Spring has set in and now is the best time to embrace the charms of Itoshima! The days are getting longer, the trees are coming out in leaf, the birds are starting to chirp again … and there is no better place than Itoshima, with its breathtaking scenery, to experience the re-awakening of nature for yourself. Located to the west of Fukuoka City, just an hour’s drive from downtown, Itoshima is a mountainous area boasting a stunning coastline. Visitors can go hiking, frolic on the beach and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place. Itoshima is also known for its high quality and fresh farm products including vegetables, herbs, seafood, meat, eggs, salt – even receiving orders from other prefectures.
A visit to Itoshima is not complete without stopping by at one of its many cafes or restaurants. Eating out is an extra special treat here – you can savor the delicious local cuisine in magnificent surroundings. Many establishments are housed in remodeled old Japanese private houses and overlook the sea. The beauty and nature of Itoshima make it an artists’ haven, providing endless inspiration. Home to many artists and creators, it is a place where unique personalities and exquisite scenery meet. Its inhabitants take immense pride in this spectacular area they call home and welcome visitors from outside with warm hospitality. Tourism is the lifeblood of the local creative community and ensures Itoshima remains a place where the arts can flourish. In this series of articles, we introduce the allures of Itoshima over two issues and provide a guide to its shops and eateries from famous ones to those that have been newly-opened, as well as some Fukuoka Now favorites. Use the map to get the most out of your visit. What are you waiting for?!
Fukuoka Now Itoshima Google Map
Puka Puka Kitchen
Look out for a dolphin sign for this friendly seaside restaurant along Route 54. You might recognize the restaurant -owner, Teru-chan from his previous posts at popular Itoshima spots including “Sunset Cafe” and “Current”. At Puka Puka Kitchen, you can enjoy dishes featuring fresh local ingredients while enjoying the ocean view. The dinner menu with a variety of meat and fish is available after 15:00, good news for late risers who want to enjoy brunch. Take a stroll on the beach in front of the restaurant after satisfying your appetite. Takeout pizzas also available.
Menu
Puka Puka Loco Moco Roll ¥ 1,150
Puka Puka Salad ~ fresh vegetables from Itoshima ~ ¥ 880
Homemade pappardelle bolognese sauce with mushrooms ¥ 1,200
Itoshima-original panccetta & egg carbonara ¥ 1,200
Pizza Margherita with Napolitan buffalo mozzarella ¥ 1,150
Coffee ¥ 420 / Draft beer ¥ 500
Address: 4754-1 Imazu, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
Open: 11:30 ~ 22:30 (L.O. 21:30) (a la carte menu 15:00~)
Closed: Tue. (1st & 3rd week)
Tel: 092-834-5292
Ito Aguri
Ito Aguri is a fabulous shop and cafe opened in November 2009 within the renovated former Fukuju Shoyu-ten (soy sauce factory). Inside the shop you can find farm-fresh organic veggies and an all-you-can-eat buffet (Sat., Sun & Hol. only), plus a cafe corner in a separate building where you can enjoy coffee, chai (spiced tea), etc. With its old architechtural structure, Ito Aguri also runs “Aguri-juku” workshops and seminars on organic foods, agriculture and living to those who are considering moving to itoshima. The shop harks back to a bygone era, making a visit extra interesting!
Address: 882 Maebaru, Kawatsuki, Itoshima
Open: 10:00 ~ 17:30
Closed: Tuesday
Tel: 092-322-2222
Sanga Ono
Fukuoka’s famous Ono Group has opened a truly special traditional Japanese style inn tucked along a nearly private beach facing a calm inland sea. With only three rooms available for overnight stays, it’s both quiet and exclusive. However, for day visitors the inn serves delicious and elaborate Japanese course meals (both lunch & dinner) prepared using fresh vegetables grown locally and other Itoshima ingredients. With sea views, gourmet dishes and warm hospitality, satisfaction is guaranteed at Sanga Ono. Highly recommended!
Prices
Room rate: for two ¥17,000 ~ (including dinner, futon-bedding, Breakfast)
Meal: course-lunch ¥3,500, ¥4,500
course-dinner ¥5,800 ~
Address: 2143-2 Shima Kuga, Itoshima
Open: Restaurant 11:00 ~ 14:30, 16:30 ~ 20:30 (L.O.) (reservation req.)
