A historic site easily accessible from Karato Market or Moji Port. I was surprised to learn that it has grown six times as large since the time of Musashi and Kojiro, and that people lived there at one time. It's the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and reminisce. It's great to read while watching the ships passing through the Kanmon Straits. There is also an arbor in the back. The island itself is small, so you won't need an hour to see everything.
Ganryujima/Funashima: In April 1612, this island is known for the duel between the very famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro in Japan. There is a bronze statue of these two people in the center of the island, and it is very impressive. Access is conveniently located 10 minutes one way by boat from Karatsu Port.
If you are interested in the history of Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan’s most well known swordsmen, this is a very notable location. If not, there is not much else to see here.
This is the site of one ofMusashi’s most famous duel against Sasaki Kojiro where he used a wooden sword carved from a boat oar to defeat Kojiro. There are some great statues and a few other markers and plaques on the island that have to do with this event.
Really historical place and fortunately it is not tourist heavy. Entry is via boat from Yamaguchi island.
You can learn about the battle between Musashi and Kojiro here. The island very beautiful with nature and trees all around. The statues are also very well looked after.
Still surprising how he won the dual with a wooden sword replica.
