Itoshima, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, is a favorite among those who love scenic drives. However, it’s also accessible and enjoyable for travelers without a car. This guide provides details on how to explore Itoshima’s popular attractions using public transport from key locations in the Fukuoka area, including Fukuoka Airport, Hakata Station, and Tenjin.
To reach Itoshima, you have three convenient transport options, each suited to different destinations within the area:
1. The Fukuoka City Subway, specifically the JR Chikuhi Line.
2. Showa Bus: The West Coast Liner
3. Showa Bus: The Itoshima Go
To Futamigaura:
Itoshima’s Emblematic Scenery: Behind the Sakurai Shrine’s torii gates, you’ll find the Meoto-iwa (Married Couple Rocks), linked by a large shimenawa rope. This scenic area is also known for its surfing spots and is complemented by a selection of cafes and shops nearby.
Access
1. Bus “West Coast Liner”: Direct
2. Subway & Chikuhi Line “Kyudai-Gakkentoshi” Station → Showa Bus “Nishi-no-Ura Line” to “Futamigaura” bus stop (26 minutes)
To Keya & Funakoshi:
Explore Keya and Funakoshi: Keya is home to some excellent beaches and Keya no Oto, a renowned basalt cave, with sightseeing boats available from March to November. The area is also the starting point for climbing Tateishi Mountain. In Funakoshi, winter brings a unique charm with numerous oyster huts offering delicious grilled oysters.
Access
1. Subway & Chikuhi Line “Chikuzen-Maebaru” Station → Showa Bus “Keya Line” from “Maebaru Station North Exit” to “Keya” bus stop (about 30 minutes)
To Nogita:
Enjoy the Waves and More: This area is not only a popular surfing spot but also features campgrounds, restaurants, and cafes for a complete leisure experience. Conveniently, a coffee shop near the bus stop provides bicycle rental services, perfect for exploring the surroundings.
Access
1. Showa Bus “Ito-Shima Go”: Direct to “Nogita” bus stop (about 1 hour from Tenjin)
2. Subway & Chikuhi Line “Chikuzen-Maebaru” Station → 5-minute walk to “Maebaru” bus stop → Showa Bus “Ito-Shima Go” to “Nogita” bus stop (about 19 minutes from Maebaru)
3. Showa Bus “Nogita-Line”: “Maebarueki-Kitaguchi” bus stop → Showa Bus “Nogita Line” → “Nogita” bus stop (about 26 minutes from Maebaru)
To Nijo
Sea and Mountain Adventures Await: This area offers the best of both worlds, with easy access to beautiful beaches and mountain trails.
Access
1. From ‘Chikuzen-Fukae’ station on the JR Chikuhi Line, a 12-minute stroll takes you to the tranquil Fukae Beach.
2. ‘Fukuyoshi’ Station, also on the JR Chikuhi Line, is your gateway to the Fukuyoshi Fishing Port, a mere 12-minute walk away, where you can discover famous oyster huts.
Bus traveling towards Fukuoka City with Futamigaura Beach in the background.
How to use public transportations
1. Fukuoka City Subway (JR Chikuhi Line)
Explore Itoshima’s stunning locales like Futamigaura, Keya-Funakoshi, and Nogita with ease via the Fukuoka City Subway. The journey begins at Meinohama Station on the Airport Line, seamlessly transitioning onto the JR Chikuhi Line, which extends to Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture. Conveniently, there’s no need to transfer when heading to “Chikuzen-Maebaru,” “Karatsu,” or “Nishi-Karatsu.”
The train’s destination is displayed above the driver. It’s also display on signs above the platform.
Accessing Itoshima from Major Stations
From “Kyudai-Gakkentoshi” Station (JR Chikuhi Line):
Take the Showa Bus “Nishi-no-Ura Line” for a direct journey to Itoshima’s attractions. This route includes stops at Imajuku Station Front, Yokohama West, Nisseki Entrance, Imazu, Ohara Beach Front, Umizuri Park Front, Nishi-no-Ura, Futamigaura (approx. 30 min.), Imuta, and terminates at Ito Eigyosho.
