An Autumn Day in Itoshima - Oyster Grills at Funakoshi and the Majestic Maple of Raizan Sennyoji
Oyster Grills at Funakoshi and the Majestic Maple of Raizan Sennyoji
Itoshima has been getting some buzz as the setting for a recent morning drama, and for me, this season in Itoshima means one thing: grilled oysters!
During a recent TV program, I learned about a new variety of oyster called Sunbaider.
While I always look forward to the plump, juicy flavour of freshly grilled oysters, sometimes you spot little bumps on the flesh—apparently, a sign they’re gearing up for spawning.
The Sunbaider, however, doesn’t spawn this time of year.
That means its pure white flesh is plump, creamy, and worry-free.
It’s even said to taste three times better than regular oysters—hence the name Sunbaider (literally "three times better")!
Intrigued, I decided to order 2 kg to try.
And wow—so good!
Walk It Off: Exploring Raizan Sennyoji's Great Maple
After indulging, a walk was definitely in order.
Flipping through the Fukuoka Cultural Guide: Scenic Spots Edition by the Nishinippon Shimbun, I came across Raizan Sennyoji’s Great Maple. Perfect!
A winding mountain road led me to the parking area.
From there, I headed toward the temple.
Along the way, fields of terraced rice paddies and blooming tea flowers set a tranquil scene.
But then I realized… the temple was much farther than I thought. Should I have driven closer?
Just as doubt crept in, I reached a long line of cars stuck in traffic—and hikers like me trying to make their way up.
The stone stairs near the walking path looked daunting, but I pressed on.
At last, the entrance came into view.
(Pro tip: there’s a parking lot closer to the temple, but it was packed when I got there!)
At the gate, I paid the entry fee.
A staff member asked if I’d like to tour the temple's interior, but I opted to stick to the gardens.
The reward?
A breathtaking view of the massive maple, leaves a brilliant red.
Nearby, golden ginkgo trees added to the scene.
Even the washbasin and other small details made the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
Despite the temple being busy with international tourists—conversations in Chinese and Korean filled the air—the serene beauty of the place remained intact.
Autumn’s Charm Amid Fading Colors
Though some trees had already dropped their leaves without turning vibrant red (maybe due to the erratic weather), the overall autumnal vibe was still enchanting.
There’s something about places like this that makes you want to slow down, take in the sights, and savour the moment.
As the sun began to dip, tour buses continued to bring visitors.
The road, once a traffic nightmare, was now calm as more people made their way down.
Autumn in Itoshima—a feast for the senses, in every way.
A winding mountain road led me to the parking area.
From there, I headed toward the temple.
Along the way, fields of terraced rice paddies and blooming tea flowers set a tranquil scene.
But then I realized… the temple was much farther than I thought. Should I have driven closer?
Just as doubt crept in, I reached a long line of cars stuck in traffic—and hikers like me trying to make their way up.
The stone stairs near the walking path looked daunting, but I pressed on.
At last, the entrance came into view.
(Pro tip: there’s a parking lot closer to the temple, but it was packed when I got there!)
At the gate, I paid the entry fee.
A staff member asked if I’d like to tour the temple's interior, but I opted to stick to the gardens.
The reward?
A breathtaking view of the massive maple, leaves a brilliant red.
Nearby, golden ginkgo trees added to the scene.
Even the washbasin and other small details made the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
Despite the temple being busy with international tourists—conversations in Chinese and Korean filled the air—the serene beauty of the place remained intact.
Autumn’s Charm Amid Fading Colors
Though some trees had already dropped their leaves without turning vibrant red (maybe due to the erratic weather), the overall autumnal vibe was still enchanting.
There’s something about places like this that makes you want to slow down, take in the sights, and savour the moment.
As the sun began to dip, tour buses continued to bring visitors.
The road, once a traffic nightmare, was now calm as more people made their way down.
It felt like I’d hurried through, but looking back, I realized I’d spent a fair bit of time enjoying the sights.
Autumn in Itoshima—a feast for the senses, in every way.
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