Kakigoya in Itoshima: The Perfect Spot for Fresh Oysters from Autumn to Spring

In Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture, oyster shacks open their doors from autumn to spring, marking the perfect season to enjoy fresh, delicious oysters.

This article introduces the charm of Itoshima’s oyster shacks, including a spotlight on the editor’s pick, Sumiyoshimaru, and nearby attractions.

The Allure of Itoshima’s Oyster Shacks

At Itoshima’s oyster shacks, you can order freshly caught oysters by the kilogram and grill them yourself over charcoal or gas flames—a unique and popular dining experience.

Characterized by their rich, creamy sweetness, Itoshima oysters are highly praised not only by locals but also by visitors from across Japan and abroad.

Weekends often see a lively crowd of repeat customers, making the fishing ports buzz with energy.

For those who prefer a quieter experience, weekdays or early mornings right after opening are ideal times to visit.

Experiencing Sumiyoshimaru’s Oyster Shack

This time, we visited one of Itoshima’s most popular oyster shacks, Sumiyoshimaru.

Information

Shop Information

Hashtags: #Oysters #OysterShack #Clams #Scallops #TurbanShell
Price Range: ¥2,000–¥5,000
Business Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last order: 4:30 PM)
Parking: 100 spaces
Capacity: 120 people (35 tables)
BYO: Allowed (drinks, rice balls, vegetables, condiments)
Jacket Rental: Available
Phone: 080-8554-2444
Address: 5-36-10 Kafuri, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 819-1124
Official Website: Sumiyoshimaru
Access：About 13 minutes by car from the “Fukuoka Maebaru Tollgate”
　　　　　About 5 minutes from the Kafuri Higashi-guchi bus stop
　　　　　About a 24-minute walk (1 km) from JR Chikuhi Line Kafuri Station
★ Special Weekday Offer ★
The first 20 customers each weekday receive one complimentary turban shell.

Digging In!

We arrived at Sumiyoshimaru around 1 PM to find the shack bustling with customers.

After a short 10-minute wait, we were seated.

Since grilling can sometimes get messy, many oyster shacks, including Sumiyoshimaru, offer free jacket rentals.

We scanned the QR code to order, and soon enough, we couldn’t help but keep adding to our list!

Grilling Tips!

Points
・Grill the flat side for 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
・The oysters are ready to eat once the shells pop open!
・Be careful not to overcook them, as they might shrink.

Oyster Platter Options
Choose from three platter sizes: Medium, Large, or Extra Large, depending on your group size or appetite.

Don’t miss out on the scallops.
They’re absolutely delicious and a must-try!

Don’t Forget the Surrounding Attractions

After your oyster feast, explore Itoshima’s famous spots!

Summary

Itoshima’s oyster shacks offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh oysters during their prime season from autumn to spring.

Among them, Sumiyoshimaru stands out for its spacious seating, excellent service, and variety of seafood beyond oysters, including scallops and turban shells.

Cap off your visit with stops at Ito Sai Sai or Suginoya Brewery to fully enjoy the flavors and sights of Itoshima.

Use these tips and weekday perks to make the most of your Itoshima oyster shack experience!