Itoshima: 7 Must-Do Activities for a Perfect Day Trip from Fukuoka in 2025

Itoshima: A Hidden Gem in Fukuoka

Photo by Pixta
Itoshima is an island city located west of Fukuoka Prefecture in the Kyushu region. It is bordered by the beautiful Genkai Sea and Karatsu Bay, making it a top choice for weekend getaways among locals!

With unbeatable sunsets, the Shiraito Falls, the Totoro Forest Trail, and other rich natural landscapes, along with specialty stores like Japanese shaved ice shops and seaside cafes, Itoshima has become a popular destination for day trips from Fukuoka.

Itoshima Travel Tips

1. CURRENT: A Cafe for Surfing Enthusiasts
2. Totoro Forest Trail: Keya no Oto
3. Kofuji Plum Grove
4. Murakamiya Honpo: Shaved Ice Desserts
5. Shiraito Falls
6. Beach Cafe SUNSET
7. Sakurai Futamigaura Coast: Torii Gate and Wedded Rocks
How to Get to Itoshima

How to Get to Itoshima

Since the attractions in Itoshima are somewhat scattered, it is highly recommended that you rent a car and drive from the Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, or Tenjin Station—all located nearby. It takes about 1 hour to drive from Fukuoka City to Itoshima.

Using Public Transportation to Get There

If you prefer public transportation, take the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line from Fukuoka Airport and get off at JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station. There's no need to transfer since the Kuko Line connects with JR along the way.

After getting off, you can use the Itoshima City Community Bus for sightseeing.

1. Enjoy the Ocean View at CURRENT, a Cafe for Surfing Enthusiasts

Photo courtesy of keikolee_1127

CURRENT is a seaside cafe located next to Nogita Beach along the coast. The cafe offers indoor seating and outdoor terrace seating. Those who sit on the outdoor terrace can enjoy the sea breeze while watching surfing enthusiasts ride the waves!

Apart from the authentic Italian cuisine that is highly praised here, the afternoon tea dessert platter is especially popular among diners!

CURRENT

819-1303 2290 Shimanokita, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

CURRENT is a sea view cafe located next to the beach on the north coast. In addition to its delicious Italian food, the afternoon tea dessert platter is also very popular with young women!

2. Keya no Oto: The Atmospheric and Fantastic Totoro Forest Trail

Photo courtesy of naoto_i0918

When it comes to Keya no Oto, most locals immediately think of the strange and unique scenery formed by the juxtaposition of Genkai Beach and the mystical sight at Genbudo Caves, one of the attractions accessible by ferry when visiting Itoshima.

Additionally, there is a Totoro Forest that drives Studio Ghibli anime fans wild. The trail, surrounded by trees, makes one eagerly anticipate the chance encounter with the legendary Totoro at the cave's exit.

Keya no Oto

819-1335 520 Shimakeya, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

It is the largest of the three major basalt caves in Japan. It is a cave that rose up from the rough waves of the Genkai Sea and was formed by marine erosion.

Hotels near Keya no Oto

Itoshima810 Villa & Resort - Vacation Stay 13917

Fukuoka Prefecture > Itoshima

4.3 /5

Very Good

6 reviews

$459～

3. Kofuji Plum Grove: The Fragrance of Plum Blossoms Fills the Air Every Winter

Photo courtesy of au525

Kofuji Plum Grove, home to over three thousand plum trees, is located on the southern slope of Mt. Kaya, affectionately known as "Itoshima Fuji."

The blooming season of early spring plum blossoms occurs at the end of February and beginning of March. This seasonal attraction garners numerous visitors eager to witness the spectacle of plum blossoms dancing alongside the views of Funakoshi Bay.

Kofuji Plum Grove

819-1321 Shima Kofuji, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

The Kofuji Plum Grove has over 3,000 plum trees planted on the southern slope of Mount Kaetsu, also known as Island Fuji.

Hotels near Kofuji Plum Grove

Rakuten STAY HOUSE x WILL STYLE Itoshima

Fukuoka Prefecture > Itoshima

4.2 /5

Very Good

54 reviews

$176～

4. Murakamiya Honpo: Highly Popular Shaved Ice Dessert Spot

Photo courtesy of tomoaki_261

Murakamiya Honpo is located near Shiraito Falls in Itoshima. The shop initially started selling fluffy shaved ice to utilize the sweet, clean spring water directly sourced from the waterfall.

Several Zen-like paintings hang on the pristine white walls, complemented by tables and chairs made from natural wood throughout Murakamiya Honpo. This minimalistic decor enhances the focus on enjoying the shaved ice treats. The popular signature dish is the "Uji Kintoki," shaved ice topped with matcha syrup, red bean paste, and chewy shiratama dango (dumplings).

Murakamiya Honpo

819-1154 426-1 Shiraito, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Murakamiya Honpo is located near Shiraito Falls in Itoshima City. Wanting to make use of the naturally sweet spring water of the waterfall, they started selling fluffy snowflake ice.

5. Shiraito Falls: A Natural Recreational Spot With Hydrangeas, Trout Fishing, Flowing Cold Noodles!

Photo courtesy of hakatanoko

Shiraito Falls is undoubtedly a must-visit attraction in Itoshima during the summer. In addition to enjoying the refreshing mist under the waterfall, visitors can experience trout fishing in the stream and hand-making flowing cold noodles simultaneously.

Photo courtesy of Pixta
If you visit at the right time, more than 100,000 hydrangea plants blooming around Shiraito Falls will leave you in awe!

Shiraito Falls Fureai-no-Sato

819-1154 Shiraito, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Shiraito Falls is one of the must-see tourist spots if you visit Itoshima in the summer. In addition to feeling refreshed under the spray of the waterfall, you can also try trout fishing and hand-made hiyashi noodles.

6. Beach Cafe SUNSET: A Passionate Cafe That Hosts Music Events

Photo by Pixta
The owner of Beach Cafe SUNSET is a passionate surfer who opened this cafe in 1990, providing a place where visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets. In front of the cafe is a small pavilion that is a must-visit spot for sightseers in Itoshima!

One reason why Itoshima in Fukuoka has gained prominence is that every September, a massive rock music event called Sunset Live gathers thousands of people on the beach in front of the cafe.

Beach Cafe SUNSET

284 Nishiura, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 819-0202

Beach Cafe SUNSET opened in 1990 as a cafe where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets. There is a small gazebo in front of the cafe, which is a must-see photo spot for any visit to Itoshima.

7. Sakurai Futamigaura Coast: The Torii Gate and Wedded Rocks

Photo courtesy of kyusyutraveler

Sakurai Futamigaura Coast, with its white Torii gate and Meoto Iwa ("wedded rocks"), is a trendy spot that has been selected among "Japan's Top 100 Beaches" and "Japan's Top 100 Sunset Views."

It is recommended to visit during the golden hour when the sun is setting and the evening glow. You'll enjoy this premier sunset viewing location in Fukuoka Prefecture!

Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones

819-1304 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture

The Meoto Iwa rocks at Futamigaura in Sakurai are a spectacular spot that has been chosen as one of the "100 Best Beaches in Japan" and "100 Best Sunsets in Japan."

Hotels near Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones

seven xsevenitoshima

Fukuoka Prefecture > Fukuoka

4.6 /5

Great

58 reviews

$259～

Head to Itoshima for Instagram-Worthy Photos of Fukuoka!

Fukuoka is not just about street food stalls, tonkotsu ramen, and Dazaifu! If you want to capture the most eye-catching Instagram photos in Fukuoka, don't miss out on Itoshima. It is not far from the city and brimming with natural landscapes!

Photo by Pixta