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Iki Island
A remote island in Nagasaki Prefecture dotted with spectacular scenery shaped by majestic nature and historic sites.
Iki is a remote island in Nagasaki Prefecture, floating in the Genkai Sea between the Kyushu mainland and Tsushima. Its greatest appeal is the wide variety of spectacular scenery created by its majestic natural environment. You can enjoy richly varied landscapes such as the striking contrast between emerald green seas and white sandy beaches, as well as dramatic views created by sheer cliffs and oddly shaped rocks.
With around 280 burial mounds and more than 150 shrines scattered across the island, it is also a place where you can feel its long history and culture.
On this island with a circumference of about 168 kilometers, sightseeing spots are spread out over a wide area, so it is difficult to visit them all on foot alone. Rental cars are convenient for getting around, but route buses and sightseeing taxis are also available.
Because Iki Island is influenced by the warm Tsushima Current and has a mild climate throughout the year, it is easy to stroll around.
For that reason, taking your time to enjoy the scenery as you travel by electric-assist rental bicycle is another good option.
Another major draw is its convenient access from the Kyushu mainland. From Hakata Port in Fukuoka City, the fastest high-speed boat gets you there in approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, while even the ferry takes just around 2 hours and 10 minutes. Note that the arrival port varies depending on the service you choose-so selecting a vessel that aligns with your sightseeing itinerary will make your trip much smoother.
Reservations can be made up to one month in advance, and if seats are still available, you can also complete boarding procedures up to 30 minutes before departure on the day of travel.
Hakata Port is easily reachable from both Fukuoka Airport and Hakata Station, taking roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
However, morning and evening peak hours may bring traffic congestion that could cause delays-so we recommend allowing ample buffer time in your schedule.
Alternatively, from Nagasaki Airport, you can fly to Iki Island in about 30 minutes. With only two daily round-trip flights, be sure to check the flight schedule well in advance.
Highlights
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A remote island floating between Kyushu’s mainland and Tsushima Island.
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Breathtaking natural scenery: crystal-clear seas, pristine beaches, and dramatic sheer cliffs.
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An island steeped in history, dotted with ancient ruins, burial mounds, and shrines.
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Rental cars are the primary way to get around, with route buses, sightseeing taxis, and electric-assist rental bicycles also available.
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Just 1 hour by high-speed boat from Fukuoka’s Hakata Port, and 30 minutes by plane from Nagasaki.
Videos
Photos
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This is an island spanning 17 km north-south and 15 km east-west, floating in the Genkai Sea.
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Saruiwa (Monkey Rock), the most iconic sightseeing spot on Iki Island, is a 45-meter-tall rock shaped like a monkey.
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The Tatsunoshima Sightseeing Cruise treats you to breathtaking views of sheer cliffs and crystal-clear emerald-green waters.
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This small island is home to nearly 1,000 shrines and tiny wayside altars, earning it the beloved nickname of "the Island of the Gods".
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Iki Beef-a rare Wagyu specialty-boasts an annual shipment of just 900 head, making it a true delicacy of Iki Island.
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Dating back 2,000 years, this archaeological site is recognized as the royal capital of Ikikoku-the ancient kingdom immortalized in China’s classic historical text Gishi Wajinden.
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Yunomoto Hot Springs-steeped in 1,700 years of history-is a renowned thermal spring revered for its traditional association with fertility.
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Squid, yellowtail, and other Genkai Sea-caught seafood-firmed by the ocean’s rough waves-becomes sashimi that you can only savor on Iki Island.
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Originating from Iki, the historic birthplace of barley shochu, Iki Shochu is a revered spirit with a 500-year legacy of craftsmanship.
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In recent years, in addition to barley shochu, new trends have emerged, such as the revival of sake brewing and the production of craft gin and craft beer.
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Traditional sweets from Iki such as Kasumaki, a local specialty sweet, and cookies shaped like the Human-faced Rock are also popular.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
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Are there tourist information centers or guides that can assist in foreign languages?
There is no tourist information center offering foreign language assistance. However, foreign language-speaking guides are available by advance request only.
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Are there free Wi-Fi services available on the island?
Yes, there are free Wi-Fi hotspots available across the island. For specific locations, please refer to the dedicated page linked here.
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Are there coin lockers on the island?
At the tourist information centers at each port (Gonoura, Ashibe, and Indoji), you can leave your luggage for 500 yen per item.
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Are there smoking areas on the island?
Yes, there are smoking areas on the island.
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Is cashless payment available on the island, or do I need to use cash?
Many places on the island-including accommodations, souvenir shops, supermarkets, and sightseeing facilities-accept cashless payments. We advise bringing a small amount of cash as a backup.
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Are there convenience stores on the island?
There are two Lawson/Poplar convenience stores and two FamilyMart stores on the island.
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Are there any tax-free shops on the island?
Two stores on the island offer tax-free services: Aeon Iki and Matsumoto Kiyoshi Iki.
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Are sailings sometimes canceled?
Yes, sailings may occasionally be canceled in the event of typhoon warnings or explosive cyclogenesis alerts. For the latest operational status, please check the link provided here.
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How do I access the Kyushu Yusen high-speed boats and ferries at Hakata Port?
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How do I complete boarding procedures for Kyushu Yusen?
Reservations can be made up to one month in advance via the Kyushu Yusen official website or by phone. To complete your boarding procedures, please present your reservation number at the Kyushu Yusen counter no later than 30 minutes prior to departure.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 壱岐島(いきのしま)
- Postal Code
- 811-5133
- Address
- 620-1 Honmurafure, Gonoura-cho, Iki City, Nagasaki
- Telephone
- 0920-47-3700 (Iki City Tourism Federation)
- Access
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(1) About 30 minutes by plane from Nagasaki
(2) From Hakata Port in Fukuoka City, the fastest high-speed boat takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes, and the fastest ferry takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes
(3) About 1 hour and 40 minutes by ferry from Karatsu Higashi Port in Saga Prefecture - Official Website
- Official Website (English)