The Oki Islands offer tourist attractions such as Matsushima, sightseeing events such as the Sominshoji, and local delicacies such as yakuzen cuisine.
The Oki Islands refer to the islands on the northern side of the Shimane Peninsula. Although currently positioned as a part of Shimane Prefecture, at that time they were independent as Oki Province. The four main islands are Chiburi Island, Nakanoshima, Nishinoshima, and Shimago. However, there are a total of 180 islands, both large and small.
The history of the Oki Islands is very old, and there are traces of human habitation as early as the Jomon period. There are also records of active exchanges with the mainland since that time, and stone and earthenware artifacts have been excavated.
The area is also known as a place of exile, and there are records of many historical figures who were exiled there. For example, there are records that the emperors Go-Toba and Go-Daigo, who were at the height of their glory at the time, were exiled to the island. The island has a very long history and is often mentioned in records.
Today, Oki has regular boats for sightseeing and cruises near the island are available. There are also cave tours, and visitors can enjoy the Otohime Goten, Takimi no Iwaya, and Meien no Iwaya. These are so good that they are touted as a major tourism industry in the Oki Islands and are no less than the "Grotta Azulra" of the Caribbean islands. It can be said that you should see them at least once.
Two recommended gourmet foods to enjoy in Oki are "yakimeshi chazuke" (grilled rice with green tea) and "yakuzen ryori" (medicinal herbal dishes). These are traditional dishes that have been handed down in Oki since ancient times.
Yakimeshi chazuke" usually refers to grilled rice balls. In other words, it is a style of eating grilled rice balls as if they were chazuke. In this Oki version, it is served coated with a specialty seasoning known as kojo-yu miso.
The kojo-yu miso is used without crushing the koji, giving it a unique plump texture. Of course, it also goes well with rice. You can also arrange the flavor by adding condiments in a style typical of chazuke. It is definitely worth trying when visiting Oki.
Furthermore, Oki is surrounded by the sea, and it goes without saying that you can also enjoy fresh seafood. Please be sure to taste the bounty of the sea as well.
Yakimeshi Chazuke is a traditional local dish enjoyed in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. In the Oki region, grilled rice balls, which are commonly known as “yaki-onigiri” in Japan, are traditionally called “yakimeshi.” This is where the name of the dish comes from. The dish consists of a fragrant grilled rice ball served with hot green tea. Simple and comforting, Yakimeshi Chazuke offers a...»
Oki Soba is a traditional noodle dish that has been enjoyed for generations in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Unlike many types of Japanese soba, Oki Soba is made with 100% buckwheat flour, without wheat flour or other binding ingredients. Another distinctive feature is its rich broth made from grilled mackerel and flying fish, known as “ago” in Japan. The noodles are typically thicker an...»
Kanshimame-zuke is a traditional local specialty of Ama Town in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. It is made with fresh Japanese flying squid, or surume-ika, caught in the Sea of Japan and seasoned with a distinctive liver-infused soy sauce marinade made using the squid’s own liver. In Ama Town, surume-ika is locally called “shimame.” Squid caught during the coldest part of winter, when it i...»
Oki Matsuba Snow Crab is one of the most celebrated winter seafood specialties of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture. The waters surrounding the islands are rich in plankton and support a wide variety of marine life, making this area one of Japan's productive fishing grounds. Male Matsuba snow crabs are caught using pot fishing, a method that helps prevent damage to the crab's body and shell. ...»
Shimane Rock Oysters are a prized seafood specialty grown in the rich waters surrounding the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture. Unlike the common Pacific oyster, which is generally associated with the winter season, rock oysters are known for being at their best from spring through summer. Some Oki rock oysters can weigh more than 1 kilogram. Their impressive size, thick meat, and rich flavor hav...»
Oki Beef is a premium brand of Japanese Black beef produced in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Only cattle born and raised in the Oki Islands that meet strict quality standards can be sold under the Oki Beef name. Raised amid the islands’ rich natural environment, the beef is known for its beautiful marbling and rich, full-bodied flavor characteristic of Japanese Black cattle. To qualify a...»
An Island Shaped by Volcanoes and the Sea Nishinoshima Town is located in Oki District, Shimane Prefecture, on Nishinoshima Island in the Oki Islands, a remote archipelago in the Sea of Japan. The Oki Islands are broadly divided into two areas: Dogo, the largest island, and Dozen, the group of three islands to the southwest. Nishinoshima is the largest of the three Dozen islands. With a populati...»
