A Journey Through Natural Wonders and Ancient Legends: A Complete Travel Guide to Iki Island, Just One Hour from Fukuoka and Hakata

Traveling to Iki Island can be done either by plane or by ferry, with three main starting points: Fukuoka, Nagasaki Airport, and Karatsu in Saga.
Here’s a quick guide to the available transportation options.
Taking the high-speed ferry from Fukuoka is the most recommended option, as it takes just one hour and is cost-effective. While flights from Nagasaki Airport take only 30 minutes, there are only two flights per day, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.

If you're considering traveling by ferry or plane, check the links below for more details.

Iki Island offers something special in every season, but the summer months are particularly recommended for those who want to enjoy the island’s pristine beaches, swimming, and marine activities.
If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed experience, spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant walks and peaceful exploration.

Located offshore from Katsumoto Port at the northernmost tip of Iki Island, Tatsunoshima is an uninhabited island renowned for its breathtaking scenery.
Even among Iki Island’s many scenic spots, Tatsunoshima is considered exceptionally beautiful. It offers clear emerald-green waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs and caves blending harmoniously with the surrounding trees.
From April to November, regular sightseeing boats take visitors around the island, offering stunning views from the sea—an experience not to be missed.

Among the more than 150 shrines on Iki Island, Kojima Shrine stands out as the most iconic, often referred to as “Iki’s Mont Saint-Michel.”
This small shrine sits on an island in the sea and can only be accessed by a pathway that appears for a few hours during low tide.
The view of the torii gate standing in the sea, with the small island beyond, is truly mystical, attracting visitors eager to capture its beauty in photographs.

At the southwestern tip of the Kurosaki Peninsula, you’ll find Saruiwa, a towering rock formation standing 45 meters tall.
Named for its resemblance to a monkey looking away, Saruiwa is especially beautiful during sunset when the sun dips below the horizon beyond the rock, creating a breathtaking scene.

Located within Makizaki Park, this impressive natural formation is believed to be the footprint of a giant demon said to have stomped on the ground while trying to catch a whale. The massive depression, spanning 110 meters in circumference, is truly awe-inspiring.
During the spring and autumn equinoxes, you can witness a spectacular sunset as the sun sinks through a hole that connects the ocean with the giant footprint.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Smiling Gorilla-Iwa, another unique rock formation worth visiting.

The Iki Dolphin Park & Resort is a seaside park built around a naturally enclosed bay.
At the Dolphin Lagoon, visitors can observe dolphins up close, swim with them, and enjoy interactive programs designed for all ages.
The park also offers SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) and kayaking experiences, providing the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s stunning natural beauty.

Iki Island’s seafood is renowned for its exceptional freshness and flavor, with uni (sea urchin) being a particular highlight.
Try dishes like the fresh uni rice bowl or the island’s traditional dish, uni-meshi (sea urchin rice).
Other ocean delicacies include swordtip squid (kensaki-ika), renowned for its delicate sweetness, winter yellowtail (kanburi), and fresh oysters.

Iki is considered the birthplace of barley shochu, and the island is home to seven distilleries.
Iki Shochu is known for its distinct flavor, combining the rich aroma of barley with the subtle sweetness of rice malt.
Aged barley shochu, with its mellow and smooth taste, is highly recommended.
In addition to shochu, visitors can also enjoy other locally produced beverages such as sake, craft beer, and even craft gin.

Iki Beef is a rare black Wagyu beef bred and raised on Iki Island, with only around 900 head shipped annually.
The cattle are fed on mineral-rich grass, resulting in meat that is tender and flavorful. The marbled fat melts in your mouth, delivering a rich aroma and refined umami. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this local delicacy during your visit.