Visit the Shrines of Iki Island Where the Gods Dwell

Kojima Shrine is said to answer prayers for the fulfilment of romance, marriage and prosperous business. The entire island where the shrine is located has been designated as holy ground. This means you are not allowed to take even one branch away from the island. The approach road to the shrine appears from the sea only when the tide is being pulled by the attraction of the sun and the moon. The shrine is also called the "Mont Saint-Michel of Japan." It is also popular as a location thought to be flowing with mystical energy. When the tide starts to be pulled, you may come across marine life on the approach road that was on the seabed at high tide. Search for the heart-shaped stone that is rumored to make dreams of love come true! 

Sumiyoshi Shrine is a shrine that enshrines several gods who protect the land of Iki Island. In addition to a very valuable sacred mirror (one of the three sacred treasures) discovered in the pond in the grounds of the shrine, you will find many other valuable cultural properties from around the 8th century to the 16th century preserved here. The Iki Daidai Kagura is presented here every year in December to bring to an end Iki Kagura (ancient Shinto music and dancing). The shrine is known for the god of marriage. It is said that you will be blessed with a good match by walking around the Fufu Kusu (Married Couple Camphor Tree) in the grounds of the shrine (counterclockwise for men and clockwise for women).

Ondake Shrine is a sacred place where the whole mountain was designated as a god up to 100 years ago. More than 300 stone statues of monkeys adorn the grounds of the shrine side-by-side. It is said that this god guides everything in a good direction. Various prayers for business success and academic achievement are answered here. There is a rock at the rear of the shrine with a mysterious magnetic force in that the needles of compasses do not move normally. This means it is also attracting attention as a location thought to be flowing with mystical energy. You can enjoy an unbroken view up to the ocean from the observation deck at the entrance of the shrine. We also recommend you take a break in the cafe on the grounds of the shrine.  

Amanotanagao Shrine is the shrine with the highest status on Iki Island. The Maitreya Tathagata Statue (a seated figure related to Buddhism) has been designated an important cultural property of Japan as the third oldest stone statue in Japan. When you pass under the torii gate along the road, you will enter sacred precincts overgrown with trees. If you climb the 137 stone steps, you will find the shrine built at the top of the mountain. You can pray for the sound health of your children in the hall next to it. Baby clothes and toys are offered here.

Shomo Shrine, which was built in the early 8th century, is a shrine with a history of more than 1,300 years. It enshrines the Empress Jingu who is said to have protected the land of Katsumoto since ancient times. She is worshipped as a goddess of nautical safety, gambling, children and easy childbirth. Many historic cultural properties (e.g., gates and stone walls) remain in the grounds of the shrine. This is in addition to the colorful main shine building and the giant clam washbasin for cleaning hands donated from Palau.

In Japanese mythology, a goddess said to have lured a god with an audacious dance, is enshrined here. Many people visit to pray for marriage and easy childbirth. The giant male symbol and the stone statue object of worship at the entrance are illuminated in the evening to emit a divine glow.

Tsukiyomi Shrine, which is located in a dense forest, is a place where you can feel a quiet and mysterious power. The god here is responsible for everything related to the moon (e.g., the calendar and the ebb and flow of the tide). It is said that he will listen to all wishes. With Tsukiyomi Shrines located all over Japan, this is a shrine that boasts tradition and status.