Sheep Island, Argyll

Shikanoshima (often called Shika Island) is an island in Hakata Bay off Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, known for its archaeological sites and long history of coastal settlement. It is noted for the 1784 discovery of the so-called Gold Seal associated with ancient ties between Japan and the Chinese Han court.

The island offers short coastal walks, sandy beaches and several archaeological sites including kofun burial mounds and shrine precincts. The island’s principal historic site is the Shikaumi Shrine, an active Shinto shrine on the shore that draws local visitors and pilgrims.

Shikanoshima has been occupied since ancient times and served as a coastal point for trade and ritual contact across the Korea Strait and with the Chinese mainland. The 1784 Gold Seal find linked the island to early recorded diplomatic contacts; the original seal is held in a national museum, and the island preserves related archaeological remains.

The island sits in Hakata Bay northeast of central Fukuoka and is connected to the mainland by a short causeway and bridge, making it accessible by road from Fukuoka City.

• Gold Seal discovery: The so-called Gold Seal of the King of Na was discovered on the island in 1784; the original seal is preserved in a national museum, and the find is a major part of the island's archaeological identity.
• Access: The island is connected to the mainland by a short causeway and bridge, allowing direct road access from Fukuoka City without a ferry.

What to See #

• Shikaumi Shrine: Ancient shrine complex located on the island and still active for Shinto rites, with origins dating back many centuries.
• Beaches and archaeological sites: Coastal stretches and small beaches on the island used for walking and seasonal swimming; archaeological sites and kofun burial mounds are scattered across the island.
• Landing area and visitor services: A small visitor area and local shops near the main landing/causeway that serve day-trippers from Fukuoka.