Sea breeze, white torii gates, and the footprints of Totoro: I search for the healing blue in Itoshima

Itoshima, located near Fukuoka, is a haven for many, known for its stunning ocean views, artistic atmosphere, and local cuisine. This day trip was a fulfilling and unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking sea-sky scenery, majestic shrines, and a mouth-watering Japanese seafood feast.
⛩️ Ende Futami-gaura: White Torii Gate and Meotoiwa Rocks (Photo: White Torii Gate on the Seashore, Restaurant Sea View)
The journey began at Itoshima's most famous spot, Sakurai Futami-gaura. From afar, the striking white Torii gate, perched on the shoreline against the lapping waves, creates a truly sacred scene. Approximately 150 meters beyond the Torii gate, nestled in the sea, lie Meotoiwa Rocks, considered a symbol of marriage and a perfect couple. The two rocks are tightly connected by a 30-meter-long shimen rope.
On that day, the waves rolled in, and the white Torii gate, set against the azure blue sky and sea, looked particularly magnificent. Not only is this spot one of Japan's "100 Best Sunsets," but the daytime scenery is equally breathtaking. At noon, I dined at a nearby ocean-view restaurant with a sweeping view of Futami-ga-ura (see photo). Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows, I savored my meal while gazing out at the shimmering sea and distant reefs. The sound of the waves served as background music, elevating the entire dining experience to the pinnacle of enjoyment.
🌲 Journey into a Secret Realm: Totoro Forest and Sakurai Shrine (Photo: Forest Trail, Shrine Entrance, Main Shrine)
After a brief stop at the beach, I drove to Sakurai Shrine, which has a deep connection to Futami-ga-ura. Surrounded by lush trees, this ancient shrine exudes a solemn and tranquil atmosphere.
The most surprising part was the path leading to the shrine. It felt like I had entered a secret realm hidden within reality—this stairway framed by trees (Photo: Forest Trail). The interwoven branches and foliage on either side create a serene, anime-like atmosphere, earning it the nickname "Totoro Forest" from tourists. Climbing the dirt and stone steps, I was surrounded by lush greenery, the air filled with the freshness of the forest. Walking through this green tunnel, I felt as if I could spot Totoro or Pokémon at any moment, and my mind became calm. Upon arriving at the shrine, the ancient wooden structure and intricate carvings further emphasized the solemnity and history of this place as a center of faith.
🏖️ Relaxing Beach Time: Palm Beach & Instagram-worthy Spots (Photo: Palm Beach Sign, Angel Wings)
Bid farewell to the solemnity of the shrine, I journeyed to the tropical charm of Palm Beach. Here, I enjoy a wide sandy beach and exotic resort scenery (Photo: Palm Beach Buildings and Signs). The large white letters of the "Palm Beach" sign, set against the backdrop of green hills and sea-facing buildings, evoke the illusion of being transported to Hawaii or Bali, making it a perfect photo spot. The area is also dotted with Instagram-worthy spots, like the "Angel Wings" murals painted on the walls, adding a touch of fun and playfulness to the trip.
🍳 Itoshima's "Egg" Legend: Itoshima Food House UOVO (Photo: UOVO Sign and Installation)
On the way back, I passed by Itoshima Food House UOVO (UOVO means "egg" in Italian). This farm-owned shop, famous for its local Itoshima brand eggs, "Tenjo Eggs," is a vibrant place just by looking at the cute poached egg installation and banner at the entrance. Their desserts, like puddings and cakes, all feature high-quality eggs, making it a perfect place to savor the local flavors of Itoshima. 🍣 Ending: A Feast for the Taste (Photo: Japanese Seafood Donburi)
The day's journey concluded perfectly with a rich culinary feast. A fresh seafood feast (Photo: Salmon Roe Seafood Donburi) was undoubtedly the ultimate reward for this Itoshima trip. Pile upon pile of translucent salmon roe and beautifully textured salmon sashimi, paired with a steamed egg and miso soup, each bite was filled with the fresh sweetness of the ocean, revealing the allure of Fukuoka's "food treasure trove."
Itoshima is truly the proud home of Fukuoka residents. It boasts awe-inspiring natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, stylish and comfortable leisure spaces, and incredibly delicious seafood. This day trip not only refreshed my soul in the "My Neighbor Totoro Forest," but also delighted my eyes and taste buds. Highly recommended to anyone planning a visit to Fukuoka!
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Post by Smartdoctor | Oct 12, 2025