Ai Nishimura
Administrator of the blog "My Diary," which began in 2004. A writer who has traveled to all 47 prefectures and loves local culture and history.
Author of Shimane's "Geography, Place Names, and Maps" Mysteries (Jitsugyo no Nihonsha), My Town is the "Number One in Japan" Dictionary (PHP Institute), and Prefectures Explained in Neko Neko Japanese History (Jitsugyo no Nihonsha). Official blogger for Suntory Gourmet Guide, official top user for Retty, and official platinum blogger for Excite.
Take the JAL Celebration Express to Fukuoka Airport and then take the train to the popular area of Itoshima.
This time, I took a morning flight from Haneda Airport to Fukuoka Airport! The plane I was on had Mickey Mouse painted on it, and it was the "JAL Celebration Express" to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort®. I was given a commemorative boarding certificate when I got off.
It was a good start. Fukuoka Airport is about 10 minutes from the city center, making it one of the most convenient airports in Japan. From here, it's just a train ride to Itoshima, our destination!
We had an early morning flight on the day. The plane bound for Fukuoka Airport featured Mickey Mouse and friends! The design commemorates the 35th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort®.
When we disembarked, we were given a specially designed boarding pass.
From Fukuoka Airport to Itoshima, you can take the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line and reach your destination without having to transfer.
Arrived in Itoshima. Bike ride to breakfast at Bakery & Cafe Tubasa.
When I arrived at Chikuzen-Maebaru Station, I rented a bicycle at my lodging for the night, Maeharajuku Kotonoha. You can also rent one (and make a reservation) at the Itoshima City Tourist Association in front of the station. Although it wasn't an electric bicycle, Itoshima had no problem pedaling as most of the roads were flat.
For breakfast, I stopped off at "Bakery & Cafe Tubasa," about 10 minutes from the station. It's a new shop that opened in this location just a year ago. They are committed to providing traditional menu items, and make bread that is easy to eat and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders.
The carefully brewed coffee was delicious, and I was able to spend a relaxing time in the quiet store.
I rented a bicycle in front of Chikuzen-Maebara Station. I rented a bicycle at "Itoshima Guesthouse Maeharajuku Kotonoha" where I was staying that night. You can also rent one at the Itoshima City Tourist Association in front of the station.
I got on my bike and crossed the Ito Koi Bridge in Marutaike Park. It was a beautiful sunny day!
The places I cycled around this time didn't have many hills, so I didn't need an electric bike. This report is about a 30km round trip bike ride.
The first place we visited was the Bakery Cafe Tubasa, located right next to Itoshima Agricultural High School. Here we had freshly baked bread for breakfast.
A cute bakery in a residential area. A new shop opened last year by a young couple. In fact, it used to be a popular bakery in the Gishi area, and they moved and opened it next to their alma mater.
Tubasa offers soft, gentle breads because they want everyone to enjoy their bread. Since it was early in the day, all the bread was hot and freshly baked.
They also have seasonal breads and breads made with Itoshima ingredients, but they plan to focus on cream buns and sweet bean buns that are popular with people of all ages and genders. The most popular item is melon bun.
Not only bread but also cakes are lined up.
His wife was in charge of the cake. The melon shortcake topped with lots of fresh cream looked delicious.
You can order a drink in the cafe space and enjoy some freshly baked bread. They can also reheat it for you.
I ordered two breads and an iced cafe latte.
The bread, made with Itoshima asparagus, has just come out of the oven. It's crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
The walnut bean bun was not too sweet. The carefully brewed coffee was also delicious. With our stomachs full, we headed to the seaside cafe.
Our destination is Futamigaura! Don't miss the shops along the way, "Itoshima Support Plaza" and "Honey Coffee".
Well, I started riding my bike, but it was hot and it was hard to find shade... I rode along the asphalt road under the scorching sun towards the sea.
On the way, we stopped off at the Itoshima Support Plaza for a rest. Itoshima is a place where many craft and artisan artists gather. People who have moved here from all over the country have set up studios here and use them as bases. Here, you can see the works of 80 professional artists at once. In addition to creative works, there are also souvenirs such as natural salt and handmade soy sauce on offer, so it's definitely worth stopping by.
After running further, I took another break (lol). I couldn't stop sweating, so I went to "Honey Coffee" to get something cold. Here, I cooled down my body with a juice made with lots of Itoshima strawberries.
The coffee shop is attached to a surf shop, where you can buy not only cafe items but also miscellaneous goods.
The weather was clear, or rather too clear (lol). I struggled to find shade, but kept pedaling my bike.
Once you leave the town, you'll come across an area of fields! Here, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Kaya. This mountain is the symbol of Itoshima, and is loved by the locals as "Itoshima Fuji."
With my rental bike, I was surrounded by lush greenery. The scenery gradually became more tranquil, and I was able to feel the abundance of Itoshima with all my heart.
But my body was gradually reaching its limits... Time for a break! So I stopped off at the Itoshima Cheer Plaza.
This shop collects products from the many crafters and artists in Itoshima. It is located on the former site of the Shima Town Hall, which was integrated into Itoshima City.
Currently, you can see products from around 130 workshops, craftsmen, and artists, totaling 80 people.
This area is home to many pottery kilns and ceramic artists, and you can see a wide variety of unique pottery, as well as accessories, glass crafts, fabrics, and more.
I bought this piece when I came to Itoshima some time ago. It is a simple ceramic piece, and the creamy white series is very comfortable on the dining table.
The popular natural salt "Mataichi's Premium Roasted Salt" can also be purchased here. Itoshima Support Plaza is also a good place to buy souvenirs.
It is located in the Shima area along Prefectural Route 85.
We left "Itoshima Support Plaza" and walked about 5km. Finally, we saw the Futamigaura sign! Okay, let's take another break (lol). It was really hot...
I popped into Honey Coffee, a cafe at the Nogita intersection. Sorry I'm drenched in sweat...
A very stylish cafe. It seemed to be a base for people going to the beach. In addition to its role as a cafe, it also offered bicycle rental services and had a surf shop, so many people stopped by.
It's hot so I asked for something cold, and they recommended this gorgeous and delicious looking strawberry drink!!
Of course, you can also use it as a cafe. The parking lot is spacious, so it's also a good place to stop by by car.
And then another 5 kilometers from Honey Coffee. Wow, the ocean! I can see the ocean!
The Genkai Sea was a little high with whitecaps. As we got closer to the sea, it was full of people enjoying their summer vacation.
The choppy waters must have been a lot of fun for surfers too.
Read the second part here
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