A Natural Landmark of the Oki Islands Kuniga Coast is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the Oki Islands. Located on the northwestern coast of Nishinoshima Island in Shimane Prefecture, the coastline faces the Sea of Japan and is characterized by dramatic cliffs, unusual rock formations, sea caves, and vast grasslands. The exceptional scenic value of the area has long been recogni...»
The Matengai Cliffs are spectacular sea cliffs located in Urago, Nishinoshima Town, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture. Rising dramatically above the Sea of Japan, they are one of the most iconic natural attractions of the Oki Islands. The cliffs are part of the Oki UNESCO Global Geopark and Daisen-Oki National Park, offering visitors an opportunity to experience landscapes shaped by volcanic activ...»
Akekure-no-Iwaya is a spectacular sea cave along the Kuniga Coast on Nishinoshima Island in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Created by the erosion of volcanic rock over countless years, this remarkable natural tunnel offers one of the most mysterious and thrilling experiences on the coast. The cave system extends for approximately 250 meters and consists of several interconnected sea caves. ...»
Akao Observatory is a popular scenic viewpoint in Urago, Nishinoshima Town, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture. Located at the end of the Akao Skyline, it offers sweeping views of the Kuniga Coast, one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the Oki Islands. The observatory is part of an area where dramatic sea cliffs, caves, unusual rock formations, and expansive grasslands come together. Be...»
Takuhi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on the slopes of Mount Takuhi, the highest mountain in the Dozen area of the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. The mountain rises 452 meters above sea level, and the shrine has long been revered as a guardian of safe sea voyages. For centuries, sailors traveling through the Sea of Japan are said to have prayed here for protection from storms and ot...»
Yurahime Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Urago, Nishinoshima Town, in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Revered by local people for centuries, it is one of the most important shrines in the region and is traditionally regarded as the Ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of the former Province of Oki. The shrine is also listed among the ancient shrines recorded in the Engishik...»
Hinamajihime-no-Mikoto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Nishinoshima Town, in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Its name appears in ancient Japanese records, reflecting a history of worship that reaches back more than a thousand years. The shrine is listed as a Shikinai-sha, one of the shrines recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a major 10th-century compilation of shrines and religious...»
Make-no-Mikoto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Uga, Nishinoshima Town, in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Long cherished by local residents, the shrine has served as an important place of worship for generations and remains closely connected to everyday life in the community. The shrine is traditionally regarded as one of the small shrines recorded in the Engishiki, an ancien...»
Oyama Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Nishinoshima Town in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. It is a particularly fascinating place for experiencing the ancient tradition of nature worship that has been preserved in the Oki Islands. Unlike many Japanese shrines, where the main buildings form the center of the sacred space, Oyama Shrine preserves a tradition in which the mountai...»
The Deyanna Festival, also known as the “Deyanna Festival” or “Festival of Sacred Brewing,” is a rare traditional Shinto ritual held at Mimiura Shrine in Beppu, Nishinoshima Town, in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. The ceremony is also known as a saké-brewing ritual, in which sacred rice wine is prepared as an offering to the deity. What makes the festival particularly unusual is that the ...»
The Funabiki Canal is an artificial waterway located in Mita, Nishinoshima Town, in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. It connects the open waters of the Sea of Japan with Urago Bay, the sheltered inland sea of the Dozen Islands. The canal is approximately 340 meters long, 12 meters wide, and 3 meters deep. Once an essential transportation route supporting fishing and everyday life, it has be...»
Shara-bune Spirit Boats are part of a traditional Bon festival ceremony that has been preserved in the Mita and Urago districts of Nishinoshima Town in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. The ceremony takes place early in the morning on August 16, when the spirits of ancestors who have been welcomed home during the Bon season are symbolically sent back out to sea. The word “Shara” refers to sp...»
Tsutenkyo Bridge is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks along the Kuniga Coast on Nishinoshima Island in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. This magnificent rock arch was created over thousands of years by the powerful waves of the Sea of Japan. The formation was originally a sea cave. Continuous erosion caused by the rough waves gradually weakened and collapsed much of the surround...»
Sotohama Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Nishinoshima Island in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. It is also a particularly valuable natural sandy beach, as beaches of this kind are relatively rare throughout the Oki Islands. Located beyond the Funabiki Canal, the beach stretches for approximately 400 meters and features a beautiful expanse of white sand. The open landscape and c...»
Oki Dengaku and Niwa-no-Mai are traditional folk performing arts passed down through generations in the Mita and Urago districts of Nishinoshima Town in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Deeply rooted in local history and religious traditions, these performances have traditionally been held as prayers for abundant harvests, peace, and the well-being of the community. The performances are also ...»
