The following contents are based on the printed publication “Explore Itoshima”, published by Itoshima City in March 2019 and made in cooperation with Kyushu University students. For the most part, the text and photos are the same as in the printed publication.
Kozai no Mori Restaurant
Kozai no Mori is a traditional Japanese restaurant situated in the middle of Maebaru shopping street. This 100-year old building was once an old wealthy trader’s shop. Entering this quaint historic building allows you to travel back in the time of Meiji and Taisho era and imagine the life then.
• 3-18-15 Maebaru-chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 11:00~17:00
• Close: Wed.
• 092-321-4717
• Access: 5 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (north exit)
• Web: http://www.kozainomori.net/index.html
Tana Cafe + Coffee Roaster
Tana Cafe + Coffee Roaster is a home brewed coffee shop situated around Maebaru area. Being cozy and relaxing, it is perfect for a Sunday afternoon cooldown.
• 3-9-1 Maebaru-chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 10:00~19:00
• Closed: Tue.
• 092-321-2008
• Access: 5 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (north exit)
• Web: http://tanacafe.jp/
Itoshima Kurashi × Kokonoki
Itoshima Kurashi × Kokonoki is a small lovely handmade shop. They sell a variety of things like necklaces, handbags and T – shirts. With a theme “A life with nature”, everything in the shop is rustic yet elegant.
• 3-9-1 Maebaru-chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 10:00~19:00
• Closed: Tue.
• 092-321-1020
• Access: 5 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (north exit)
• Web: http://www.coconoki.com/
Guest House Kotonoha
Guest House Kotonoha is very close from Maebaru station. Established by a tourist-loving couple who have spent their lives travelling around the world, foreign tourists are especially welcomed here. The guest house is also on the same building as Ekimae no Baru.
• 4F Maebaru Ekimae Bldg., 2-1-21 Maebaru-chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 090-7291-0767
• Access: 1 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (north exit)
• Web: https://itoshima-guesthouse.com/en/
Ekimae no Baru
Ekimae no Baru, as the name describes itself clearly, is a bar in front of the Maebaru station. With a Western European atmosphere, it offers an excellent range of wine served with delicious food.
• 1F Maebaru Ekimae Bldg., 2-1-21 Maebaru-chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 18:00~22:00
• Closed: Sun. ~ Wed.
• 092-324-1022
• Access: 1 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (north exit)
• Web: https://www.facebook.com/ekimaenobaru/
Tabibito Curry
Tabibito curry, meaning traveller curry in Japanese, is a cozy curry restaurant. Chef owner himself has travelled around Asian countries and learnt the best tastes in the areas. Every day, 4 kinds of authentic curries are served, from more than 10 repertories including Keema curry, butter chicken and Sri Lankan curry.
• 1-15-18 Maebaru-nishi, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 11:30~18:00
• Closed: Thu.
• 092-329-0010
• Access: 7 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (north exit)
• Web: http://tabibitocurry.com/
Amour Bistro & Beer Bar
A newly opened buffet restaurant that aims to showcase 50 types of craft beer especially from Belgium and Japan, as well as food made from fresh Itoshima vegetables. They serve a vegetarian-friendly lunch buffet with different time limits and prices and offer an a-la-carte dinner. The chef used to work at a Michelin star hotel so you can trust that the food is delicious!
• 2-3-43 Maebaru-chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 11:00~15:00, 17:00~23:00
• Closed: Wed. & Sun. (after 15:00)
• 092-324-1511
• Access: 4 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station
• Web: https://www.facebook.com/AMOUR-416612885519917/
Mt. Kaya
Kaya-san (365m), located near Chikuzen Maebaru Station, is one of the best hiking places to go for beginner – intermediate hikers and is also Itoshima’s best oyster huts. Even though Kaya-san is a short day hike (2 to 3 hours), it still offers a great view at the summit. You can see the panoramic view from “Keya no Oto” all the way up to Fukuoka Tower.
• Shima-moroyoshi, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Access: Shima-moroyoshi -> Mt. Kaya (365 m) -> Shima-kofuji -> Chikuzen-Maebaru • Distance: ~9 km
• Toilets: Shima-moroyoshi (start) and Chikuzen-Maebaru Station
• Access: Ride a bus from Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (runs twice per hour) to the beginning of the trail. Approx. 40 min. on foot from Chikuzen-Maebaru Station.
• Web: http://www.itoshima-kanko.net/cat/mt-kaya/
Sumi Cafe
Sumi café, located in the interior part of Maebaru (about 15 minute drive from Chikuzen Maebaru Station), offers you one of the most delicious salted caramel pudding in a renovated traditional Japanese house. Want to know what heaven tastes like? Come and try it! Let your taste buds experience the magnificent flavor.
