Iki Sailing Guide for Yachts. Iki lies north of Kyushu in the Tsushima Strait and provides a compact island with predictable approaches, deep bays, and well protected harbours. The coastline is open on the northern side and indented on the southern side where the main ports are located. Depths are consistent across the island’s harbours and the approaches are simple when following charted routes. This Iki sailing guide for yachts sets out the operational details for approaches, berthing, fuel, provisioning, and local procedures for skippers moving through the region.
Iki is not a port of entry and yachts arriving from overseas complete formalities at Fukuoka or Hakata before entering the area. Once cleared, movement throughout the island is straightforward with well defined harbour entrances and steady vessel behaviour. The provisioning footprint is centred on Ashibe and Gonoura with smaller but reliable sources in other settlements. Fuel and water are available in the main harbours and depths remain stable throughout the island’s bays and channels.
Approaches to Iki are fully charted. Offshore depths range from 20 to 50 metres and shoal gradually toward the island. The main approaches to Ashibe and Gonoura carry 10 to 18 metres with no unmarked hazards. Secondary approaches to smaller ports carry 8 to 15 metres. Traffic consists of ferries, fishing vessels, and inter island cargo boats. They follow predictable tracks. AIS improves situational awareness in the approaches.
Ashibe Port. Main harbour on the eastern side of Iki. Approach depths are 10 to 18 metres. Inner harbour carries 4 to 6 metres. Public pontoons available for visiting yachts.
Gonoura Port. Located on the southern side of Iki. Approach depths are 10 to 16 metres. Inner basin carries 4 to 6 metres. Fuel available at commercial wharf.
Katsumoto Port. Located on the northern side of Iki. Approach depths are 10 to 20 metres. Inner harbour carries 4 to 6 metres. Suitable for short stops.
Indoji and Smaller Ports. Small ports around the island carry 4 to 6 metres in inner basins and 10 to 15 metres in approaches.
Anchorages are located in bays on the southern and eastern sides of the island. Common depths are 8 to 15 metres over sand or mud. Most anchorages are sheltered by headlands and predictable seabed contours. Fishing gear is present in some bays and requires visual attention.
Iki experiences a maritime
climate with moderate winds and stable visibility.
Tidal streams around the island are moderate and rarely exceed 2 knots.
Supermarkets. Ashibe. Maruwa Ashibe. Full service supermarket with vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, dairy, frozen food, noodles, sauces, dry goods, snacks, bakery items, household supplies, and a small imported goods section. YouMe Mart Ashibe. Regional supermarket with vegetables, fruit, meat, prepared foods, rice, noodles, sauces, packaged goods, frozen items, and daily staples. Gonoura. Coop Gonoura. Agricultural cooperative supermarket with strong local produce, tofu, miso, dairy, Kyushu grown vegetables, and basic dry goods. Gonoura also has a medium sized supermarket carrying vegetables, fruit, meat, seafood, dairy, noodles, sauces, packaged goods, and frozen items.
Other Settlements. Small supermarkets and general stores across Iki carry vegetables, fruit, noodles, sauces, packaged goods, and frozen items. Convenience stores including Lawson and FamilyMart carry packaged meals, drinks, snacks, bread, milk, eggs, and basic dry goods.
Markets. Ashibe. Ashibe Farmers Market. Retail friendly farmers market offering Kyushu vegetables, citrus, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, herbs, and seasonal specialties. Local Weekend Markets. Small weekend markets and occasional pop up stalls in central Ashibe. Stock includes local produce, baked goods, and regional food items. Small greengrocers across Ashibe carry vegetables, fruit, tofu, pickled goods, dried goods, and basic pantry items. Gonoura and Other Areas. Small greengrocers carry vegetables, fruit, tofu, pickled goods, and basic dry items.
Fish Markets. Ashibe. Ashibe Fish Market Retail Area. Main seafood hub with a public retail section selling fresh fish, shellfish, and seasonal local catch. Turnover reflects daily landings. Ashibe Port Coastal Vendors. Small coastal stalls near the port selling local catch including mackerel, squid, sardines, and seasonal species. Ashibe Town Fish Shops. Long established fishmongers in the town centre selling whole fish, fillets, and processed seafood. Gonoura and Other Areas. Small fish stalls in Gonoura and coastal settlements sell locally caught coastal species. Quantities vary by day.
Fuel is available at commercial wharves in Ashibe and Gonoura. Alongside depths are 5 to 7 metres. Fuel is dispensed by hose from fixed pumps. Petrol is purchased ashore in approved containers.
Potable water is available at public pontoons in Ashibe and Gonoura. Other harbours provide water through harbour offices or designated taps.
Iki has basic mechanical and electrical services. Specialist support including engine diagnostics and electronics is available in Fukuoka. Haul out facilities on Iki are limited to small local vessels.
Harbour etiquette follows standard Japanese practice. Vessel movement is steady and predictable. Fishing vessels have priority in narrow areas. Waste is sorted and disposed of at designated points. Local officials expect punctuality and clear communication.
Iki provides a compact island with reliable depths, straightforward approaches, and a complete provisioning footprint centred on Ashibe and Gonoura. Fuel and water are accessible across the main ports. This Iki sailing guide for yachts provides the operational detail required for safe movement throughout the island. Iki Sailing Guide for Yachts has all the information you need.