Chibu Village is the only village municipality in Shimane Prefecture. Located at the southernmost end of the Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan, the village consists mainly of the inhabited island of Chiburijima, along with several uninhabited islands including Kamishima, Asashima, Shimazushima, and Ohakajima. Although the village has a population of only around 600 people, its small size is part of...»
Chibu Red Cliff is a spectacular series of towering sea cliffs along the western coast of Chibu Village in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Also known as “Akakabe” or “Akadaki,” the cliffs are distinguished by their vivid reddish-brown rock surfaces. Rising approximately 50 to 200 meters above the sea and extending for about 1 kilometer from north to south, this enormous natural wall is one o...»
Mount Akahage is a 325-meter-high mountain in Chibu Village, Shimane Prefecture, and the highest point on Chiburijima Island in the Oki Islands. As its name suggests, the mountain is characterized by broad grasslands with very few trees and gently rolling terrain. The mountain has historically been written in several ways, including “Akahageyama” and “Akahage.” Today, it is recognized as one of t...»
Shimazu Island is a small, uninhabited island belonging to Chibu Village in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Located just off the eastern side of Chiburijima, the island stretches approximately 1 km from north to south and 500 meters from east to west. Although small in size, Shimazu Island brings together beautiful coastal scenery, distinctive geological formations, unusual plant life, and...»
Watasu Shrine stands quietly on Shimazushima, an uninhabited island belonging to Chibu Village in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. From Chiburijima, visitors can cross the Omatsu Bridge and follow a nature-rich walking trail to reach the shrine. Surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the island, the shrine has an atmosphere of deep serenity. Although it is now a quiet and secluded place, Wat...»
Omatsu Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge measuring approximately 50 meters in length that connects Chiburijima with Shimazushima, an uninhabited island in Chibu Village in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. The bridge forms a gentle, elegant arch that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the brilliantly blue sea and the smal...»
A Beautiful Coastline on Shimazushima Watasu Beach is a beautiful seaside destination on Shimazushima, an uninhabited island located off the eastern side of Chiburijima in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. From Chiburijima, visitors can cross Omatsu Bridge on foot to reach the island. Beyond the bridge, a peaceful inlet opens up amid the natural surroundings. The quiet atmosphere and beauti...»
A Historic Shrine at the Heart of Chibu Village Amasashihiko-no-Mikoto Shrine, also known as Ichinomiya Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in the Kori district of Chibu Village in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Standing on a small hill surrounded by peaceful nature, the shrine can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot from Kurii Port. Known affectionately by local residents as ...»
Shoyo-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Toji-ha branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Chibu Village in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Set on a small mountain surrounded by the rich natural landscape of Chiburijima, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can experience both history and nature. The temple is particularly famous for its connection with Emperor G...»
“Kurashi no Shimizu,” a Spring Loved by the Island Community Kawai Spring Water is a famous natural spring located at the foot of Shoyo-ji Temple on Chiburijima in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Selected as one of the 100 Famous Waters of Shimane, the spring has long been an important source of water for local residents. The spring has traditionally been used for drinking and cooking and...»
Ama Town is an island municipality in Oki District, Shimane Prefecture, located in the Dozen area of the Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan. Centered on Nakanoshima Island, Ama is a unique “one island, one municipality” community where rich natural surroundings and distinctive island traditions continue to thrive. Ama Town lies approximately 60 kilometers north of the Shimane Peninsula. From mainlan...»
Oki Shrine stands on Nakanoshima Island in Ama Town, Shimane Prefecture, surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the Oki Islands. Dedicated to Emperor Go-Toba, the shrine is one of the most important places associated with the island's history and spiritual culture. Although the present shrine was established relatively recently, its story is deeply connected with the history of the Kama...»
Ama Town Gotoba-in Museum is a local history museum in Ama Town, Shimane Prefecture, dedicated primarily to the life and legacy of Emperor Gotoba, who was exiled to the Oki Islands during the Kamakura period. Through historical documents, cultural artifacts, archaeological discoveries, and materials related to island life, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to understand both the emperor's ...»
Uzuka-no-Mikoto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Ama Town on Nakanoshima Island in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by peaceful rice fields and set against a small, densely wooded hill, the shrine has a quiet and sacred atmosphere. From summer into autumn, the white torii gate stands beautifully against fields of golden rice, creating a quintessential Japanese rural landscape....»