• 1454 Hon, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 11:00~16:30 (Lunch 11:30~14:30)
• 092-330-8732
• Web: https://mataichi.info/sumicafe/
Duram Factory
Showcasing an array of handmade leather goods, Duram strives to market durable and long-lasting products. From leather bags to wallets to key holders, Duram products are processed with organic and environmentally friendly raw materials. With stylish design and signature warm color palette, Duram leather products will surely captivate leather enthusiasts.
• 647-2 Tomari, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 11:00~18:00
• Closed: Wed.
• 092-332-9208
• Access: 1 min. on foot from Itoshima Community Bus (Kyudai Line) “Otsuka” stop
• Web: https://www.duram.jp/
Sumibiyaki Itoshima
This restaurant is a famous BBQ restaurant in Itoshima with traditional style charcoal fired grills. They serve a variety of set menus with meat, sausages and vegetables, with rice, drinks and dessert as add-on items. The rustic atmosphere and the delicious food definitely make it worth a visit. For people who want a more refined dining experience, there is a restaurant serving Italian and French style cuisine in the same building.
• 647-2 Tomari, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 11:00~21:00
• Closed: Tue.
• 092-322-4551
• Access: 1 min. on foot from Itoshima Community Bus (Kyudai Line) “Otsuka” stop
Ito Aguri
Ito Aguri cherishes the connection between nature and people through food. They sell fresh as well as pesticide-free organic vegetables, natural products and processed food with a guaranteed quality. Also, a relaxing green atmosphere of the Japanese countryside can be felt by staying in their restaurant for some meal, and in their traditional barn-style Café and for a cup of coffee and sweets.
• 882 Kawatsuki, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 10:00~18:00
• Closed: 2nd Tue.
• 092-322-2222
• Web: http://itoaguri.jp
Itoshima Tezukuri Ham
Certified by the bratwurst organization in Germany itself, the Itoshima Tezukuri Ham, without doubt, is the place to go to enjoy all sorts of high quality processed meat. Not to be missed, this place is also away from the hustle of city life, making it the perfect spot for a getaway lunch. At this shop they also sell freshly made Gelato, in a variety of flavors. They even have rare and delicious flavors like pistachio.
• 647-2 Tomari, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: weekdays 10:00~17:00, Sat. & Sun. 10:00~18:00
• Closed: Wed.
• 092-324-2821
• Access: 1 min. on foot from Itoshima Community Bus (Kyudai Line) “Otsuka” stop
• Web: https://www.itoshimaham.co.jp/
La Puni
Located close to rice fields, La Puni offers over twenty varieties of smoothies. They specialize in passion fruit smoothies which are made using the organically grown fruit. Moreover, they offer soy milk yogurt which is definitely an ideal option for vegan customers. The cafe has a beautiful outdoor sitting area, which makes it a picture perfect destination, all year around.
• 204-6 Tomari, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 10:00~18:00
• Closed: Wed.
• 080-1747-3274
• Access: 22 min. on foot from Hatae Station, near Itoshima Community Bus (Kyudai Line) “Tomari Higashi-guchi” stop
• Web: https://www.instagram.com/itoshima_lapuni/
Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple
With its prominent Indian influence and a boasting 1300 year-old history, the Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin Temple still stands as a testament. The temple lies in the north of Mt. Raizan’s midsection and is also called “the Kannon of Raizan”, which is said to have been built in 178 AD.
• 626 Raizan, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 9:00~16:30
• 092-323-3547
• Entrance fee: ¥400 (including Monk’s prayer and ¥100 garden entrance)
• Web: https://sennyoji.or.jp/
Shiraito Waterfall
Shiraito Waterfall is a scenic beauty located in the southern part of Itoshima City. To reach this destination, community bus from Chikuzen-Maebaru Station can be taken. It is also a famous place for fishing trout and relaxing; and thus is a perfect spot to enjoy nature. The waterfall is 24 meters high.
• 460-6 Shiraito, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 9:00~17:00
• Access: 25 min. on foot from Itoshima Community Bus (Kyudai Line) “Shiraito” stop (25 min. bus ride)
• Web: http://www.city.itoshima.lg.jp/s026/s040/010/020/020/110/shiroito.html
Ito Sai Sai
Ito Sai Sai is Japan’s busiest fresh market that sells Itoshima-harvested fresh meat, agricultural products and processed goods. 1200 local farmers contribute their products to the store, making it remarkably famous with the public. Moreover, they also offer a range of delicious bento boxes made by the locals.
• 567 Hatae, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 9:00~18:00
• Closed: New Year
• 092-324-3131
• Access: 6 min. bus ride from JR Hatae Station, get off at Showa Bus “JA Ito Sai Sai-mae” stop.
• Web: http://www.ja-itoshima.or.jp/itosaisai/
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