Sai Shrine: A Fertility Sanctuary on Iki Island

Discover Sai Shrine on Iki Island: a sanctuary of fertility, marriage, and ancient Shinto traditions, offering blessings and cultural immersion.

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Sai Shrine

Sai Shrine, nestled on Iki Island, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Sarume-no-Mikoto, a goddess of marriage, safe childbirth, and the performing arts. Known for its enshrined phallus and stone statue, the shrine attracts visitors seeking blessings for fertility, marital harmony, and protection from ailments.

A brief summary to Sai Shrine

郷ノ浦町片原触１１３, Iki, Gonouracho Gonoura, Nagasaki, 811-5135, JP
+81920-47-0675
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Local tips

Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to avoid crowds.
Explore the surrounding nature paths to fully appreciate the serene environment.
Bring a small offering or prayer slip to leave at the shrine, respecting local customs.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Sai Shrine via public transportation, take a local bus from Iki Station towards Gonoura. Get off at the 'Gonoura' bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes. From the bus stop, walk for about 10 minutes, following the signs to Sai Shrine. Bus schedules should be checked for return trips.
Car

If traveling by car, head towards Gonouracho Gonoura and enter the address '〒811-5135 Nagasaki, Iki, 郷ノ浦町片原触１１３' into your GPS. From the center of Iki, take Route 382 and follow the signs towards Gonoura. The shrine is located about 10-15 minutes from the city center. Parking is available near the shrine.

Discover more about Sai Shrine

Sai Shrine, located on the enchanting Iki Island, is a unique Shinto shrine steeped in mythology and tradition. Dedicated to the goddess Sarume-no-Mikoto, who is celebrated for her role in Japanese mythology as a deity of marriage, easy childbirth, and the arts, the shrine is a beacon for those seeking blessings in these aspects of life. The shrine is known for the large carving of a phallus and a stone statue that serve as goshintai, or objects of worship. These are believed to radiate a divine glow when illuminated in the evening. Legend has it that women who touch the phallus will be blessed with marriage, safe childbirth and healing, while men will experience virility and longevity. Historically, the deity of Sai Shrine was revered as a protector against pestilence and traffic accidents. While the exact origins of the shrine remain unknown, the enshrinement of Sarume-no-Mikoto connects it to ancient Japanese beliefs and practices. Today, Sai Shrine stands as a testament to Iki Island's rich spiritual heritage, drawing visitors from all over who seek blessings and wish to immerse themselves in the island's unique cultural landscape.