Tengawa Water is a clear, abundant spring on Nakanoshima Island in Ama Town, part of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture. Located within Daisen-Oki National Park, the spring flows quietly in a lush natural setting and has long been valued by local residents as both a source of water and a sacred place. In 1985, Tengawa Water was selected as one of Japan's 100 Remarkable Waters by the former Env...»
Oki Dozen Kagura is a traditional form of Japanese sacred performing art that has been passed down for generations on the three islands of the Dozen region of the Oki Islands: Nishinoshima, Nakanoshima, and Chiburijima in Shimane Prefecture. Closely connected with the religious beliefs and everyday life of the island communities, Dozen Kagura has preserved many elements of an ancient ritual tradi...»
A White Lighthouse at the Southernmost Point of Ama Town Kirogasaki Lighthouse stands at the southernmost point of Ama Town on Nakanoshima Island in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery, the brilliant white lighthouse stands out beautifully against the blue sky and sea. On clear days, visitors can look across the water toward Nishinoshima and Chiburijima, e...»
Jokyu Kaido Kinnyamonya Center is a multipurpose facility located beside Hishiura Port in Ama Town, on Nakanoshima Island in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. As the main ferry and high-speed boat gateway to the town, the center welcomes visitors arriving on the island and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring Ama Town. The facility brings together a tourist information center, resta...»
Shima-ja Joshiki Shop is a friendly local shop located inside the Jokyu Kaido Kinnyamonya Center beside Hishiura Port in Ama Town, Shimane Prefecture. Located at the main gateway to Nakanoshima Island, it is a welcoming place where visitors and local residents naturally come together. The shop is often described as something like an “engawa” of the island—a relaxed, welcoming space where people c...»
Underwater Observation Boat “Amanbo” is a popular semi-submersible sightseeing boat operating from Hishiura Port in Ama Town, on Nakanoshima Island in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. The boat offers a unique way to experience the waters around Ama Town, including the famous Saburo-iwa Rocks, from both above and below the surface. While cruising through the beautiful island waters, passengers...»
Yabigawa Kappa Sightseeing Boat is a popular sightseeing cruise in Okinoshima Town on Dogo Island, the largest island in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. The boat gently cruises around the waters near Saigo Port, the main gateway to Dogo, offering visitors a chance to experience the area's natural scenery, traditional fishing-town atmosphere, and the local legends of kappa, the mysterious wa...»
Nakamura Beach is one of the beautiful seaside destinations on Dogo Island in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. The beach is known for its exceptionally clear blue water, broad white-sand shoreline, and pine trees growing along the coast, creating a classic Japanese landscape known as “hakusha seisho”—the harmonious scenery of white sand and green pine trees. The sea is remarkably clear and ...»
Yana Pine Grove and Traditional Boathouses is a picturesque coastal attraction in the Tsuma area of Okinoshima Town, in Japan's Oki Islands. The combination of a white sandy beach, a lush pine forest, and rows of traditional wooden boathouses creates a peaceful landscape that offers a glimpse into the timeless scenery of rural Japan. The area has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Scenic Spots o...»
Sasaki Family Residence is a historic wooden house in Okinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture, and is recognized as one of the most valuable examples of traditional residential architecture in the Oki Islands. Built in 1836, during the late Edo period, it was the home of the Sasaki family, who served for generations as village headmen in Kama Village. The residence is now designated as a National Impo...»
Okinoshima Town is located on Dogo, the largest island in the Oki Islands, approximately 80 kilometers north of the Shimane Peninsula in the Sea of Japan. As part of Oki District in Shimane Prefecture, the town is known for its spectacular natural landscapes, long history, and distinctive island culture. The town's slogan, “A Great Island Where Sacred Trees Reside,” reflects the deep connection b...»
Candle Island is an uninhabited sea stack located off the Daiji area on the northwestern coast of Dogo Island in Okinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture. Rising approximately 20 meters above the Sea of Japan, this slender rock formation is one of the most recognizable scenic landmarks of the Oki Islands. The island takes its name from its distinctive shape. At sunset, when the sun appears to rest dir...»
The Candle Island Sightseeing Cruise is one of the most memorable experiences in Okinoshima Town, allowing visitors to approach the iconic Candle Island from the sea. At sunset, when the sun sinks toward the horizon and appears to rest precisely on the tip of the rock, the formation looks like a giant candle with a flame burning at its top. This extraordinary moment is one of the signature sights...»
