Just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Fukuoka Airport! Five special experiences you can enjoy in Nagasaki and Iki
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Iki Island is a beautiful remote island in Nagasaki Prefecture that sits in the Genkai Sea off Kyushu. In this article, we'll be introducing plenty of useful information for those planning to visit Iki Island, including activities you can do, delicious cuisine, and accommodation options.
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Onkochishin operates a wide variety of facilities, from casual to ultra-luxury, from long-established inns to newly built hotels, and from urban areas to remote islands. What they all have in common is their unparalleled individuality. We listen closely to the memories of each place and create unique, custom-made accommodation concepts.
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Table of Contents
- What is Iki Island?
- How to get to Iki Island
- Activities on Iki Island
- Lodging on Iki Island
- Iki Island Gourmet
- Climate and Clothing on Iki Island
What is Iki Island?
Iki Island is surrounded by emerald green seas and combines natural beauty with historical charm. It is famous for its rich cuisine, especially fresh seafood and Iki beef, making it the perfect place for a gourmet trip. There are also over 150 shrines dotted on the island, and the entire island is said to be a power spot. There are also a wide variety of activities to enjoy throughout the four seasons, making it a place where you can enjoy relaxation and adventure.
How to get to Iki Island
If you are coming to Iki by plane
It takes approximately 30 minutes to get from Nagasaki Airport/Fukuoka Airport to Iki Airport.
If you are coming to Iki by boat
- From Hakata Port (Fukuoka Prefecture), about 1 hour by jetfoil, about 2 hours by large ferry
- Approximately 1.5 hours by large ferry from Karatsu East Port (Saga Prefecture)
Activities on Iki Island
An exciting experience at Iki Dolphin Park
One of Iki Island's famous spots, Iki Dolphin Park, is a spot where you can enjoy interacting with dolphins. It is extremely popular with families and couples, and the Dolphin Swim in particular allows you to enjoy the underwater world with dolphins swimming right in front of you. Children are thrilled by the dolphin performance show, while adults are soothed by their cuteness. You can also experience feeding the dolphins, which will let you get up close and personal with the dolphins. Advance reservations are recommended, so be sure to check the schedule before visiting.
A unique agricultural experience at Banana Farm Iki
At Iki's "Banana Farm," you can experience farming, where domestic bananas, rare in Japan, are grown. In addition to harvesting and tasting bananas, you can also discover the charm of other fruits and crops that grow on the island. Experience the nature of Iki Island through farming, and enjoy the healing that you can't experience in the city.
Enjoy the ocean of Iki by sea kayak
The crystal clear waters of Iki Island are perfect for enjoying sea kayaking. There are courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced divers alike, and the time spent gliding through the calm waves while admiring the beautiful coastline of the Genkai Sea is exceptional. In particular, plans that depart in the early morning or evening allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sunrise and sunset from the sea.
Visit to Katsumoto Auction Market
The Katsumoto Auction Market, held at Katsumoto Port, is a lively place where Iki's fresh seafood is gathered. Local fishermen gather here early in the morning, and the sight of them auctioning off their freshly caught fish is a spectacular sight. Even just watching the market is overwhelming with the excitement, but in some places tourists can also purchase directly. By interacting with the local people, you can get a glimpse of life on Iki.
Lodging on Iki Island
Iki Island is dotted with accommodation facilities that blend in with nature, such as Iki Retreat Kairi Murakami by Onkochishin.
Iki Retreat Kairi Murakami is one of the accommodations where you can spend a luxurious time. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean from the rooms and dishes made with plenty of local ingredients. It also has hot springs and spa facilities, so you can relax in both body and mind.
Iki Island Gourmet
Iki's cuisine is one of the major attractions of visiting the island.
The legendary beef "Iki beef"
If you visit Iki Island, you can't miss out on the gourmet experience of trying Iki beef. With only around 900 head of cattle shipped out each year, it is a rare delicacy. Iki beef is raised on feed containing minerals from the rich sea, and its meat is tender and has sweet fat. You can enjoy Iki beef as steak or yakiniku, as well as in hamburgers and hamburger steaks. With a texture that melts in your mouth and a rich aroma, it's truly worthy of being called "phantom."
Barley shochu originating from Iki
Iki Island is also famous as the birthplace of barley shochu. Seven local breweries have been making Iki shochu using barley and rice malt for over 400 years, preserving the tradition. The savory aroma of the barley and the sweetness of the malt are exquisitely intertwined, making it a perfect match for any dish. Also, the mellowness of barrel-aged shochu is so good you'll never forget it once you've tried it. By visiting the breweries on the island, you can enjoy factory tours and tastings, and find your own favorite bottle.
A treasure trove of seafood
Iki Island is known as a "treasure trove of seafood" where you can enjoy fresh seafood throughout the year. Sea bream in spring, grunt and rockfish in early summer, and yellowtail and oysters in winter are particularly popular. You can also enjoy local dishes such as Iki's specialty "Hikitooshi," which goes perfectly with Iki shochu. There is also a wide selection of high-quality ingredients such as swordtip squid, abalone, and turban shells, so there is more delicious food than you can eat in one trip.
Iki Sea Urchin
Iki Island's sea urchins are characterized by their firm texture and rich sweetness. The sea urchins that grow in the waters of Iki are fed high-quality seaweed, giving them firm flesh. Enjoy dishes unique to Iki Island, such as raw sea urchin rice bowls and sea urchin rice. Bottled sea urchin is a popular souvenir, allowing you to enjoy the taste of Iki even after your trip.
Climate and Clothing on Iki Island
Iki Island has a warm climate throughout the year. Spring and autumn are pleasant, and sightseeing in light clothing is comfortable. Don't forget to take precautions against UV rays in summer. It can get chilly in winter, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
Iki Island is one of Kyushu's most attractive islands, packed with nature, history, and gourmet food. Be sure to add it to your travel destination list for 2025!
Onkochishin operates a wide variety of facilities, from casual to ultra-luxury, from long-established inns to newly built hotels, and from urban areas to remote islands. What they all have in common is their unparalleled individuality. We listen closely to the memories of each place and create unique, custom-made accommodation concepts.
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