Itoshima’s coastline is gorgeous but getting around without a car is tough, and not everybody is a Tour de France cyclist! To the rescue is a service offering electric-assisted bicycles. They are easy to control and have a range of about 40 kilometers. You still need to pedal, but you’ll never break a sweat. We took one out for a 7-hour spin. While having the electric assist is a luxury, be warned that these bikes are quite small. If you are over 180 cm tall or more, you might feel cramped. Taller people might want to rent the Cross Bikes available at the same counter for the same rates as the electric-assisted ones.
With a cool ocean breeze, deep blue sea and plenty of cafes to pop into, the ride along Futamigaura Beach is a must!
Ichigoya Cafe Tannal
The strawberry picking season is over, but you can enjoy a strawberry smoothie (¥420) made with Amaou berries from Tannal’s berry farm all year round.
• Open: 10:30~18:00
• Closed: Never
• 85-4 Shimaidawara, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-332-7643
• http://isomoto-nouen.com/cafetannal.html
Sakurai Shrine
Situated amongst tall trees, Sakurai Shrine (est. 1632) is not only a quiet and charming place to take a break, but also considered one of Itoshima’s most spiritual places. Meotoiwa, the large rocks linked by a large rope on Futamigaura Beach (3 km away) – are a part of this shrine.
• 4227 Shimasakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-327-0317 (9:00~17:00)
• http://sakuraijinja.com/index.html
Notari
The scrumptious breads baked by this family inside an old Japanese home located near Sakurai Shrine are made without additives, milk or eggs. Healthy never tasted so delicious!
• Open: 12:00~18:00 or sold out
• Closed: Mon. ~ Thu.
• 2445 Shimasakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-327-0554
• http://notaripan.blogspot.jp/
Photo Spots
Here are three of Futamigaura’s most popular Instagrammable spots: the Angel Wings, the Sunset Cafe sign and of course the iconic Meotoiwa (Couples Rock).
Angel Wings
Sunset Cafe Hut
Meotoiwa
Blue Roof Itoshima
A quick pit stop at Blue Roof Itoshima for a cold pressed juice. Their smoothies are good, too!
• Open: 10:00~19:00
• Closed: never
• 5457 Shimasakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-332-7742
• https://www.itoshimablueroof2015.com/
Natty Dread
The jerk chicken, burgers, onion rings and fries here are legendary. The funky hand-built shack, pulsating reggae music, and secluded beach location are other reasons to go!
• Open: 12:00 ~ sold out
• Closed: Wed. and bad weather
• 2708-17 Shimanogita, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
bbb haus
For a refreshing break, try the handmade sparkling ginger ale (¥648) at this sophisticated cafe with a shop and a view of Niginohama Beach.
• Open: shop 11:00~19:00, tea room 11:00~18:00, dining room 11:30~14:30 (lunch), 18:00~21:30 (dinner)
• Closed: Mon. & Tue.
• 1897 Shimakoganemaru, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-327-8020
• http://www.bbbhaus.com/
Petani Coffee
Even with electric-assisted power, cycling makes you thirsty! Fortunately, there are several independent coffee roasters and cafes like Petani Coffee.
• Open: weekdays 12:00~19:00, Sat., Sun. and hol. 10:00~19:00
• Closed: Tue.
• 47-1 Shimahatsu, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-332-8454
• http://petanicoffee.com
Itoshima Cycling Map
Bicycle Rental
Electric Assisted Bicycle Rental
• Rates: 2 hours ¥500, 4 hours ¥800, 8 hours ¥1,200 (additional ¥200/hr charged if you exceed your planned rental hours)
• ID for each person (passport, international or Japanese driver’s licence, etc.) required and a mobile phone number that can be connected to on the day.
• Minimum age: High school students and under require permission from their guardians to rent.
• Start & Dropoff: Itoshima Tourist Association (JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station, North Exit)
• Open: 9:00~15:00 (last return 17:00)
• Distance: you should be able to use the electric assist function of the bicycles for approximately 40 km, but that depends on the amount and steepness of slopes you take.
• Reservations on weekdays only, otherwise it’s first-come-first served.
• Tel.: 092-322-2098
• Web: www.itoshima-kanko.net
Cross Bike Rental
For those who prefer to get more exercise, need more leg room or just prefer a more normal ride, Cross Bikes are also available for rent.
• Rates: 2 hours ¥500, 4 hours ¥800, 8 hours ¥1,200 (additional ¥200/hr charged if you exceed your planned rental hours)
• 5 bicycles available (large size x 2, smaller size x 3)
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn233, May 2018)
