Finding the Freshest Produce and Seafood in Itoshima
An increasing number of people are leaving the city behind to explore Japan’s rural landscapes in search of something truly delicious. From unique, locally sourced ingredients to traditional cooking methods that highlight regional flavors, food lovers are venturing out to savor new culinary experiences. And if you’re one of them, Itoshima should be at the top of your list. Here, you’ll discover a treasure trove of delicacies that simply can’t be found anywhere else.
Nestled between the sea and mountains, with its pristine beaches and rolling hills, Itoshima offers a rich natural environment that nurtures a thriving food culture. Dotted across this vibrant region are numerous direct markets that serve as a bridge between the local landscape and the dining table. For the residents, these markets are a part of daily life, a place to pick up the freshest ingredients. For chefs, they are a source of inspiration and quality produce. For food enthusiasts, they are a playground of culinary discovery. And for visitors, they provide the perfect stop to pick up unique souvenirs to take home. Itoshima has an undeniable charm that captivates every kind of food lover.
With 18 direct markets scattered throughout Itoshima City, there’s plenty to explore. We’ve selected 7 of our favorites—markets that the Itoshima Now editorial team regularly frequents. Each has its own unique character, from the range of products to the size of the market, but they all share one thing in common: a morning visit is a must for the best selection of fresh goods.
1. Ito Sai Sai
2. Fukufuku no Sato
3. Shima no Shiki
4. Tsumande Goran Nigiyaka na Haru
5. Itoshima Negibouzu
6. Toraya Meat Center
7. Himeshima Ferry Terminal Direct Market
Ito Sai Sai
Ito Sai Sai, operated by the JA (Agricultural Cooperative), is not just a market—it’s a local institution that has helped put Itoshima on the culinary map. With its reputation as Japan’s top-selling direct market among more than 1,400 JA-operated stores nationwide, Ito Sai Sai is a must-visit for anyone looking to sample the best of what this region has to offer.
The market is all about celebrating local flavors, with a diverse selection of fresh goods brought in daily by farmers, fishermen, and producers from across Itoshima. Here, you’ll find an abundance of seasonal vegetables, juicy fruits, freshly caught seafood, premium meats, vibrant flowers, tempting sweets, ready-to-eat bento boxes, and a wide variety of artisanal processed foods, like locally brewed soy sauce.
The collaboration with the Itoshima Fishermen’s Cooperative means the seafood selection is second to none, with a dazzling array of just-caught fish and shellfish on offer. It’s no surprise that people line up before the doors even open, with many coming from beyond Itoshima—including chefs on the hunt for quality ingredients. Fresh items often sell out quickly, but any unsold goods find a worthy cause, being donated to local children’s cafeterias or food banks, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
• Location: 567 Hatae, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Hours: 9:00~18:00
• Closed: January 1~3
• https://ja-itoshima.or.jp/itosaisai/
Fukufuku no Sato
Founded in 2002 by a group of passionate local farmers, fishermen, and producers, Fukufuku no Sato was created to celebrate and promote the best of Itoshima’s bounty. Located at the westernmost tip of Itoshima, this market brings together a wonderful array of produce, not just from Itoshima itself but also from neighboring Karatsu and Nanayama. The market’s setting, surrounded by fragrant citrus groves, makes it a haven for citrus lovers, offering a fantastic selection of seasonal fruits and unique products made from local varieties like the Itoshima-grown “Haruka.”
Weekends are particularly lively at Fukufuku no Sato, with crowds often gathering before the doors open to get their hands on the freshest seafood, straight from the nearby Fukuyoshi Fishing Port. The market grounds offer more than just produce; there’s also a restaurant serving delicious seafood bowls, simmered fish set meals, and crispy tempura—all made with the freshest Itoshima ingredients. And for those in the know, there’s even a popular water refill station where you can fill up with pure, clean water for just ¥100 per 25 liters.
• Location: 6333 Nijo-Fukui, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Hours: 9:00~17:00
• Closed: January 1~5, August 14~16
• https://fukufuku-sato.com/
Shima no Shiki
Shima no Shiki, operated by JF Itoshima (Itoshima Fishermen’s Cooperative), is a seafood and agricultural market that truly brings the essence of the sea to your table. As you walk in, you’ll see fresh catches displayed in dedicated cases, each proudly labeled with the names of the fishing boats that brought them in—a unique touch that highlights the market’s commitment to traceability and quality. With a wide selection of seasonal local fish and seafood at unbeatable direct market prices, it’s no wonder that many chefs frequent this spot to find the freshest ingredients for their culinary creations.
But the experience doesn’t stop at just purchasing fish. Shima no Shiki offers a popular service where staff will clean your purchased fish or squid for free, making it easy for you to enjoy your seafood right away. If you’re in the mood for a meal, head to the market’s seafood bowl restaurant (open 11:00~14:00, closed Wednesdays) where you can savor dishes made with the freshest local fish of the day.