Inn: Check-in 15:30~, Check-out ~10:30
Closed: Varies
Tel: 092-328-3938
Spoonful the Bagel
Spoonful is a bagel shop that first opened in Miyakojima four years ago and reopened in Itoshima this February. Mr. and Mrs. Fukuda, owners of the shop, handpick natural, healthy organic ingredients for their specialty bagels. These homemade bagels with a soft and sticky texture are plump and rich with natural ingredients such as organic wild yeast, Mataichi-no-shio (naturally-processed salt from Itoshima), soft brown sugar, and Saito-no-goma (Organically-grown sesame). The Fukudas are kept busy with daily mail-orders from devotees all over Japan. A bagel from Spoonful is perfect for lunchtime, a snack while strolling in Itoshima or even an offering at the Sakurai Shrine nearby.
Menu
Plane ¥ 130
Sesame ¥ 150
Japanese flavour Bagel ¥ 200 (Maccha&Amanatto)
Cheese bagel: ¥ 160
Choco bagel: ¥ 190
Caramel bagel: ¥ 190
Walnut: ¥ 150
Address: 4179 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima
Open: 11:00 ~ 16:00 (till sold-out)
Closed: Tue. & Wed.
Tel: 092-327-2372
Pretty Rose
“Pretty Rose” is an outlet rose shop that lies along Prefectural Highway 54 on the way to Nogita from Futamigaura. Mr. Takagi, the rose breeder, is a scrupulous man who takes pride in his work of developing roses with expert craftmanship. Although the sales volume at this outlet is quite limited due to the high demand of direct shipment to local stores, he opens the shop only on weekends so that his freshly-picked roses can be available for a song to those who visit Itoshima for a weekend. If you are eager to secure fresh roses from “Pretty Rose” or even planning a surprise for your sweetheart while on a date in Itoshima, call ahead and ask a bunch on layaway. A pretty rose may help win her heart!
Prices
Bunch of five roses: standard ¥250, spray ¥250
volume and price negotiable on advance orders (in Japanese only)
Address: 66, Shima Nogita, Itoshima
Open: 10:30 ~ 18:00 (till sold out. Sat., Sun. And Hol. Only)
Closed: Weekdays
Tel: 092-327-0051
Rustic Barn
Rustic Barn is a cafe set in an old Japanese private residence located alongside Prefectural Highway 54. The friendly and laid back tone is set by owner, Mako-san who has run the cafe on her own for over ten years. Her home-cooked meals and select beverages are delicious and excellent value. She’s also a great source of information on the area. Surrounded by trees and seasonal plants and flowers, Rustic Barn stands in the place where you can overlook rice fields. The cafe offers a relaxing atmosphere that makes you feel as if you are visiting a friend’s house and makes it one of the must-visit venues in Itoshima. “Oil-pickled oyster” – big oysters jammed in a small jar with juice and flavor is a popular seller that makes an ideal souvenir of Itoshima trip.
Menu
Coffee ¥500
Chai ¥500
Glass of wine ¥600
All-day breakfast (Japanese or Western) ¥1,000
Sweets ¥300 ~
Address: 5618 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima
Open: 12:00 ~ 19:00
Closed: Tue.
Tel: 092-331-7755
Kobo Tottan
Kobo Tottan is a traditional style salt factory that stands along the coastline near Fukunoura Gyoko (fishing port) facing Genkai Nada. Fukunoura, where the inland sea meets the ocean, is rich in minerals and thus an ideal place to produce salt. Aside from its famous and popular salt, “Mataichi-no-shio” (100g ~), Kobo Tottan also sells boiled eggs, which are boiled in water with sea salt in it. You can even take a tour and see the fascinating salt production! Not the easiest place to find, but worth the search. An excellent place to take a break, learn about salt production, have a snack, and maybe pick up some unique souvenirs. Highly recommended!
Prices
No entrance fee. Mataichi-no-shio salt ¥315 (100g) ~
Mataichi-no superb “roast salt ¥525 (100g) ~
Nigari (bittern) ¥420 (360ml)
Shio-mori-no shoyu (soy source) ¥945 ( 900ml)
Kiwami soy source ¥1,260 (300ml)
Address: 3757 Shima Keya, Itoshima
Open: 10:00 ~ 17:00
Closed: Bad weather, year-end and new-year holidays
Tel: 092-330-8732
Keya no Ooto
Keya no Oto is one of the three national genbudo (volcanic rock) caves and a famous scenic spot in Fukuoka. About 10 minutes away from Keya port by boat, you can actually see inside of the cave, including its honeycomb-like roof, on a sightseeing boat. The cave was created by sea erosion and is one of the biggest ones in Japan, 64m-high, 10m-wide and 90m-deep. With a mysterious and awe-provoking atmosphere, it is said that there is a Sea God’s palace in the depths of the cave. You can go inside the cave from April to November when the waves are calm. A fun outing and great chance to take a short boat ride.
