Fukuoka is a comfortable and family-friendly city, but after a few days of exploring Hakata and Tenjin, many families start to crave a break from the crowds and city noise. When that happens, locals almost universally recommend one place: Itoshima.
Itoshima is widely considered one of the best nearby destinations for families traveling with children. Located just west of Fukuoka City, it offers beautiful nature, calm beaches, and excellent food, all within easy reach of the city center.
For families with children ranging from toddlers to elementary school students, Itoshima works perfectly as a one-day trip. The area is spacious, safe, and operates at a much slower rhythm than the city, making it easy to enjoy without rushing.
In 2021, the area gained international attention when Monocle magazine selected it as one of the world’s top “Small Cities” for quality of life, highlighting its unique blend of accessibility and high-quality natural scenery. For parents, this means you don’t have to travel deep into the countryside to find mountains, farmland, and clear coastlines.
This guide will help you plan a stress-free family day trip to Itoshima, covering how to get there, where to play, and what to eat.
Getting to Itoshima: Car vs. Train
Before planning your activities, it is crucial to decide on your mode of transport. Unlike central Fukuoka, Itoshima is spread out, and public transport can be infrequent.
By Car (Highly Recommended)
For families with children, renting a car is by far the best option. Itoshima’s attractions—beaches, waterfalls, and cafes—are miles apart. Having a car gives you the freedom to store strollers, swim gear, and souvenirs without carrying them everywhere. It takes about 40–50 minutes to drive from Hakata or Tenjin to the heart of Itoshima via the urban expressway.
If you are debating whether to drive, please read our detailed guide: Do You Need a Rental Car for a Family Trip to Fukuoka?. It breaks down the pros and cons specifically for families.
By Train and Bus
If driving is not possible, you can take the JR Chikuhi Line (which connects directly with the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line) to Chikuzen-Maebaru Station. From there, you will need to rely on local community buses or taxis. While possible, this limits how many spots you can visit in one day, as buses often run only once an hour.
Best Nature Spots for Kids
The main reason to visit Itoshima is the outdoors. The coastline is stunning, but there are also forests and waterfalls that are easily accessible for children.
1. Keya Beach and the “Totoro Forest”
Keya Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Itoshima for families. The water is exceptionally clear, and the waves are generally calm, making it safer for younger children to wade in compared to the rougher Genkai Sea spots.
Just beside the beach is the entrance to the Keya no Oto park. Here, you will find a nature trail that locals call “Totoro’s Forest” (Totoro no Mori). The path is surrounded by dense trees that form a green tunnel, looking exactly like a scene from the Studio Ghibli movie.
- Difficulty: It is a short hike (about 10–15 minutes) to the observation deck. It involves steps, so it is not stroller-friendly, but active 4-year-olds can usually handle it.
- Boat Tour: From April to November, a sightseeing boat operates from the nearby port, taking you inside the massive Keya no Oto sea cave. It takes about 25 minutes and is a thrilling, safe adventure for elementary-age kids.
2. Sakurai Futamigaura (Couple Rocks)
This is the most iconic image of Itoshima: a pure white torii gate standing in the ocean in front of two “wedded” rocks joined by a sacred rope.
- For Kids: While the site is mostly a photo spot, the beach here is wide. At low tide, kids can explore the rock pools near the shore.
- Accessibility: There is a paid parking lot right across the street. You can easily take a stroller from the car to the sidewalk for a view, though pushing it onto the sand is difficult.
- Note: This area has many trendy cafes, but they can get crowded on weekends.
3. Shiraito Falls (Summer Highlight)
If you are visiting in summer, Shiraito Falls is a must. Located in the mountains about 20 minutes by car from the coast, the temperature here is noticeably cooler.
- Yamame Fishing: Kids can try fishing for yamame (river trout) with simple bamboo poles. If you catch one, the staff will grill it for you right there with salt—a fantastic food education experience.
- Nagashi Somen: This is a famous Japanese summer activity where somen noodles flow down a bamboo slide. It is fun, messy, and delicious for kids.
- Cooling Down: If the city heat is too much, this is a perfect escape. For more tips on managing the heat, check out Summer Heat Survival in Fukuoka with Kids: Best Cool Spots and Safety Tips.
Family-Friendly Food in Itoshima
Itoshima is famous for its ingredients. For families, the food scene is welcoming because much of it is casual and outdoors.
Winter: The Oyster Huts (Kakigoya)
From late October to March or April, fishing ports across Itoshima open large temporary tent restaurants called Kakigoya (Oyster Huts).
- The Experience: You sit at low tables with charcoal or gas grills and cook fresh oysters, shrimp, and sausages yourself.
- Why it’s fun for kids: It’s like an indoor BBQ. Most huts provide bright windbreaker jackets to protect your clothes from flying ash, which makes for funny family photos. The atmosphere is loud and lively, so you don’t have to worry about kids making noise.
- Menu: If your kids don’t eat oysters, most huts have sausage, corn, and rice balls (onigiri) on the menu.
Year-Round: Salt Pudding and Sweets
A short drive onto the peninsula leads to a salt factory that has become a major destination. For a detailed look at why this is worth the drive, read Enjoy Salt Ice Cream with Ocean Views at Mataichi no Shio in Itoshima. The flower salt pudding here is legendary, and the wooden seaside terrace is a relaxing place for parents to sit while kids look at the ocean.
A Practical 1-Day Itoshima Itinerary
Here is a realistic schedule for a family with young children (using a rental car):
- 09:30 Depart Fukuoka City.
- 10:30 Arrive at Sakurai Futamigaura. Take photos with the white torii gate and let kids run on the sand.
- 11:30 Lunch.
- Winter: Head to Kishi Fishing Port for Oyster Huts.
- Summer/Warm Days: Visit a bakery or cafe like Current (arrive early as it gets full).
- 13:00 Activity time.
- Drive to Keya Beach. Hike the short “Totoro Forest” trail to the observatory.
- Or, drive up to Mataichi no Shio for salt pudding and ice cream.
- 15:00 Afternoon play.
- Stop by a local farmers market like Ito Sai Sai (huge selection of local fruit/veg) to buy snacks or souvenirs.
- 16:00 Drive back to Fukuoka City before the evening rush hour peaks.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Convenience Stores: There are plenty of convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) along the main roads (Route 202), but once you get to the coastal areas or mountains (near Keya or Shiraito), shops disappear. Buy drinks and diapers before you leave the main road.
- Toilets: Major spots like Keya Beach, Shiraito Falls, and the bigger fishing ports have public restrooms. They are generally clean but may not always have high-tech diaper changing tables.
- Sun Protection: The sun on the Itoshima coast is strong. Even in spring or autumn, bring hats and sunscreen.
- Traffic: Route 202 connecting Fukuoka and Itoshima can get very jammed on weekends around 5:00 PM. Try to leave Itoshima a bit earlier (around 3:30 PM) or stay for dinner to miss the traffic.
Itoshima offers a breath of fresh air that perfectly complements a city stay. If you are building a broader itinerary for your trip, our main guide Fukuoka with Kids: The Ultimate Travel Guide (Food, Transport, Tips) introduces more child-friendly destinations that pair well with this coastal escape.