- Area
- Iki
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- History&Culture
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In Japan, Iki Island is known as having been the site of deadly battles during the 13th-century Mongol invasions.
Mongolian armies attacked Japan twice, with a force of 30,000 soldiers in 1274 and then again with 140,000 men in 1281, first landing on Tsushima and then advancing on Iki.
In the second invasion of 1281, this island turned into a grueling battlefield in the fight against the Mongolian assault. The Iki army of just several hundred troops were led by their acting military governor Shōni Suketoki, who was just 19 years old at the time. Suketoki put up a tremendous fight, but he was no match for the Mongol army's devastating strength and perished in action. Today, only the stone wall remains of his castle, which is now covered with underbrush.
Suketoki’s grave is located on top of the hill in Shōni Park, as if to watch over the area.
He is also venerated at the adjacent Iki Shrine as the patron deity of the island.
At the other end of the park is the observation deck, a fire beacon platform that had been manned by sakimori, who were soldiers stationed at strategic posts throughout Kyushu, as well as a stone anchor that is said to be of the Mongolian fleet.
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Information
Address | 長崎県壱岐市 | |
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TEL | 0920-48-1130(Iki City Tourism Division) | |
Parking | Parking lot available | |
Access | Approx. 10 minutes by car from Ashibe Port | |
Website | Tripadvisor |
Today, visitors can enjoy camping and picnics at the nearby camping grounds.

Genkō Monument / Ryudajin shrine