Prices
Sightseeing boat fare: Adult ¥700, Child ¥350 (20 person capacity boat)
Address: Shima Keya, Itoshima
Open: Sightseeing Boat (Apr. ~ Nov.)
Closed: Second and fourth Wed. (Open every day in Jul. & Aug.)
Tel: 092-328-2012 (09:00 ~17:00)
Sikihyakuzen HomoriAfter you’ve samples and enjoyed all the more fancy and trendy cafes in Itoshima, consider dining local style at this very humble diner. While there are a la carte menu items, the real draw here is the all-you-can-eat buffet featuring a selection of about 14~15 homemade dishes such as kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) cooked in soy source, boiled rape blossoms, konjac kinpira, fried chicken, fish, rice and miso soup. An excellent choice when wholesome food counts more than style or decor!
Menu
All-you-can-eat (Adult(over MS)) ¥800, ES ¥600, Over 4years old ¥400, Under 3years old Free
Chanpon noodle ¥500
Fried noodle ¥500
Deep fried pork donburi ¥550
Chicken and eggs donburi ¥500
Address: 2431-1 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima
Open: 11:30 ~ 14:30
Closed: Tue.
Tel: 092-327-0038
Sobakiri Ouka
Located inside a renovated 120 year-old home this shops offers three varieties of soba (buck wheat noodles) made with soba flour from Aso, Kumamoto: ni-hachi soba, which means 80％ soba and 20％ wheat flour, ju-soba (100％ soba), and Kawari-soba (noodles made with a blend soba and fresh seasonal ingredients). Kuro-soba (black soba, slightly sweet, firmer and heavier) and shirosoba (white soba), made with more refined soba seeds. There’s a good selection of side dishes including tempura and a very popular creamy custard desert also made with soba. Try it – it’s delicious!
Menu
Seiro soba ¥780
Ouka gozen (mini soba, today’s rice, 2 small dishes, desert)
Deep-fried burdock soba ¥830 / Deep-fried shrimp soba ¥1040
beer ¥520
Address: 5478 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima
Open: 11:30 ~ 20:30 (Nov. ~ Mar. ~18:00)
Closed: Mon. (unless Mon is a Hol.)
Tel: 092-327-3444
Sumi cafe
Part of a beautifully restored century-old country residence, this now fashionable and quaint cafe was once a horse stable! Its cozy interior appointed with freshly cut natural flowers and plants from nearby mountains and fieldwill surely appeal to women. Beverages are served in large ceramic cup and glasses, a message from an owner to say “please relax and take your time”. Their organic coffee goes well with their popular and scrumptious french toast (using itoshima eggs). The second floor will soon be home to a leather craftsmen and his wares. Next to the cafe is a shop to selling Mataichi no Shio (100% sea salt) and other local Itoshima produce.
Menu
Organic coffee ¥500
Tanba kuromame tea ¥500
Yame gyokuro tea ¥500
Service season limited Amanatsu orange soda ¥600
Set desert ¥800 / French toast (using itoshima eggs) ¥550
Organic coffee beans (¥700/100g)
Address: 1454 Hon, Itoshima
Open: 12:00 ~ 18:00
Closed: Wed.
Tel: 092-330-8732
Kozai no Mori“Kozai no Mori” was originally built in 1901 by a wealthy merchant “Wata-ya”. Upon entering this quaint building, you can gain an appreciation for how the owner might have lived back in the day. Smooth and shiny wooden beams, elegant gallery, open spaces – just viewing each room filled with retro-modern atmosphere makes you feel as if you have travelled back to the Meiji-era. Their garden with a variety of seasonal flowers is a gorgeous setting for a leisurely meal. Get in the mood to go back in Meiji and Taisho era as a traveller and enjoy good food!
Menu
Lunch: Itoshima set lunch ¥1,100
Kozai-no-mori set lunch ¥1,600, Cafe: cake ¥300 ~
cake with tea or coffee ¥700
zenzai with tea or coffee ¥700, Dinner: Isone course ¥ 2,500
Sankai course ¥3,000
Itoshima course ¥4,000
Address: 3-18-15, Maebaruchuo, Itoshima
Open: 11:30 ~ 17:00 Dinner with reservation req. one day in advance
Tel: 092-321-4717
Natty Dread
Just as you drive past Nogita beach towards Keya you might notice a primitive structure sporting flashes of Rastafarian colors, red, yellow and green. You’ve found one of Itoshima’s bohemian gems. For nearly a decade Natty Dread has served some of most highly acclaimed Jamaican Jerk Chicken in Japan – and that’s according to Jamaicans! Despite its rudimentary appearance, this kitchen produces not only tasty original sauces, but they bake the buns (without egg or dairy products), smoked their own bacon, make their own pickles and more. The hamburgers with assorted toppings are huge and delicious – as are the fries and onion rings. Then there’s the view and the beach below… – Natty Dread is a simple “classic” and we hope it stays that way.
