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A Model Itinerary to Iki and Tsushima-1

A Model Itinerary to Iki and Tsushima

The outlying islands of Nagasaki can be reached via high-speed boats and ferries not only from within Nagasaki Prefecture but also from Fukuoka and Hakata.
Iki and Tsushima are connected by high-speed boats (Jetfoil) and ferries, making it a convenient location to tour both islands.
Both Iki and Tsushima are home to sightseeing spots scattered across the islands, so traveling around by rental car is recommended.

Day 1: Hakata → Iki

Take a high-speed boat from Hakata Port and you’ll arrive at Gonoura Port on Iki in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The many car rental shops near the port make it the perfect starting point for your trip.

Our first stop on this island road trip is Kojima Shrine, called the ‘Mont Saint-Michel of Iki.’ This mystical spot reveals its pathway when the tide recedes.
Next, after Kojima Shrine, we recommend visiting Saruiwa, a symbolic landmark of Iki. This 45-meter-tall basalt greatly resembles a monkey (‘saru’ means monkey in Japanese) gazing out at the ocean, formed over many years of coastal erosion. It’s especially popular at sunset.

Day 2: Iki → Tsushima

Tsushima sits about 60 kilometers northwest of Iki Island. High-speed boats depart from Ashibe Port on Iki to Izuhara Port on Tsushima.

If you’re exploring Tsushima by rental car, then be sure to visit Eboshidake Observatory, a scenic spot. Here, you can fully appreciate the gorgeous rias coastline.
Tsushima is home to many unique historic sites that have long played a role in connecting Japan and the Korean Peninsula. Tsushima Museum, which opened in 2022, is where you can explore the island’s charms, learning about its history and nature from ancient times to the present.

Day 3: Kaneda Castle Ruins, Tsushima → Hakata

We recommend visiting the ruins of Kaneda Castle before returning to Hakata, Fukuoka. This ancient mountain castle constructed in the seventh century occupied the 276-meter-high Joyama and functioned as a fortress. The view from the ruins is renowned as one of Tsushima’s finest beauties. Walk along the trail and you’ll see massive stone walls. It’s an astonishing sight when you consider the fact they were built by human hands 1,400 years ago.
Return by taking a high-speed boat from Izuhara Port to Hakata.

Travel Time

From Hakata Port to Iki (Ashibe Port)
・Jetfoil: Approx. 1 hr 5 mins, ¥6,930, 2 services/day
From Hakata Port to Iki (Gonoura Port)
・Jetfoil: Approx. 1 hr 10 mins, ¥6,930, 2 services/day
From Iki (Ashibe Port) to Tsushima (Izuhara Port)
・Jetfoil: Approx. 1 hr 5 mins, ¥6,820, 2 services/day
・Ferry: Approx. 3 hrs, from ¥3,300, 1 service/day
Note: There is also 1 ferry service per day from Iki (Gonoura Port) to Tsushima (Izuhara Port).
From Tsushima (Izuhara Port) to Hakata Port
・Jetfoil: Approx. 2 hrs 15 mins, ¥10,870, 2 services/day

Click here for details: https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/en/route/
Additionally, there are direct high-speed ferries connecting Busan, South Korea to Tsushima, so it is also possible to visit Tsushima via Busan.

A Fun Nagasaki Road Trip by Rental Car
Nagasaki Prefecture is home to many beautiful coastlines, and you’re sure to  encounter many moving experiences during your rental car road trip.
Reserve a rental car and start an unforgettable journey in Nagasaki!

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