Introduction to Iki

Tatsunoshima is an uninhabited island located 2km northwest of Katsumoto Port, at the northernmost tip of Iki. Cruise ships operate between Mar. and Nov.. The highlight of the trip is the sheer beauty of the cliffs that have been formed over a long period of time and the clear emerald green sea, visiting places such as the Sea Palace and Mammoth Rock.

A 45m-high basalt sea cliff at the tip of the Kurosaki Peninsula. Its shape resembles a monkey looking away, surprising everyone who sees it. A must-see spot for tourists in Iki!

It is one minute from Saruiwa Observatory. It was completed between 1928 and 1931. It is a battery of two 41cm caliber cannons with a barrel length of 18.83m, a bullet weight of 1 ton, and a maximum range of about 35km. There were batteries of the same size in Busan, Korea and Tsushima. This one never fired a single live shot. If you walk up the mountain path behind the shop at Saruiwa Observatory, you can see the huge hole in the battery from above.

Oni-no-Iwaya Tomb (nationally designated historic site) is the second largest circular tomb on the island, built on the ridge of a hill about 100 meters above sea level. The tomb is 45 meters in diameter and 13.5 meters high. The base of the mound slopes steeply.

Iki is dotted with over 150 shrines, and among them is the one dedicated to the moon goddess, who symbolizes women, and is said to grant blessings such as matchmaking and safe childbirth. Don't miss the cute goshuin stamp with the crescent moon mark.

The head shrine of Iki. In 1871, it was ranked as a national shrine of medium rank, and is the only government-run shrine in Iki. It is home to valuable cultural assets from the Heian to Muromachi periods, including 17 sacred mirrors discovered in the sacred pond within the shrine grounds.

Iki is said to be the birthplace of barley shochu. Made using a method introduced from China in the 16th century, Iki's unique "Iki shochu" is characterized by the aroma of barley and the sweetness of rice. You can tour the breweries and sample the shochu at the seven breweries on the island.

"Hana" refers to the sheer cliff at the tip of the cliff. It is a dramatic sea cliff that stretches for about 1km in total length, facing the Genkai Sea. The sea rock here has columnar joints that are unique to basalt, and a strange rock that looks like a bundle of thin pillars protrudes from the sea at Sakyo-hana. It is one of the eight pillars in the myth of the birth of Iki Island.

"Harahoge" means that the stomach is hollowed out. At high tide, the water is submerged up to the chest of Jizo, so there is a round hole in the chest where offerings can be placed. The Six Jizo are said to save sentient beings from suffering in the six realms (hell, hungry ghosts, animals, asuras, humans, and heaven).

Kojima Shrine is a sacred island, and not even a single twig is permitted to be taken away. You can only get onto the island at low tide, when the tide goes out and the approach to the island is revealed. This is a popular power spot on Iki.

Iki is recorded as "Ikikoku" (one country) in the Chinese history book "Gishiwajinden." Many valuable documents that tell the story of ancient Japan have been excavated from the island. There are about 2,000 exhibits, of which 100 are actual items that can be touched, making this a rare and popular exhibit nationwide. The building was designed by the late world-renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa, and the natural grass roof that curves along the surrounding mountain range is impressive.

Located in Makizaki Park, this large hole is 110 meters in circumference and has opened up in the basalt sea cliffs. Its name comes from the legend that it was created when a demon strained its grip while trying to catch a whale. The view of the sunset from this hole is spectacular.

Fukae Tawara ruins, located in Fukaedahara, the second largest Hirano in Nagasaki Prefecture, are one of the Japan 3 major Yayoi ruins in Japan, along with Toro ruins and Yoshinogari ruins. Designated a special national historic site, it is said to be the royal capital of a single country mentioned in the Gishiwajinden, due to the unearthing of the "last wharf Higashinan" and a "Hitozura stone."

The deity enshrined here is Sarumekimi, the wife of Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto. A huge phallus is enshrined next to the worship hall, making a big impact and popular with tourists. It is said to bring good luck in matchmaking, safe childbirth, and marital harmony.

It is 212.8m above sea level and is the highest mountain on Iki Island. From the observation deck, you can see the whole of Iki Island, the town of Gonoura below, and the three islands of Watarashi, Harashima, Nagashima, and Oshima behind them. At the summit is a "latitude measurement marker" that was installed by the Navy Hydrographic Department in May. 1889 (Meiji 2). The year of installation engraved on the stone marker indicates that the stone marker at Takenotsuji is the oldest in Japan.

Yumoto Onsen has a long history and is a precious hot spring on the island. The medicinal waters have been flowing for a thousand years since the time of Empress Jingu. The yellow-red water contains iron, sulfur and salt and is particularly effective for gynecological diseases and injuries, making it a great health bath. There is one large bath for men and one for women, and two family baths. Located on high ground, the restaurant overlooks Yunomoto Bay, allowing you to enjoy meals made with fresh ingredients grown in the Iki countryside.

Located in front of Gonoura Port, the gateway to Iki, this city hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the port. Dinner is served with the best ingredients in the best season. From the large public bath on the top floor of the hotel, you can see the ocean as the sun sets.

The largest resort hotel in Iki with a star and sailing theme. It boasts a cave bath Image after a large ancient burial mound known as Oni no Iwaya, a full range of facilities, and creative cuisine made with seafood caught in the seas off Iki. There is a large public bath.

This comfortable Japanese-style hotel features spacious Japanese-style rooms with semi-double beds. The large public bath, where the Iki sunset and nighttime city lights shine in, is a relaxing space. The breakfast, which starts the day off right, is made with ingredients that give a real feel of Iki, such as "Ishu tofu" and "Iki natto."