Menu
Hamburger ¥360
Fresh Salad Burger ¥450
Jerk Chicken Egg Burger ¥650
Jerk Chicken (leg) ¥550
French Fries ¥200~
Soft Drinks ¥300
Draft Beer (L) ¥500, (S) ¥350
Address: 2708-17 Shima Nogita, Itoshima
Open: 12:00 ~ 20:00
Closed: Wed.
Tel: 092-327-5320
Candle shop Creare
“Creare”, the candle shop is located 800m east from the “Hatsu” intersection in central Itoshima. Inside the shop built on a small rise of land beautifully exhibits an array of candles in dimmed light. Candles including ones such as a cherry blossom design, in pop candy colors, and a motif of sea-shells reflecting Itoshima atmosphere. Mrs. Soejima, the candle designer, left her city-life in Fukuoka years ago to appreciate things such as the natural beauty of star-filled night sky, sunset and creatures of the ocean. These have become her muse in the creation of candles that are highly functional, but really works of art. Her candles that take on a different look when lit and make a perfect souvenir or a gift from Itoshima. Drop by just to see the gallery!
Prices
Star Candle: ¥3,500 (L), ¥2,500 (M), ¥1,500 (S)
Sand Candle: ¥1,500 / Starry-sky lantern: ¥3,500
Sunset Candle: ¥2,000
Address: 658-1, Shimamatsukuma, Itoshima
Open: Sat. & Sun. 11:00 ~ 17:00, Weekdays possible (with appointment)
Tel: 092-327-3532
Dover
James Dover, an American artist and former resident of Hawaii is the brains behind this venue which offers so much to the local arts & crafts scene. The huge and airy building was once a pickled-vegetable factory, but now it showcases the works and wars of local artists and craftspersons. It’s also a community center of sorts attracting all kinds of people, information and events. One of it’s most popular features are art classes and playtime sessions for children. While parents pursue the goods, the kids can get their hands dirty (literally!) and actual make their own art under direction by James himself. Look for the barn-like structure with a bright mural painting, and of course the name DOVER. Fun for the whole family!
Prices
Handmade Beeswax Cream: ¥1,650
Handmade Soap: ¥700 ~
Handmade wooden toy: ¥1,000 ~
DOVER original accessaries: ¥1,500 ~
DOVER original leather bag: ¥5,200 ~
Address: 4656, Shimasakurai, Itoshima
Open: 12:00 ~ 17:00
Closed: Mon. & Tue.
Tel: 092-327-3895
Kalaku
This soap shop sells 100% natural material hand made soap. They use vegetable oils such as olive oil and coconut oil for the base and add essential oils extracted from natural herbs. Artificial preservatives and artificial fragrance are not used. There are three lines on offer. First is “Natutal Nigari” which is made with minerals from Itoshima sea. Second is “Itoshima natural material line”, which is made with Itoshima plants, vegetable, fruits and herbs. Third is “Avocado line” made with avocado oil and includes lots of protein. They also sell some cosmetic products such as skin lotions. By this summer, they plan to open a cafe and shower room for those who want to enjoy the beach right in front of the shop. Recommended souvenir shopping spot!
Prices
Natural nigari soap (non perfume) ¥800/100g
Pink heart soap (lavender scent) ¥1,000/100g
Rose hip soap (rose wood scent) ¥1,200/100g
Honey lemon soap (sweet lemon scent) ¥800/80g
grazing chicken’s egg soap (blended some odor to heal fatigue)
Address: 3728-6 Shima keya, itoshima
Open: 11:00 ~ 17:00
Closed: Wed. Thu.
Tel: 092-328-1345
Ito no kunibori
Here’a very an unique inkan (Japanese stamp/chop) shop. Their handmade products are made using cherry tree (prunus jamasakura), azalea, and others. The craftsman and owner of this shop, Funada Akio has been craving for 50 years since the age of 19. After selecting a wood, the character designer Funada Hiroko (his wife) starts the designs. It takes about 30 or 40 minutes to complete. This will be a-one-of-a-kind stamp. Their owl motif design is one of their most popular.
