Saruiwa Rock

At the western tip of Iki City in Nagasaki Prefecture, rising from the end of the Kurosaki Peninsula, stands Saruiwa, the symbol of Iki Island. A giant rock about forty five meters tall, shaped by nature over a long span of time, it captivates visitors with its form like a monkey turning its face away.

According to the myth of the birth of Iki Island, when the gods gave birth to the island in the sea, they raised eight pillars to tie it down so it would not drift away. Saruiwa is said to be one of those eight pillars, left standing, a rock of myth that conveys the origins of the island to this day.

Highlights

- A natural rock about forty five meters tall, shaped like a monkey turning away - The legend that it is one of the eight pillars from the myth of the islands birth - A dynamic coastal view rising against the Genkai Sea - A powerful full view seen from the nearby shop

Enjoying the Seasons

From spring into summer the silhouette of Saruiwa stands out sharply against blue sea and sky. In autumn the clear air lets you see far across the water, and in winter the rough waves of the Genkai Sea and the rock create a powerful scene. At dusk Saruiwa, dyed by the setting sun, is dreamlike.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Nittafure, Gonoura, Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture - Access: About twenty minutes by car from Gonoura Port - Parking: Available, with a shop nearby - Being on the coast, it is often windy

A Quick Tip

The rock looks different from different angles, so walk a little and change your viewpoint. The hours around sunset are especially beautiful, so if you have time to spare, visiting to catch the sunset is recommended.