waves will soothe away your daily fatigue. You can also enjoy a menu that you can only find here, such as seafood rice bowls and pasta using fresh local seafood.
Why not spend a special time here with dishes made with fresh seafood, our special coffee, and the open space?
Model Course 2: Enjoy the Nature and Gourmet Food of Itoshima
2-1.Shiraito Falls
Located halfway up Mt. Hagane at an elevation of 900 meters, Shiraito Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a drop of about 24 meters.
It is so named because it looks like a white thread hanging from the sky. The air is full of negative ions, and the cool, refreshing environment surrounded by lush greenery soothes the hearts of visitors.
Visitors can enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall. Visitors can also enjoy nature activities such as landlocked salmon fishing and Somen-nagashi (fine white noodles served over noodles) in the vicinity of the falls.
2-2.Kamo Yurinko Bridge
The Kamo Yurinko Bridge, which spans the Futajo Valley, is one of the world’s largest suspension bridges at 100 meters long.
From the bridge, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful valley and a thrilling experience. The gorge is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color and the scenery becomes more beautiful. After crossing the bridge, visitors can take a rest by the river or enjoy playing in the river.
2-2.Oyster bed
Oysters are the best winter delicacy in Itoshima! Every year around October, many oyster houses open in Itoshima City, and grilling fresh oysters over charcoal is very popular.
In particular, oysters from Itoshima are characterized by their large meat and rich flavor. At the oyster hut, you can enjoy not only oysters but also seafood such as turban shells and squid. Since you grill and eat them yourself, it is the perfect place to enjoy them with your family and friends.
Model Course 3: Tour of Photo-Expressive Spots
3-1.Spectacular view from Tateishiyama
写真提供：福岡県観光連盟
Tateishiyama is popular for its spectacular view of the Itoshima Sea. Although a low mountain at 210 meters above sea level, it offers an exhilarating hiking course that takes about 60 minutes from the trailhead to the summit.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Genkainada Sea, the town of Akutuya below, and as far as Himejima and Karatsu in the distance. Visitors are especially impressed by the ever-changing colors of the sea in the early morning and at dusk.
Even beginners to mountain climbing can easily enjoy this spot, so it is definitely worth stopping by when you visit Itoshima.
3-2.Palm tree swing (on the premises of the main store of Seigyochaya Zauo)
The “Palm Tree Swing” is located on the grounds of the main restaurant, Zaio Live Fish Restaurant, and is an extraordinary tropical resort-like setting with a white sandy beach and blue ocean as a backdrop.
The swings are a great way to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and they look great on social media, so why not take some memorable photos?
3-2.Sakurai Futamigaura
写真提供：福岡県観光連盟
Sakurai Futamigaura, the symbol of Itoshima, attracts many photographers and tourists with its beautiful contrast between the blue sea and the white torii gate. In particular, the sunset around the time of the summer solstice is known for its spectacular view of the sun setting between the husband and wife rocks, and many people visit to capture this moment on their cameras.
Many people come to capture this moment with their cameras. Around the area, cafes and stores with ocean views line the streets, and visitors can enjoy strolling around the area. The area has long been believed to be a sacred place for marriage, and is visited by many people, including lovers and those wishing to get married.