Prices
Japanese box (Itoshima) ¥3,150~
Japanese box (Hokkaido) ¥4,200~
Styrax (Miyagi) ¥4,200~
Address: 2013 Shima Nogita, Itoshima
Open: 10:00 ~ 17:00
Closed: Undecided
Tel: 092-327-3955
Itosaisai
Apparently this is the second largets farmer’s market in Japan. It opened three years ago and carries a huge variety, such as rice, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat, seafood, flowers, spices, processed food – and most are from the Itoshima area. Interestingly, the farmers’ names can be seen on wooden plates on the wall. On weekend, this market is packed and visitors are coming from outside of Itoshima. Check their website for daily specials! The udon noodle restaurant is popular with those who can’t wait to get home to cook their own food.
Address: 567-1 Hatae, Itoshima
Open: 09:00 ~ 18:00
Tel: 092-324-3131
Sakurai Shrine
This 378 year old shrine was founded by Kuroda, second leader of Kuroda-han in 1632. Sakurai Shrine is dedicated to three gods (Kamunaohinokami, Oonaohinokami, Yasomagatsuhinokami), who are respected as guardians in Chikuzen area. A main shrine, a front shrine, a gate and a stone arched bridge are registered as Fukuoka prefecture’s cultural assets, and specially the fancy decoration inside the main shrine is worth seeing. There is also a grand sakurai shrine at the foot of Mt. Kojyu southwest of Sakurai Shrine, which worships a god of Ise Shrine. This is a famous spiritual place in Itoshima. The area has many tall trees and is ideal for a stroll especially in the summer when some shade can really be appreciated.
Address: 4227 Shima Sakurai, itoshima
Tel: 092-327-0317
Gallery Fu
This is a gallery which sells a good variety of very tasteful porcelain, glass ware. These wares are from mainly from kilns in Kyushu but also fro other regions of Japan. There is an atelier which offers one-day trial porcelain classes. In the one-day class, you choose your clay with your instructor, and it takes about two-and-a-half hours to finish. After the class, this gallery’s staff will bake your masterpiece in the kiln. You will be contacted after your piece has been cured, and you can make another trip to Itoshima to pick it up! You can make about two cups and six other small works in a single class. Besides the one day trial class, they offer monthy classes as well.
Prices
One day trial class (incl. clay, colour, baking fee): ¥3,000
Address: 4460-8 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima
Open: 10:30 ~ 17:00
Closed: Thu.
Tel: 092-327-1566
Atteller Etruriya
This is an atelier which produces and sells stained glass products. Inside the atelier, there are hundreds of products such as lamp shades, accessories are displayed and are on sale. They can make and construct custom stained glass for your windows, doors or partitions. They offer stained glass making classes, glass beadmaking trial classes, accessory making trial classes. Mr. Hara, the atelier’s owner is a pioneer of Itoshima creative community having moved his atelier from Tenjin to Itoshima twenty years ago.
Prices
Trial classes: Glass beadmaking class (20 mins) ¥1,800
Glass beadmaking class (1 hour) ¥3,800
Stained glass night lamp (approx.2hours) ¥2,700~
Copper pendant (2 hours) ¥2,500
Silver ring (4 hours) ¥5,000
Address: 2419-8 Shima Sakurai, Itoshima
Open: 10:00 ~ 19:30
Closed: Wed. (3rd & 5th week)
Tel:092-327-5700
Kaimen House
Founded nine years ago by the very friendly and knowledgeable Mr. Takarajima this the leading kayak shop and club in Fukuoka. Located on the quiet Imazu Bay, it is actually in Nidhi-ku and not Itoshima. The view of the city and nearby Nokonoshima is great. The shop offers kayak instruction, rentals, kayak storage, and sells kayak related goods. You can take a trial class to experience the thrill of kayaking, even if you have never tried it before; friendly staff will help you. But warning, after just one ride you might not want to stop. Riding in a kayak almost at sea level is very relaxing and therapeutic.
Prices
Trial class (kayak renting fee, insurance, facility fee) ¥4,500 (90 mins)
*possible to extend time.
Noko Island half-day class (kayak renting fee, insurance, facility fee) ¥6,500
kayak rental: single (1 person ride) ¥4,500/day (incl. insurance, facility fee),
tandem (2 persons) ¥7,000 (insurance for 2 persons,
facility fee for 2 persons)
Address: 535-1 Imazu, Nishiku, Fukuoka
Open: 10:00 ~ Sunset
Closed: Tue.
Tel: 092-807-4777
MAPS
Fukuoka Now Itoshima Google Map
View Fukuoka Now – Itoshima Map in a larger map
Originally published in Fukuoka Now magazine (fn137, May,2010)