In addition to seafood, Shima no Shiki also stocks a variety of fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, eggs, tofu, pickles, bento boxes, sweets, and flowers—ensuring there’s something for everyone.
• Location: 33-1 Shima-Tsuwazaki, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Hours: 8:30~17:00
• Closed: January 1~5, August 14~16
• https://shimanoshiki.jp/
Tsumande Goran Nigiyaka na Haru
A true gem for egg enthusiasts, Tsumande Goran Nigiyaka na Haru is a direct market run by a poultry farm with a deep commitment to organic, locally sourced, and Itoshima-produced eggs. The farm’s signature “Tsumande Goran” eggs, laid by free-range hens that roam freely, have garnered nationwide acclaim and put Itoshima eggs on the map. But the market offers more than just eggs—it showcases products from like-minded local producers and manufacturers, featuring a fantastic array of pesticide-free vegetables and organic foods.
The culinary delights don’t stop there. Visitors can indulge in freshly made croquettes and chicken rice crafted from the meat of “Manpokei Chicken,” the very hens that lay the famous eggs. Inside, the market also serves up delicious dishes like oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), tamago kake gohan (egg over rice), and BBQ dishes made with stress-free-raised beef, pork, and chicken. To top it all off, don’t miss their irresistible soft-serve ice cream—made from “Tsumande Goran” eggs, creamy Itoshima milk, and a hint of brown sugar—a sweet treat that’s a firm favorite among locals and visitors alike.
• Location: 5250-1 Shima-Sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Hours: 9:30~17:00
• Closed: New Year’s holidays
• https://natural-egg.co.jp/top_spring/
Itoshima Negibouzu
Itoshima Negibouzu is a charming, small direct market that offers a delightful selection of fresh vegetables primarily sourced from within Itoshima, brought in by local farmers. Operated by the “Itokoku Sokubaikai” agricultural produce market within the Itoshima City Agricultural Park, this market is more than just a place to shop—it’s a hub for community and social good, actively supporting welfare projects.
Among the popular offerings here are rice and vegetables from Shiraito Farm, and the unique “karinto” (sweet fried snacks) made from okara (soy pulp) by Genkai Daiichi Ikuseien Gakuen. The market also features great deals on seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, drawing in many loyal customers who return regularly for these special offers. One standout treat not to be missed is their soft-serve ice cream, topped with a luscious caramel sauce made from locally produced “Kitai” soy sauce—a surprising yet delightful combination that has become a local favorite.
• Location: 1675-1 Iibaru, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Hours: 9:00~17:00
• Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the following weekday)
• https://www.instagram.com/negibouzu2021/
Toraya Meat Center
Affectionately known as “Torami,” Toraya Meat Center is a beloved direct market operated by a long-standing butcher shop with over 60 years of history in Itoshima. Specializing in locally raised beef, pork, and chicken, this market offers a wide range of premium meats, as well as homemade bento boxes, deli dishes, and fresh, locally grown vegetables. Their mission? To deliver the most delicious meat to every customer, every day.
But the selection doesn’t stop there—Torami caters to adventurous eaters with a diverse lineup that includes wild boar, venison, frog, and even crocodile meat. The shop also proudly breeds and sells its own brand of chicken, “Itokoku Jidori,” known for its quality and flavor. Popular items include savory dishes like chicken tataki, succulent roast pork, ready-to-eat deli treats, and made-to-order grilled meat bento boxes. Eggs and other non-meat delicacies are also in high demand, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
If you’re planning a visit, try to come on the 29th of the month—affectionately dubbed “Meat Day”—when all items in the store are 10% off, making it the perfect time to stock up on your favorite cuts.
• Location: 418-8 Suenaga, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Hours: 9:00~19:00
• Closed: Tuesdays (open on holidays and “Meat Day,” closed the following day), Obon, New Year’s holidays
• https://www.torayameatcenter.jp/
Himeshima Ferry Terminal Direct Market
Tucked inside the waiting area for the “Himeshima” ferry, which serves Itoshima’s only inhabited island, the Himeshima Ferry Terminal Direct Market is a charming little spot that’s open just two days a week. Despite its modest size, this market offers a delightful variety of local goods from around 30 producers, including fresh agricultural produce, honey, camellia oil, and artisanal bread.
The market exudes a warm, homely vibe, with a rotating schedule of local attendants who keep things running smoothly. Originally set up in a tent nearby, it found a permanent home in 2013, allowing it to focus even more on its specialty: seasonal products from Itoshima. The selection here changes with the seasons and the weather, often featuring rare varieties and unique farming methods that you won’t find anywhere else.
One of the highlights is the end-of-year mochi-making event, where freshly pounded rice cakes made from Itoshima-grown rice are sold—a perfect treat to cap off your visit to this quaint market by the sea.
• Location: Inside the Himeshima Ferry Terminal, 1842-2 Shima-Kishi, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• Hours: Thursdays, Sundays 9:00~16:00