From “Chikuzen-Maebaru” Station (JR Chikuhi Line):
Board the Showa Bus “Keya Line” from Maebara Station North Exit. The bus journey covers Kabura, Matsubara, and concludes at Keya.
About Chikuzen-Maebaru Station
For added convenience, be sure to drop by the Tourist Information Office next door to the station an FamilyMart Convenience store:
• Bicycle Rentals: Easily explore the local area on two wheels. A bicycle rental service is available at the tourist information office, located just in front of the station.
• Taxi Services: A taxi stand is conveniently situated near the station, offering a quick and easy way to get to your next destination.
• There are car rental services available (inside the station building and at two nearby locations)
• Showa Bus “Keya-Line”: Maebaru Station North Exit – Matsubara – Keya (approx. 25 min)
• Showa Bus “Ito-Shima Go” Service: This route offers a comprehensive tour through key urban and coastal areas, starting from Hakata Bus Terminal and moving through Gionmachi, Nakasu, Tenjin, Maebaru Interchange, Minamikaze Central, Shinohara Park, Maebaru, Kabura, Shima Central Park Front, Nogita, Imuta, and culminates at Ito Eigyosho. (Maebaru Bus Stop to Nogita: approx. 19 min.)
Visiting the Fukae Area:
Reach Fukae Beach by disembarking at “Chikuzen-Fukae” Station on the JR Chikuhi Line. A pleasant 12-minute walk from the station leads you to the serene shores of Fukae Beach.
Exploring the Fukuyoshi Area:
For a taste of local maritime culture, alight at “Fukuyoshi” Station on the JR Chikuhi Line. A brief 12-minute walk brings you to the Fukuyoshi Fishing Port, celebrated for its charming oyster huts.
Payment and Ticket Purchasing Guidelines
Subway Travel:
Purchase your tickets at the ticket vending machines available at each station before boarding. For those using a transportation IC card, simply tap it at the ticket gate for seamless access. Please note, credit card touch payments are not accepted on the JR Chikuhi Line west of Meinohama Station.
Train fare examples
From Tenjin and Hakata stations (and from Fukuoka Airport)
• Kyudai-Gakkentoshi: ¥530 (¥570）
• Chikuzen-Marbaru: ¥580 (¥620)
• Fukuyoshi: ¥870 (¥910)
Ticket machines for Subway and continuing on the JR Chikuhi Line
2. Showa Bus: West Coast Liner
Experience swift and scenic travel with the Showa Bus West Coast Liner, a high-speed bus service specially designed for tourists. This line connects Hakata and Tenjin directly to the picturesque Futamigaura Area, home to the famed Meoto Iwa (Married Couple Rocks). From Hakata Tenjin, you’ll reach the coastal beauty of Futamigaura in approximately one hour, without the need for any transfers.
West Coast Liner stops are indicated in blue.
The service operates seven buses daily, departing from “Platform 32” at Hakata Bus Terminal (located on the 3rd floor) between 9:38 and 13:38. In the reverse direction, seven buses run from Futamigaura back to Hakata Bus Terminal, scheduled between 13:00 and 18:00, averaging about one bus per hour.
This boarding station #32 on the 3rd floor of Hakata Bus Terminal
Please note that this is a dedicated service designed to connect these specific areas, hence boarding and alighting at intermediate stops within each area is not permitted.
Bus stops
Tenjin Hakata (Hakata Bus Terminal – Gionmachi – Gofukumachi – Hakata Gocho – Nakasu – Tenjin Yonchome – Tenjin Sanchome) to Itoshima (Imazu Sports Park Front – Ohara Bridge – Ohara West – Umizuri Park Front – Zauo Main Store Front – Miyanoura – Nishi-no-Ura Nursery Front – PALM BEACH – Tsuki to Taiyo Itoshima Teahouse – Futamigaura – Tsumande Goran – Imuta – Sakurai – Ito Eigyosho) *Tenjin Yonchome to Futamigaura: about 55 minutes.
