Here’s a model itinerary of things to do on Iki Island! I live here and host friends often and here is a compiled list of things that my friends have enjoyed the most! There is limited English information about Iki Island so I hope this is helpful for those thinking about planning a trip here!
Take the ferry from Hakata (the terminal is next to the port Tower) The ferry is slower but cheaper than the jetfoil and will take about 2 and a half hours and cost 3,180 each way (6,360 round trip). The 10 o’clock ferry will get you to Gounoura Port at around 12:35. I recommend checking out the Tourism Information Center right by the ferry terminal.
* Lunch: Kamome no Asagohan – this lunch buffet which includes fresh sashimi is located within walking distance from the port.
* Ikikoku Museum – about 20 minutes by car. Artifacts from the jomon and yayoi eras that have been excavated on Iki Island are on display in this museum. Great spot for those interested in Japanese history. English audio guides are available.
* Harunotsuji – located less than 5 minutes from the Museum. This is a Yayoi village that has been reconstructed on the actual historic spot of the capital of Iki. Although the entire area has not yet been excavated, over 300 building foundations have been discovered. 17 buildings have been reconstructed and it is free to walk around the park. The park is surrounded by rice paddies and is very scenic.
* Sakyobana – a scenic seaside park overlooking a km long stretch of cliffs. A small but popular shrine is located here
* Harahoge Jizo – a set of 6 jizo statues that become half-submerged in water during high tide. Many local myths surround the statues. Although the exact origins are unknown, many believe that they were originally placed to look over a whale gravesite (due to the fact that they don’t have faces and whale bones were discovered by the statues)
* Kojima Shrine – a powerspot and shrine to the god Susano (among others) – the tori is normally submerged in water but during the low tide a path is revealed to the small island shrine. During high-tide a seakayaking experience where you can kayak through the tori gate is very popular.
Just a 5 minute walk from Kojima shrine there is a popular local yakiniku and oyster hut called カキハウス 内海湾. Here you can grill your own oysters while overlooking the bay where they were harvested.
Day 2
* Katsumoto Morning Market – a traditional morning market in the town of Katsumoto. The market is mostly for locals (selling mostly local produce) but it has a good atmosphere
* Tatsunoshima Sightseeing Cruise – A 40 minute sightseeing cruise that takes you to nearby uninhabited island Tatsunoshima. During the summer I recommend the sightseeing cruise and landing package (2,500 yen). Once the cruise has finished, you are able to enjoy the private swimming beach and hike around the island
* Lunch katsumoto area – there are several cafes and restaurants in walking distance like a squid burger restaurant next to the ferry ticket office and for those who like craft beer – Island Brewery
* Monkey Rock – A natural rock formation that looks like a monkey. (Sunset is stunning here, but may be difficult to fit in a 2-day trip)
* Ondake Shrine – A mountain match-making shrine with a lineage believed to stretch back over 2,000 years. It is popular for its over 200 monkey statues and panoramic views of the island
* Iki Shrine – a seaside shrine in remembrance of the mongol Invasions
* Ryuda Shrine – a very popular shrine to a dragon/snake god. The tori gate is out on a cape next to the ocean and has beautiful views. There is also a campground nearby (Shoni Park) where it is free to camp.
* Evening ferry back to Hakata (5:45)
For people wanting to do experiences (Distillery tours, etc) I recommend more than 2 days, but these are the Iki Highlights packed into 2 days.
Notes on Lodging – There are ryokan / places to stay all around the island. You can camp for free at Shoni Campground, or pay for a campspot at Tsutsukihama Campground (located right next to Tsutsukihama beach). For an inn with English Speaking Staff I recommend Lamp in Katsumoto.
Notes on Transportation – Iki has ferries to Hakata, Tsushima, and Karatsu and a flight to Nagasaki. On the island rental cars are the easiest way to get around the island. Because it is so rural it is not difficult to drive here. Electric assisted rental bikes are also available at the ports.