Iki Island — Barley Shochu & Ancient Burial Mounds

Iki Island (138 km²) in the Genkai Sea produces 50% of Japan's barley shochu (mugi-jochu) — the island's volcanic soil and sea breeze create optimal conditions for barley cultivation and fermentation. Seven distilleries operate on the island, each producing distinct styles from sweet to dry. The shochu culture is woven into daily life — the traditional iki-jochu drinking vessel (short glass, diluted with water) appears at every meal.

Archaeologically, Iki contains 280 kofun (ancient burial mounds) from the 3rd–7th centuries, indicating the island's strategic importance in ancient Japan-Korea maritime trade. The largest (Sotoura Kofun) is 45 meters in diameter and accessible to walk on.