Dangyo Waterfalls is one of the most remarkable waterfalls on Dogo Island in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Located upstream along the Nagu River, which originates on Mount Yokoo, the waterfalls are surrounded by a pristine forest landscape that feels remarkably remote despite being part of Japan. Dangyo Waterfalls is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waterfalls, while the spring water ...»
Shirashima Coast is one of the most celebrated scenic destinations on Dogo Island, the largest island in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Located at the northernmost tip of Okinoshima Town, the coast is known for its striking contrast of brilliant white cliffs, deep blue waters, and vivid green pine trees. The area has been designated as both a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Mo...»
Shirashima Observatory is a spectacular viewpoint at the northernmost tip of Dogo Island in the Oki Islands. From this elevated location, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the Sea of Japan and the dramatic Shirashima Coast, where brilliant white volcanic cliffs, deep blue water, and green pine trees create an unforgettable natural panorama. The striking contrast between the pale alkaline r...»
Jōdogaura Coast is a beautiful scenic destination on the eastern side of Dogo Island in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Also known as Jōdogaura Kaigan, the area is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and forms part of Daisen-Oki National Park. The name “Jōdogaura” is traditionally associated with the Zen monk Ikkyū Sōjun, who is said to have visited the area during the Muromachi ...»
On the eastern foothills of Mount Daimanji, the highest mountain on Dogo Island in the Oki Islands, stands a remarkable ancient tree known as Iwakura Chichi-sugi Cedar. Hidden deep within a dense forest surrounded by massive volcanic rocks, this extraordinary cedar has silently endured for centuries. Its unusual appearance and immense scale make it one of the most fascinating natural sights on Do...»
Oki Kokubunji Temple is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple located in Ikeda, Okinoshima Town, in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. The temple belongs to the Toji-ha branch of Shingon Buddhism and is known by the mountain name Zenbizan. Its principal Buddhist image is Shaka Nyorai, the Buddha Shakyamuni. The temple is closely connected with the Kokubunji temple system established throughout J...»
Oki Kokubunji Renge-e Mai is one of the most distinctive traditional performing arts of the Oki Islands. Held every year at Oki Kokubunji Temple in Okinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture, this sacred dance tradition has been passed down for more than a thousand years. With its ancient masks, colorful costumes, distinctive music, and ritual movements, Renge-e Mai preserves elements of performing arts...»
Hei Shrine Tumulus is a large ancient burial mound in Okinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture. Recognized as the largest keyhole-shaped burial mound in the Oki Islands, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the political and cultural history of the region during the Kofun period. The tumulus stands near the ruins of Oki Kokubunji Temple and the former Oki Kokubun-niji, the provincial Buddhist nunnery....»
Oki Mōmō Dome is a unique attraction where visitors can experience Oki Bull Sumo, a traditional form of bull wrestling said to have a history of around 800 years. Held on Dogo Island in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture, this remarkable tradition is deeply connected with the island's history, local communities, and relationship between people and cattle. At Mōmō Dome, visitors can watch Touri...»
Tamawakasu-no-Mikoto Shrine stands in Shimonishi, Okinoshima Town, in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. As the traditional Soja, or provincial grand shrine, of Oki Province, it has long been an important center of worship and is closely associated with the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of the islands. The peaceful grounds preserve historic buildings, enormous sacred trees, ancie...»
Adjacent to Tamawakasu-no-Mikoto Shrine on Dogo Island in the Oki Islands, the Oki Family Residence and Oki Family Treasure Hall preserve an important part of the islands' religious and cultural heritage. The Oki family served as hereditary priests of Tamawakasu-no-Mikoto Shrine for generations, and their residence and collection of historical artifacts offer a rare glimpse into the close relation...»
The Tamawakasu-no-Mikoto Shrine Tumulus Cluster is an important archaeological site in Okinoshima Town, Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Located on the hills northwest of Tamawakasu-no-Mikoto Shrine, the former provincial grand shrine of Oki, the site consists of 15 burial mounds: one keyhole-shaped tumulus and 14 circular tumuli. Scattered along the ridges of a peaceful, green hillside, these an...»
Mizuwakasu Shrine stands in the Kori district of Okinoshima Town on Dogo Island in the Oki Islands. Revered as the Ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of ancient Oki Province, it has been an important center of worship for centuries. The shrine is recorded as a Myōjin Taisha in the Engishiki, an ancient compilation of Japanese laws and religious regulations completed in the early 10th century....»
