Continuing from Part 1, this is Part 2 of my Itoshima Summer Guide. This part will feature scenic hikes and more recommended cafes and restaurants. The best hikes are Shiraito Waterfall and the Totoro Forest of Itoshima, which I had no idea existed until I was kindly shown by a local. It’s surreal how there are still so many people in Japan who are unfamiliar with Itoshima, because its beauty is truly unmatched. After spending three days here, I would rank it as one of my top destinations in Kyushu. I can see why locals would rather live here than in the city because you can enjoy the beach from anywhere in Itoshima.
Shiraito Waterfall
Shiraito Waterfall is one of the top attractions in Itoshima due to its natural beauty and festive surrounding atmosphere. If you come by car, the waterfall is only a short walk from the parking lot, but you can choose to hike here too. Depending on the season, you can try nagashi somen (the “flowing” soba noodles you can catch with chopsticks) in the Summer, and also see the large maple tree’s leaves here change colors in the Fall. I always appreciate seeing waterfalls in Japan because they have such brilliant colors. The best time to come here is early in the morning when no one else is around.
Address: 460-6 Shiraito, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1154
Admission: Free
Totoro Forest
The true name of this place is “Itoshima’s Genkai-Quasi National Park”, but it is referred to “Totoro’s Forest” by locals. Why? According to Japan Travel:
Because this portion of Shima town protrudes out of the main island and the forest’s location at the very end of this protrusion, the sea breeze hits the forest on all sides, constantly forcing the leaves of all trees found in the forest to grow into the dome shape that resembles the forest found in the famous ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ film by Studio Ghibli.
This park is great because it has a lot of beginner to intermediate level hikes that you can conquer in a short amount of time. It also has the best aerial views of Itoshima; you can see all of the way to Fukuoka Tower on a clear day. If you visit, definitely allow 1-2 hours to climb Mt. Tateishi and take the trail down to Keya Beach. Totoro’s Forest can be seen in a short amount of time and is a great place to catch some shade. Just be sure to pay attention to the signs, or better yet, find a local that will guide you!
Address: Shimakeya, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1335
Admission: Free
Recommended Cafes and Restaurants
My top cafe pick in Itoshima was Koko’s Cafe, which is a bakery and sweets cafe ran by a Taiwanese woman who has been living in Japan for a long time. She also has a ceramic art studio and sells pottery and glasses in her cafe shop. The menu at Koko’s changes seasonally based on what ingredients are available, but this time we were lucky to try the strawberry crepe (which was the fanciest crepe I have ever eaten in my life) and the savory peach pastry. These sweets were extremely high quality and artfully decorated so they made me quite happy.
Here are some other recommendations that are also top caliber:
For bakeries, I highly recommend Cafe de Poupee because they have delicious tiramisu croissants, soft pretzels, and affogato. Fore seasonal cakes and morning plates, Cafe Lily is one of the best breakfast places we discovered that is usually open early. If you’re going to Fukae Beach, SALUT is also a great place to stop by and eat toast and basque cheesecake. Last but not least, if you are looking for one of the best authentic Italian restaurants in Fukuoka, then please visit Time @ Ito Highland. This restaurant has the famous Napoli star-shaped pizza and other delicacies. I wished that I could try more of the menu items, but by far the margherita pizzas here were the best.
Thank you for reading my Itoshima Guide! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments. I may write a music review later this week detailing an event I went to in Fukuoka. This trip was very refreshing and I hope to visit more of Kyushu next summer.