A One-Day Getaway Guide to Northern Kyushu! Depart from Hakata and Check In at Healing Nature Spots Across Itoshima, Saiki City, and Tonglu County—Cleanse Your Mind at Shiraito Waterfall.
A One-Day Getaway Guide to Northern Kyushu! Depart from Hakata and check in at multiple healing nature spots across Itoshima, Saiki City, and Tonglu County—cleanse your soul at Shiraito Waterfall, discover the movie-themed Totoro no Mori (Totoro Forest), visit the must-see Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Stones + Angel Wings, and the popular Forest Cafe. Plus, explore Daihio-in Temple at Raizan Sennyo-ji. The entire itinerary is filled with natural vibes and a fairy-tale atmosphere, making it perfect for anyone looking to escape the city and take a breather!
🌲 Highlighted Itinerary Recommendations (Spot-by-Spot Breakdown):
1️⃣ Shiraito Waterfall
The first stop of our journey brings us to Itoshima's most famous natural waterfall—Shiraito no Mori Totem Pole. With misty waters in the early morning, you can easily capture dreamy background photos. It cools you to the core even on a hot day, so remember to pack an extra set of clothes to change into if you're visiting in the summer.
2️⃣ Forest Cafe Midori no Oto
You'll end up lingering here much longer than you'd expect! Surrounded by the forest, this cafe heavily features wooden elements. Sitting by the window and listening to the birds chirp is incredibly relaxing. Both the desserts and coffee are top-notch. Highly recommended for fully immersing yourself in the vibes of nature!
📍 Address: 561 Shiraito, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1154, Japan
3️⃣ Raizan Sennyo-ji Daihio-in Temple
This historic site is one of Japan's top 100 ancient temples, and during the autumn foliage season, it transforms into an incredibly popular scenic hotspot. The temple is both majestic and welcoming, making it an excellent place to rest for a bit and soak in the historical atmosphere.
📍 Address: 626 Raizan, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1145
🕙 Opening Hours: 09:00–16:30
4️⃣ Ichiran no Mori
An absolute pilgrimage site for ramen lovers! Right near the entrance, there's an exhibit explaining the "Birthplace of Ichiran Ramen." Just head inside, grab a seat, and after enjoying your bowl, you can go on a shopping spree for souvenirs to bring back to Hong Kong as gifts!
5️⃣ Totoro no Mori (Totoro Forest)
Check in at the iconic forest tunnel straight out of "My Neighbor Totoro"—both kids and adults will be absolutely thrilled! The air along the forest trail is super fresh, but some sections can get damp, so wearing suitable hiking shoes is highly recommended.
📍 Address: Ume Oaza Minamitabaru, Saiki, Oita 879-3302
🕙 Open year-round
6️⃣ Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Stones + Angel Wings
The Couple Stones stand tall side-by-side in the middle of the sea, while the Angel Wings offer one of the most magical photo-ops. We especially recommend visiting in the evening—the sunset-hued sea and sky are breathtakingly romantic!
📍 Address: Shimasakurai, Itoshima, Fukuoka 819-1304
🕙 Open year-round
7️⃣ Palm Tree Swing
Nestled among the palm trees, this swing delivers maximum tropical vibes. It’s effortless to snap a few stunning, nature-inspired photos. Your photo-op energy will be fully charged!
📝 Travel Tips:
· Joining a one-day tour is a great idea so you won't have to stress about coordinating transportation. The driver will take you straight to the best scenic spots.
· Even though most attractions are outdoors, don't forget to bring a hat and sun protection.
· Totoro no Mori can occasionally get muddy, so wearing sneakers or hiking shoes is strongly advised.
· You might have to wait for a table at the cafe when it's busy, so take the chance to snap photos of your surroundings and rest up (70 minutes is just about right).
🚗 Transportation Info:
With Hakata Station as the starting point, the most convenient option is to join a chartered one-day tour from the city center, as driving yourself can be quite challenging with the attractions spread out along the route. Spots like Ichiran no Mori and the Couple Stones are clustered around the Itoshima area, where you can also explore quirky local shops on the side.
🥢 Food Recommendations:
Aside from coffee and desserts, Forest Cafe also offers healthy dishes on its main menu. Ramen lovers, make sure to treat yourselves to a piping hot bowl of ramen at Ichiran no Mori.
📸 Photography Tips:
The Angel Wings and Couple Stones are wildly popular Instagram spots. It's best to visit on a weekday evening to dodge the crowds and capture your very own blockbuster shots!