Itoshima – Come for the white sand beaches, stay for the artsy workshops

In Japan, when people think crystal blue waters and white sand beaches, surfing and gorgeous sunsets, they usually think Okinawa. But did you know—you can find all that and more in Fukuoka prefecture, Japan?

Specifically, today we’ll take a trip to Itoshima, a small coastal town just under an hour’s train ride from central Hakata. Come for the beaches and good weather, stay for the art and activities!

Top 3 Free Sightseeing Spots in Itoshima

Itoshima is a tranquil vacation spot for locals and a popular tourist destination for out of prefecture residents alike. You can take the airport line from central Hakata for just under 1 hour by train, and 30 minutes by car (with highway tolls).

Though there’s a plethora of activities to explore in Itoshima—from surfing to waterfalls to yummy local restaurants— today’s article will guide you through 3 gorgeous (and very Instagram-worthy) sightseeing spots. And the best part— all 3 are free to enter!

1. Sakurai Futamigaura Meoto Iwa: Couple Stones in the Ocean

Also known as “the couple stones,” this beachside spot is known as both a power spot and a famous photo spot for couples and travelers in and out of the prefecture— especially around the evening sunset times!

Not to be confused with the wedded rocks in Futami, Mie Prefecture, the Itoshima couple stones consist of a large and smaller boulder connected by a Shimenawa (or sacred Shinto rope), and stand behind a majestic white torii gate over the water in a spectacular fusion of nature and culture.

Though strikingly similar in appearance, the Mie wedded rocks are smaller in size but more well-known.

When I visited just before sunset, there was a long line for taking photos. It was mostly college students on spring break, so I assume it may be more deserted if you visit on a random weekday.

Cost: Free

Access:
Located near the northern tip of the Itoshima peninsula, Sakurai Futamigaura is accessible via bus and taxi. I took a taxi, but if you have an international driver’s license, it may be easier to rent a car and drive there yourself.
★Bus: Get off at Futamigaura (Meotoiwamae) station. 30 minutes ride from Kyudai-gakken st. The bus only comes once an hour and costs about 800 yen at the time of writing.
Car: 22 minutes by car from Kyudai-gakken st., roughly around 3,500 yen one way by taxi.
Bike: 55 minutes by bike.

I also visited the nearby Sakurai Shrine, though I must say it paled in comparison to the views of the couple stones.

2. Yashinoki Blanco: Palm Tree Swings and Athletics Park

Yashinoki Blanco—which literally translates to palm tree swings— is a seaside athletic park and photo spot that you simply CANNOT miss if you’re an ocean lover.

With barbecue grills and tables, upbeat Japanese rock on full blast, and various athletic swings and equipment set up, there was an air of summer even before the temperatures hit the double digits.

The biggest draw for young tourists is of course, the romantic, Instagram-worthy pictures that can be taken under the palm tree swings. Imagine it: you, slowly swaying, carefree in front of a soft blue sky and crystalline ocean. Heart-shaped swings, pirate swings, double decker swings—you name it, they have it.

As it was spring break, there were many students lining up to get their million-dollar shot. There were some families with young children monkeying around on the swings and other equipment as well, and the paid parking lots nearby were full.

Even without the palm tree swings, there is more than enough appeal for beach goers and ocean lovers. I went on a breezy sunny day. The warm sand, palm trees and smell of barbecued food was enough to make me want to stay forever.

Cost: Free

Access:
The Yashinoki Blanco park is located near the eastern tip of the Itoshima peninsula, accessible by car, bus, and bicycle from Kyudai-Gakkentoshi Station, which is on the airport line and 30 minutes out of Hakata.
Bus: Get off at Zauo Honten-mae stop. It’s a 20 minutes ride from the station and less than 500 yen. The caveat is the buses only come once an hour, but it is the same route that’ll take you to the Sakurai Futamigaura couple stones.
Bike: Biking takes about 30 minutes (not terrible if you take a scenic route). Some bike shops near the train station rent out electric bicycles.
★Car: 16 minutes by car from Kyudai-Gakkentoshi St.

All in all, I would say a rental car is your most convenient bet, and there are also taxis at the station (around 2,500 yen one way).

3. Hakojima Jinja: Scenic Island with Shinto Shrine

Hakojima is written with the Kanji for “box island” and is located off a highway on the west side of the Itoshima peninsula.

You’ll see the island shrine from afar, but make sure you don’t miss the little sign and secluded footpath leading from the highway to the island.

The shrine itself is on top of a small hill on the island, which you can see once you climb the stone steps overgrown with pine trees and other foliage. Though it was not far from the road, there was a silence that settled once I started the climb, only broken by the sound of waves and a lazy breeze.

After paying homage to the local deity, I went down an offshoot path that led to a stone pier over the ocean. I could see the highway, but I could only hear the sound of waves and smell the brine of the ocean. There was a profound sense of peace surrounding the miniature island.

Cost: Free

Access:
Bus: Get on at the north entrance of Maebaru Station and ride for 10 minutes to Kafuri, then walk 16 minutes.
Car: 15 minutes by car, about 1500 yen for a taxi.
★Bike: A 20-minute bike ride from Chikuzen Maebaru station that takes you through quiet vegetable fields and sleepy neighborhoods.

Once you get close to the highway, the closest bathroom will be the 711 convenience store a 5 minute bike ride back towards the station.

I recommend biking if the weather is nice. You should stop by Chikuzen-Maebaru station, which has a few bicycle rental shops. The rental bike was less than 1000 yen for the whole day (until 5PM) and gave me a lot of freedom to enjoy the townscape and ocean view at a leisurely pace.

Bonus Cool Spot: The Singing Sands of Anego Beach

This beach is one I haven’t personally visited, but which attracts tourists from all over. Specifically, Anego no Hama is famous for the “nakisuna”, or “singing sands”. The white sand here is so fine and clean that when you apply enough pressure (walking over it), it sings or squeaks from the vibration and friction.

The singing sand phenomenon is rare in Japan, and Anego Beach is touted as the only beach in the Kyushu area with singing sands.

Access: Anego Beach is a 30-minute car ride from the Chikuzen-Maebaru station, and a 1-hour bike ride.

Other Activities

You can find and reserve all of these hands-on activities on Jalan.com, but both the reservation site and the classes themselves will mostly be in Japanese. I do believe you can get by with google translate.

I opted for a 1-hour candle making class at a quaint shop near the train station called JoieR, where I paid 3,000 yen and chose from a variety of local Itoshima dried flowers to put in a cast and pour candle wax over. I came back to pick up the finished (and polished) candle after 2 hours.

There’s also more information on available pottery and woodworking workshops on the Itoshima-now website.

Conclusion

All in all, Itoshima is a beautiful town full of nature and great photo spots, not to mention family friendly activities.

Though it can be considered “off the beaten path”, more and more tourists are coming every year.

After all, what’s not to love? Pristine white sand beaches, cozy cafes, and artsy activities—the flow of time really is slower here at Itoshima. I highly recommend taking this day trip if you’re in the Fukuoka area.