The Mizuwakasu Shrine Tumulus Cluster is an important archaeological site in Okinoshima Town in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Located within the grounds of Mizuwakasu Shrine, the Ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of ancient Oki Province, the site preserves valuable evidence of the islands' society during the late Kofun period. The juxtaposition of ancient burial mounds and a historic ...»
The Oki Local History Museum in Okinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture, is an excellent place to discover the natural environment, history, and traditional culture of the Oki Islands. Opened in June 1970, the museum preserves and presents a wide range of materials documenting the lives and heritage of the island communities. One of the museum's greatest attractions is that the building itself is a h...»
The Tsubame Traditional House is a historic farmhouse in Okinoshima Town, Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Built during the late Edo period, it preserves the distinctive architecture and lifestyle of rural communities on Dogo Island. The house now stands behind the Oki Local History Museum, next to Mizuwakasu Shrine, after being relocated and restored from its original location in the Tsubame dis...»
The Oki Nature Museum and Oki Geopark Center is an exhibition and learning facility located inside the Oki Geo Gateway, directly connected to the Saigo Port Ferry Terminal in Okinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture. It introduces the geological origins, natural environment, wildlife, history, and culture of the Oki Islands, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the archipelago. By learning ...»
The Goka Creation Center is a cultural and community facility in Okinoshima Town, Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Through exhibitions, videos, and local food, the center introduces visitors to the traditional performing arts, customs, natural environment, and everyday culture of Oki. Located near Mizuwakasu Shrine and the Oki Local History Museum, it is an ideal stop for travelers who want to di...»
Mount Daimanji rises to 607.7 meters above sea level in Okinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture, and is the highest mountain in the Oki Islands. Its distinctive mountain profile has earned it the nickname “Oki Fuji,” comparing its appearance to Mount Fuji and making it one of the most recognizable natural landmarks of the islands. The mountain takes its name from the historic Buddhist temple of Daima...»
One of the Three Great Cedars of Okinoshima Kabura Cedar is a magnificent giant cedar tree located in Okinoshima Town on Dogo Island, the largest island in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. It is known as one of the Three Great Cedars of Dogo and is particularly remarkable for its unusual shape, with several massive trunks branching out from near the base. The tree stands approximately 38.5...»
A Nationally Designated Natural Monument at Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine Yaosugi Cedar is a magnificent giant cedar tree standing within the grounds of Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine in Okinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture. It is regarded as one of the Three Great Cedars of Dogo Island and is one of the most remarkable ancient trees on the Oki Islands. The tree stands approximately 38 meters tall, while it...»
Nagumi Cape is a scenic coastal destination on the western side of Okinoshima Town in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. For centuries, the cape has served as an important landmark for ships traveling across the Sea of Japan. A local tradition also tells of an ancient visit by Empress Jingu, adding a sense of history and legend to this beautiful natural setting. With its dramatic volcanic lands...»
Ise-mikoto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kumi, Okinoshima Town, in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a major tenth-century compilation of Shinto shrines, where it was classified as a Myōjin Taisha, one of the highest shrine ranks of the time. Its name was known beyond the Oki Islands in ancient Japan, and the shrine has conti...»
Kame-no-hara Waterfowl Park is a tranquil nature park surrounded by forest and water, offering visitors a relaxing escape into the natural beauty of the Oki Islands. Covering approximately 20,000 square meters, the park is centered around a peaceful pond with walking paths where visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls and observe the changing scenery throughout the seasons....»
Fukaura Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the northwestern part of Okinoshima Town in the Oki Islands. The striking contrast between the white streams of water and the dark basalt rock creates an almost otherworldly scene. Hidden in a quiet valley beyond Hotel Umioto-sato and a group of log cabins, the waterfall offers a peaceful setting where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility...»
The Oki Classical Sumo Tournament is a unique traditional event that has been passed down through generations in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Unlike ordinary sumo tournaments, it is not held every year. Instead, it is traditionally organized only when the island community has an important occasion to celebrate, such as the rebuilding of a shrine, the completion of a new school, or the op...»
The Oki Yokai Tour is a unique sightseeing experience that takes visitors around the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture in search of bronze statues of yokai, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore, as well as places associated with local legends. Along the way, travelers can discover the cultural history of the islands and learn about the connection between Oki and the renowned manga artist ...»
Oki Onsen GOKA is the only hot spring facility in Okinoshima Town on Dogo Island in the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture. Located in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by fields, it is approximately 25 minutes by car from Saigo Port, the main ferry gateway to the islands. The facility is popular with both visitors and local residents as a convenient day-use hot spring. Its location near the dep...»