Iki Island is located to the north of Kyushu in the Genkai Sea, between Tsushima Island and mainland Kyushu. In Japan's oldest historical document, the Kojiki, there is a legend about the birth and formation of the country which places Iki as the 5th island created in the archipelago. Iki is called by a different name, "Amehitotsubashira". The "bashira" in this name means ‘pillar,' indicating a location that connects the heavens and earth. It is thought that Iki was given this designation as a bridge connecting these two realms. There are many sacred places scattered around the island, and more than 150 shrines registered (and many more unregistered) in the official Association of Shinto Shrines. These spiritual places are an important part of the lives of the people who live on Iki. We hope you come to Iki's shrines to recharge and experience this power for yourself.