Iki Monkey Rock

Saru-iwa (Monkey Rock) is a massive 45-meter-tall sea-eroded basalt formation standing at the tip of Kurosaki Peninsula on the western edge of Iki Island in Gonoura Town, Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Over countless years, basalt rock has been carved by waves and wind, creating a profile from the side that remarkably resembles a monkey's face looking away. As a stunning natural sculpture that astonishes visitors, it has become one of Iki's most iconic tourist destinations. While Japan has numerous oddly-shaped rocks called "○○-iwa," few reproduce an animal's form with such photorealistic precision—the first-time visitor cannot help but smile at its remarkable perfection.

This rock is associated with a mythology unique to Iki. According to Japan's creation myth, when Izanagi and Izanami gave birth to the islands, Iki Island was secured with eight pillars to prevent it from drifting away. Monkey Rock is said to be one of these pillars, keeping Iki Island anchored against the waves through the divine will of the gods. It has long been revered as a sacred rock by locals. Other pillars known as the "Eight Pillars of Iki Island" are scattered throughout the island.

The area surrounding Monkey Rock is developed as a scenic site within Kurosaki Peninsula, with nearby "Kurosaki Battery Position Souvenir Shop." This underground facility was a massive artillery emplacement constructed by the Imperial Japanese military from the Taisho era through the early Showa period to defend the Tsushima Strait. It housed a 41-centimeter gun repurposed from the battleship Tosa—one of the largest in the Orient—and visitors can explore the remains of this underground installation. The contrast between the natural beauty of Monkey Rock and this man-made relic of war creates a unique atmosphere.

From the peninsula's tip, expansive views of the Genkai Sea unfold. At dusk, a spectacular scene emerges as the sun sinks below the horizon, silhouetting Monkey Rock against the water. The site is popular as a sunset viewing spot, attracting many photography enthusiasts.

Iki Island, accessible from Hakata Port by high-speed ferry in approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by jetfoil, is a nearby island in the Kyushu region offering numerous attractions: Iki Kokuichi-no-miya Amateshinagao Shrine (an ancient shrine), Haranoji Ruins (a nationally designated historic site from the Yayoi period), Tsukiyomi Shrine (birthplace of moon worship), beautiful beaches, and abundant local seafood. Recently, the island has gained attention as "an island where the gods dwell." Monkey Rock stands as a fitting landmark at this gateway.