• Tenjin Yonchome to Futamigaura: about 55 minutes / Hakata Bus Terminal to Futamigaura: about 70 minutes
Payment & Ticket Purchasing
When boarding the bus, make sure to take a numbered ticket from the dispenser located at the front. This ticket will be crucial for your fare calculation.
Keep an eye on the digital display board at the front of the bus, as it indicates the current fares associated with each ticket number.
Upon reaching your destination, prepare to pay the fare. Look for the amount listed beneath your ticket number. This fare can be paid directly to the fare box next to the driver. For your convenience, both cash and transportation IC cards are accepted.
Additionally, for those who prefer planning ahead, there’s an option to pre-purchase tickets using a credit card at the Hakata Bus Terminal.
• Fare: Tenjin, Hakata Station to Futamigaura (Meoto Iwa Front): ¥1,150, etc.
3. Showa Bus: Ito-Shima Go
Enjoy convenient bus services connecting Hakata Bus Terminal to Maebaru (bus stop), situated just a 5-minute walk from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station. This route offers a scenic and efficient journey to Nogita, an area known for its inviting cafes and beaches. From Tenjin, you can reach Nogita in approximately one hour, traveling via Fukuoka City’s urban expressway.
Tenjin 3-Chome Bus Stop on Showa-dori is convenient place to board
When selecting your bus route, you have two primary options: the “Ito Eigyosho bound” and the “Kafuri bound.” To ensure you’re on the correct route, always verify the bus’s destination by checking the display board located at the front of the bus. For those traveling to Nogita, be sure to board the bus marked “Ito Eigyosho bound,” as this is the direct route to your destination.
> Showa Bus Maebaru-Fukuoka area bus route map (PDF / only Japanese)
Bus stops
Ito Eigyosho bound:
Tenjin Hakata (Hakata Bus Terminal – Gionmachi – Gofukumachi – Hakata Gocho – Nakasu – Tenjin Yonchome – Tenjin Sanchome) – Maebaru Interchange – Minamikazedai Central – Shinohara Park – Maebaru – Kabura – Shima Central Park Front – Nogita – Imuta – Ito Eigyosho
Kafuri bound:
Hakata Bus Terminal – Gionmachi- Nakasu – Tenjin – Maebaru Interchange – Minamikazedai Central – Shinohara Park – Maebaru – Akasaka – Kafuri
• Tenjin Yonchome to Futamigaura: about 55 minutes / Maebaru to Nogita: about 19 minutes
Maebaru Bus stop
Showa Bus – Regular local route buses at Chikuzen-Maebaru Station.
Payment & Ticket Purchasing
When boarding the bus, make sure to take a numbered ticket from the dispenser located at the front. This ticket will be crucial for your fare calculation.
Keep an eye on the digital display board at the front of the bus, as it indicates the current fares associated with each ticket number.
Upon reaching your destination, prepare to pay the fare. Look for the amount listed beneath your ticket number. This fare can be paid directly to the fare box next to the driver. For your convenience, both cash and transportation IC cards are accepted.
Additionally, for those who prefer planning ahead, there’s an option to pre-purchase tickets using a credit card at the Hakata Bus Terminal.
• Fare: Tenjin, Hakata Station to Nogita: ¥1,150 / Maebaru to Nogita ¥460 (¥200 for a local bus, about 30 minutes)
At Hakata Bus Terminal
The West Coast Liner provides direct service from the beach to Tenjin Hakata. Additionally, from Futamigaura, there is an option to take the Nishinoura Line route bus to reach ‘Kyudai Gakkentoshi’ on the JR Chikuhi Line.
