Itoshima continues to grow in popularity as both a travel destination and a place to live—and it’s easy to see why. The area boasts stunning natural scenery, fresh seafood and produce, excellent surfing and hiking spots, convenient access to the city, and an overall high quality of life.
This vibrant environment has attracted a creative community, with over 120 artisans specializing in pottery, woodworking, dyeing, and other crafts establishing studios here. Itoshima is also known for its thriving community of small-scale farmers, foresters, and fishers, offering plenty of opportunities to buy goods directly from producers at local markets and events.
One standout example is Ito Sai Sai, a direct sales market operated by JA Itoshima. It features a wide array of locally sourced products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, and handmade processed foods. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it holds the top sales record among JA direct sales markets in Japan. Another iconic example is oyster farming, introduced by the Itoshima Fisheries Cooperative to support winter fishing income. Today, Itoshima’s oyster huts have become a beloved winter tradition, attracting visitors from across Japan and beyond.
With its deep connection to agriculture and fishing, Itoshima places great importance on protecting its natural environment. Both residents and visitors are encouraged to show respect for the region through mindful behavior. This shared value not only preserves the area’s beauty but also ensures that Itoshima remains welcoming to those who appreciate and care for nature.
Here are some of the community-driven initiatives working to protect Itoshima’s cherished natural beauty. Many welcome one-time participants, and you can often join simply by showing up at the times listed on their official websites. Getting involved is a meaningful way to experience Itoshima while contributing to its preservation.
ASCJ (Aloha Style Clean Japan) – Itoshima Beach Preservation Group
“After enjoying the ocean, why not give something back?” Inspired by this idea when they first started surfing, members of ASCJ have been leading beach cleanups since 2004. This NPO values community effort and provides opportunities for anyone to join in protecting Itoshima’s beautiful coastline for future generations. Cleanups are held on the last Sunday of every month, starting at 9:00 AM (7:00 AM in summer), with the location announced on their official page. Each session lasts about an hour, drawing 20 to 50 participants, including first-timers, returning visitors, local families, and international residents.
• Official Facebook Page
NPO Satohama Tsunagi-tai
Nigi-no-Hama, one of Itoshima’s most scenic beaches and a popular surfing spot, faced significant changes after pine wilt disease spread rapidly around 2010, following the halt of pesticide spraying. With infected trees removed, the landscape was drastically altered. In response, a group of local residents—many of them newcomers—formed Satohama Tsunagi-tai, believing that human involvement was key to preventing further damage. They now lead efforts such as mowing and tree planting, expanding their work into a broader initiative to revitalize the coastline as a community space. Regular cleanups are held, and details are posted on their official website.
• Official Website
Izumikawa Hamabo Association
The Izumikawa River is home to Kyushu’s largest habitat of Hamabo, a rare and endangered plant. This picturesque area, rich in birdlife, features a well-maintained walking path cherished by the local community. The delicate yellow flowers of the Hamabo continue to bloom thanks to the dedication of the Izumikawa Hamabo Association, a local volunteer group. They organize monthly cleanups on the last Sunday of each month, starting at 7:00 AM in summer and 8:00 AM in winter.
• Official X (Twitter)
• Izumikawa Hamabo Habitat (1083-1 Shinden, Itoshima City, Fukuoka)
Friends of Nakisuna at Anego-no-Hama
Anego-no-Hama is one of Japan’s few remaining singing sand beaches, where the sand emits a soft squeaking sound underfoot. This rare phenomenon only occurs on pristine beaches, and there are now only around 20 such locations across Japan. The sound once disappeared here, but thanks to dedicated cleanup efforts by local residents, the sand now sings again. To protect this natural treasure, the community established a volunteer group that organizes regular cleanups on a rotating schedule.
• Anego-no-Hama (Nijo-Shikaka, Itoshima City, Fukuoka)
Ito Hiking Trail Club
Itoshima’s mountains, all under 1,000 meters, offer stunning views and accessible hiking for both beginners and experienced trekkers. To ensure safe and enjoyable hiking, volunteers formed the Ito Hiking Trail Club, regularly inspecting and maintaining trails across 11 local mountains. The club also fosters community through group hikes and welcomes new members.
• Itoshima City Newsletter: Ito Hiking Trail Club Introduction
In addition, Itoshima hosts the annual Love Earth Cleanup, a community-wide environmental initiative where residents, businesses, and local government come together to clean coastlines, rivers, and other natural areas. The next event is scheduled for June 8, 2025.
