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.
Itoshima offers a range of different atmosphere in its seasons. Enjoy the unique wonders of the four seasons of Itoshima with these exceedingly famed events and activities. Explore and rediscover yourself with the best seasonal experiences of Itoshima.
Spring
Tasting freshly brewed sake at Shiraito Brewery
With the last bit of the winter cold left, it is best to warm up your body with a little sake. See how the 160 year-old company preserves their traditional hanegi-shibori technique of sake brewing, while enjoying the picturesque, minimalistic brewery building. There is biannual festival “Hanegi Matsuri” presenting their newly brewed sake. This two-day event is held in late February and mid-April. The schedule changes every year. Please check on your own before you visit. However, the shop is open all year.
• 1986 Hon, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 8:00~17:00 (mid-Feb. ~ mid-Apr.)
• 092-322-2901
• Access: 1 min. on foot from Itoshima Community Bus (Shiraito Line) “Honku” stop
• Web: http://www.shiraito.com/
Picking Itoshima’s delicious sweet strawberries
Travelling to Itoshima will not be complete without trying the famed strawberry of the region. Sakura Farm presents a fun opportunity for visitors of all ages to enjoy strawberry picking in the springtime. Exclusively from January to May, visitors get a chance to pick and eat fresh strawberries within 60 minutes for only 1800 yen. The farm also sells the Amaou and Saga honoka strawberry variants which are well known for their sweetness and big size,so it is best if you eat as much as you can!
• 5968 Shima-sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 10:00~15:00 (mid-Jan. ~ early May)
• Close: Irregular (call in advance)
• 092-327-3272
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Showa Bus (Nogita Line) “Sakurano Shogakko” stop
• Web: http://iti5.net/farm/fko-sakura.htm
Enjoying the sweet breeze of cherry blossoms
Enjoy the fresh springtime breeze under the 700 cherry blossom trees of Sasayama Park! At full bloom, this cherry blossom filled park will be the perfect spot for picnic and sightseeing. At night, there will be a light up event illuminating the cherry blossom trees with an ethereal glow. Only 10 minutes on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru station, you need not look too far for the ideal cherry blossom viewing spot.
• 2 Maebaru-ekiminami, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 24 hours (cherry blossom season changes every year, but generally around end-Mar. ~ early Apr.)
• Free entry
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station
Summer
Unique culinary experience of Somen Nagashi
Bored with regular noodles? Worry not, for every summer Shiraito Waterfall provides a unique noodle eating experience, somen nagashi between May and September. Literally meaning “-owing noodles”, in somen nagashi noodles will be -owed down a bamboo pipe with fresh, cold water, where you have to “catch” the noodles with your chopsticks to eat them! With only 500 yen, visitors can enjoy an all-you-can-eat fun experience. What a great way to enjoy the summer festivities with your loved ones!
• 460-6 Shiraito, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (late-Jun. ~ mid-Jul.)
• 093-323-2114
• Access: 30 min. on foot from Itoshima Community Bus (Shiraito Line) “Shiraito” stop
• Web: http://www.city.itoshima.lg.jp/s026/s040/010/020/020/110/shiroito.html
Witnessing the beautiful shades of blue hydrangeas
In the midst of summer heat, hydrangea viewing around the Shiraito Waterfall becomes a preferred activity to spend a sunny afternoon away from the heat. Accompanied by the cool water splash from the waterfall and the lush greenery, viewing 5000 hydrangeas blossoms around the 24 m fall waterfall can be a magical experience. With free entry, visitors can enjoy this beautiful scenery in the late June to mid July of the year!
• 460-6 Shiraito, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 9:00~17:00 (late-Jun. ~ mid-Jul.)
• 093-323-2114
• Access: 30 min. on foot from Itoshima Community Bus (Shiraito Line) “Shiraito” stop
• Web: http://www.city.itoshima.lg.jp/s026/s040/010/020/020/110/shiroito.html
Winding down at one of Itoshima’s famous beaches
Summer is the ideal time to catch some waves in Fukae Beach. With clean white sand and clear blue water, Fukae beach guarantees a fun time for swimming and playing in the sea. Beach huts, barbecue area, and cafes mark this 700 m long beach making it convenient to take a breather after a whole day of playing in the water. Located only 10 minutes on foot from Chikuzen-Fukae station, make sure this beach is on top of your list of Itoshima summer destinations!
• 2129-5 Nijo-fukae, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 24 hours (late-Jun. ~ early Sep.)
• Access: 10 min. on foot from JR Chikuzen-Fukae Station
Autumn
Marveling at the majestic red hues of autumn leaves
By coming to Raizan Sennyoji in mid-November, you can enjoy spectacular autumn colors of massive 400 years-old maple trees. You can also catch spectacular views of the scarlet red-tawny leaves by going on long walks around the temple. This is the most popular destination in the golden month of Itoshima. Learn more about Japanese culture and history at Raizan Temple surrounded by nature!
• 626 Raizan, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 9:00~16:30 (early Nov. ~ mid-Nov.)
• 092-323-3547
• Access: 30 min. by bus on Itoshima City Community Bus, get off at “Raizan Kannon-mae” stop; 5 min. on foot from there.
Finding unique goods at Itoshima Crafts Festival
Many craft studios in Itoshima gather to celebrate this yearly craft event. Craft producers showcase various works such as potteries, bags, clothing, wooden crafts and sell them. You can try making your own item such as plant pots and accessories by joining workshops instructed by craft producers. Also, there is plenty of space to sit and enjoy the food, vegetarian food available and coffee.
• Shima Chuo Park, 26-1 Shima-hatsu, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 10:00~17:00 (open on several days in the end of October)
• 092-322-2098
• Free entry
• Access: 3 min. on foot from Showa Bus (Nogita or Funakoshi Line) “Hatsu” stop
Winter
Savoring Itoshima’s winter delicacies at an oyster hut
Barbecuing the freshest seafood at Kishi Kakigoya is the best thing in the cold winter. Fresh oysters and many other seafoods just harvested in the bay are served. The wooden tables and benches outfitted with barbecue grills make it a rustic and comfortable experience. They provide English, Chinese and Korean menus and friendly service.
• 778-5 Shima-kishi, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: 10:00~17:00 (mid-Oct. ~ end-Mar.)
• Closed: in case of inclement weather, New Year hol.
• Each hut has their own number
• Access: 3 min. on foot from Showa Bus (Keya Line) “Kishi” stop
Admiring the winter bloom of plum blossoms
Japan is very famous throughout the world for the cherry blossoms. However, another beautiful flower emerges in mid-February before cherry blossoms come. Kofuji Bairin located near the coastline of Itoshima has a spectacular view of 3000 plum blossoms with varying shade of white, pink, red with sweet fragrance. People can also enjoy the orange gold stretches of sunset as far as the eyes can see from the peaceful Itoshima beach.
• Shima-kofuji, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Open: full bloom from late-Feb. ~ mid-Mar.
• 092-322-2098
• Access: 5 min. on foot from Showa Bus (Keya Line) “Kofuji” stop
Want to explore Itoshima more? Click here.
