Harahoge Jizo

In eastern Iki City in Nagasaki Prefecture, at Hachiman Bay known as the home of women divers, stand six statues called the Harahoge Jizo. At high tide they are submerged up to the chest, and there is something poignant in their figures. It is told that they were enshrined to honor divers lost at sea and whales that were caught, a place of faith holding the prayers of local people.

The name comes from the round hollows carved into the chest of each statue, said to be hollowed open. Simple yet deeply moving, it is a power spot that reflects the hearts of the people of Iki who have lived with the sea.

Highlights

- Six Harahoge Jizo submerged in the sea at high tide - A poignant place of prayer honoring divers and whales - A distinctive form with a round hollow in the chest, the source of the name - A scene conveying the faith and culture of Iki, lived together with the sea

Enjoying the Seasons

In summer the statues washed by the tide stand cool against the blue sea. From autumn into winter, in clear air, a quiet time flows as you join your hands. The way the statues appear changes with the tide, so checking a tide table before you visit lets you meet an impressive scene.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Hachimanura, Ashibe, Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture - Access: About ten minutes by car from Ashibe Port - Parking: Available - For the figures submerged in the sea, the hours around high tide are best, while low tide lets you come close to their feet

A Quick Tip

Check a tide table for the times of high and low water and visit to match the scene you want to see. The shore is slippery underfoot, so take great care when approaching.