Ondake Shrine, Iki Travel Guide

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Discover tranquility at Ondake Shrine on Iki Island, a sacred mountain sanctuary with mystical energy, ancient traditions, and hundreds of stone monkeys.

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Ondake Shrine

Ondake Shrine, nestled on Iki Island, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to mountain deities and the god Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto. Known for its serene atmosphere and over 200 stone monkey statues, it offers a tranquil escape into Japanese spirituality. The shrine is also considered a 'power spot' due to a magnetic anomaly that affects compasses.

A brief summary to Ondake Shrine

1678 Ashibecho Hakozakihonmurafure, Iki, Ashibecho Hakozakihonmurafure, Nagasaki, 811-5466, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ondake Shrine.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the shrine grounds, as some paths may be uneven.
Visit both Ondake Shrine (male) and the nearby Medake Shrine (female) for blessings in finding a good match for marriage.
Take a compass to experience the magnetic anomaly near the sacred stone behind the main shrine.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Saruiwa (Monkey Rock)

Ikikoku Museum (Nagasaki Prefecture Buried Cultural Property Center)

Iki Island

Yokohama Landmark Tower

Glover Garden

Explore Ondake Shrine on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ondake Shrine, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

From Iki city, drive south on Route 382. After about 20 minutes, turn left onto Route 207. Continue for 10 minutes and follow the signs for Ondake Shrine. Parking is available near the shrine.
Public Transport

From Ashibe Port, take a bus towards Hakozaki. Get off at the Hakozaki bus stop, which is a short walk to Ondake Shrine. Bus fares are typically around ¥300.

Discover more about Ondake Shrine

Ondake Shrine, located on Iki Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, is a captivating destination for those seeking to connect with Japan's spiritual and cultural heritage. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to mountain deities, reflecting the profound relationship between nature and spirituality in Shinto beliefs. According to Japanese mythology, the first gods descended on Iki Island at this location.Until about 100 years ago, the entire mountain was considered sacred, and access was restricted to the general public. Today, visitors are greeted by a serene atmosphere, characterized by lush greenery, traditional architecture, and panoramic views of the island's natural beauty. The grounds feature well-maintained pathways, ancient trees, and traditional torii gates that lead deeper into the heart of the shrine.The shrine is renowned for the over 200 stone monkey statues adorning its grounds. These monkeys are associated with Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, a deity who guides everything in a good direction. In addition to the monkey statues, there are also stone cow sculptures, offered by those praying for the successful breeding of their herds. Behind the main shrine, a sacred stone is believed to be a mystical 'power spot' that disrupts compasses due to a magnetic force. It is said that this location is flowing with mystical energy. Ondake Shrine is considered to play a male role, and a nearby shrine plays a female role; visiting both is said to bless visitors with a good match for marriage.Ondake Shrine is open year-round, offering a unique experience in every season. Whether it's the fresh blossoms of spring, the vibrant foliage of autumn, or the quiet snow of winter, the shrine provides a peaceful retreat into Japanese spirituality.