Sightseeing Spots
The Shiraito Falls (Fureaino Sato)
The Shiraito Falls is noted in Fukuoka Prefecture for its scenic beauty. It is located in the middle of Mt. Hagane, which is 900 meters high. The waterfall is 24meters long and the highlight is a beautiful white spray made by the falls. There is a 300 year old maple tree called Banryu-Kaede around the waterfall and also hydrangeas can be seen in bloom inthe beginning of July.
Moreover, somen nagashi (floating somen-noodles) is a popular meal served at the nearby Fureaino Sato (Fureai village).
The Senjuin Falls
The Senjuin Falls is a beautiful waterfall, measuring 12 meter wide and 15meter long. There is a legend of Heike, where the wife of Tairano-Shigemori and his daughters, Princess Sen and Princess Fuku, who had escaped and were hiding from Genji, beautifully danced by the water. The waterfall looks like white strings surrounded by maples and ciders.
It is located one kilometeraway from the Tobaru District where the legend of Heike endures. There is the “Miyakomiishi”(stone), which the wife and her daughters used to gaze at and remember Kyoto. The wife’s tombstone also remains here.
Kayasan (Mt. Kaya)
Mt. Kaya is called “Itoshima Fuji” because of its beautiful, conicalshape. It is a symbol of Itoshima and was composed about in a Collection of a Myriad Leaves (Manyo Waka Poems). Moroyoshi is the East starting point where a 1.8kilometerwalking trail is maintained. Along this trail are many quarrying sites. The stones from this mountainwere presented for a grand gateway of the Nikko Toshougun (Shinto Shrine) in 1618 by Nagamasa Kuroda. On top of the mountain, Kayasan Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Jinmu and 200 meters ahead of this shrine, a 360 degreeview of the Genkai Open Sea can be over looked from 365meterabove sea level.
Kamo Yurarinko Bridge
Kamoyuriranko Bridge is a 100meterlong suspension bridge extending over the upper reaches of Kamo River. It is one of the world’s longest suspension bridges using one solid wire. The bridge commands a sweeping view of the Nijo Ravine, the Genkai Open Sea, and terraced fields.
This bridge is located at the entrance of Nijo Ravine and there is a parking lot, park and the restrooms are kept in good condition for visitors to enjoy the river. Also, in the beginning of June, this is a good place to view fireflies.
This is also an entrance to Manago, Mt. Nijo and Medake. Visitorscan enjoy seeing autumn leaves of the Myojin Falls on the way up to the mountain.
Forest Park・Manago Kinoka Land
Manago Kinoka land is 400meters above sea level and located halfway up Mt.Nijo. It is also a recreation facility surrounded by many green trees. There are training facilities, bungalows, and campsites. People enjoy barbequing and spending time at the river. It is crowded with visitors during the summer.
The area is surrounded by forests including Shinsuino Mori (Shinsui Forest)、”Gakusyuno Mori (Gakusyu Forest)” and “Miharashino Mori (Miharashi Forest)”. People also enjoy hiking to Mt. Nijo. Mt. Nijo is 711 meters above sea level and the top of the mountain commands a sweeping view from Karatsu City to Fukuoka City and the Genkai Open Sea.
Raisan (Mt. Rai) Sennyoji Daihioin
It is located on Mt.Rai,which is in the south of the city. There is a 400 year old maple tree in the precincts of a temple, which is designated as a precious natural treasure of Fukuoka Prefecture. Sennyoji is famous for autumn leaves viewing. It was founded by Seiga Shonin (a holy priest) who was given the order from Emperor Shomu in 725. Now, it is a temple with a distinguished 1300 year history.
In this temple, there are wooden figures of Senjyu Kannon and Seiga Shonin, made in the Kamakura Period, which are important,national and cultural properties. There are also wooden figures Tamon Ten and Jikoku Ten designated as cultural properties by Fukuoka Prefecture.
Sakurai Shrine
Sakurai Shrine was founded by Tadayuki Kuroda, the second feudal lord of Kuroda,in 1632 and was a religious foothold of Chikuzenno Kuni. It is still honored as Chikuzen’s guardian god today. The main shrine is beautifully decorated in the Sangenyashiro Nagarezukuri style, and the outer shrine and Roumon Gate, which were built around the same time, are all designated as cultural properties by Fukuoka Prefecture. The Sakurai Grand Shrine, which is located in the middle of the mountain, is deeply related with Ise Shrine; therefore, it is a Shinmeizukuri style shrine in which the Inner and Outer shrine of Ise are combined.
Itokoku Historical Museum
The Itokoku Historical Museum houses and displays various cultural properties unearthed from ruins in this city. This includes artifacts from an excavation from the Hirabaru Ruins, which was designated as a national treasure in June, 2006.
In the museum, there is a permanent exhibition hall(which replicates the site where the mirror was dug up from the Hirabaru Ruins), an arranged exhibition hall, an observation room of the vast Itoshima Plains, and a movie auditorium which introduces cultural properties to children.
Farm Park Itokoku
Farm Park blends into the surrounding scenery. This park houses a facility used by the city and village to meet. Also, local products are sold through Itokoku Direct Sales at Nigiwai Mansion. Himiko is the name of a specialty restaurant, which offers Somen-Chiri and other regional specialties at lunch time, mainly on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. Woodwork experience and a variety of classes are offered.
Nijo Hotspring Bath, Kirarano Yu
Nijo hotspring bath is a simple, cold, mineral spring which includes a criterion amount of radon said to cure diseases. There are three radon hot springs (inside bath, outdoor bath and sauna). There is a family bath, floating water pool, chiropractic service, massage area, a restaurant, called “Syunsai-kobo,Kirara-an”,which uses seasonal vegetables and a multipurpose hall in this facility. There is also a direct sales shop “Kirara” which sells local fresh farm products. Natural radon water can be purchased as well.
Fees
(1) Radon Hot Spring Adult 500yen, Children 300yen
(2)Floating Water Pool Adult 500yen
Closed on the third
Tuesday of every month.
※Banquet room is available.