Hakusa Hachiman Shrine Travel Guide

Hakusa Hachiman Shrine, a venerable Shinto shrine on Iki Island, near Tsutsukihama Beach, offers a tranquil escape into Japanese history and natural beauty. Founded around the 8th century, the shrine is one of the seven most prestigious on the island, traditionally visited during the New Year.The shrine's pavilion houses panel paintings of the Thirty-Six Kasen, eminent poets selected in the 11th century, dedicated during the Edo period. A well on the grounds is said to have provided water for Empress Jingū, the goddess of victory and safe birth, when she stopped at Iki on her way to Korea. The surrounding forest, once so sacred that entry was forbidden, is now a Natural Monument of Nagasaki Prefecture.Adjacent to the shrine is Tsutsukihama Fureai Hiroba, where the Iki Daidai Kagura, a sacred Shinto dance, is performed every August. This dance, lasting 7 to 8 hours, is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The shrine is a short drive from Indoji Port.