Saruiwa (Monkey Rock): A Sentinel of Iki Island

Saruiwa (Monkey Rock) is a prominent natural monument on Iki Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Rising 45 meters from the sea on the eastern side of the island, this basalt rock formation has been shaped over millennia by wind and wave into a striking resemblance to a monkey. The rock is located on the Kurosaki Peninsula.Local legend tells that Saruiwa is one of eight pillars cast down by the gods to prevent Iki Island from drifting across the ocean. The Kojiki, an early Japanese chronicle, recounts how the gods Izanagi and Izanami created Iki, but the island was restless. To secure it, they drove eight pillars into the seabed, and Saruiwa is said to be one of these.Saruiwa offers stunning views, especially at sunset. Visitors can explore the area around the rock, discovering tide pools teeming with marine life along the rocky shoreline. A shop nearby sells souvenirs, including T-shirts and local marine products.During the Pacific War, the area around Saruiwa was fortified with gun emplacements, and access was restricted. Today, it is a peaceful spot where visitors can appreciate the natural beauty and unique geological formations of Iki Island.