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 activity and the relentless forces of the sea over millions of years.
The most striking feature of Matengai is its extraordinary scale. The cliff rises approximately 257 meters above sea level, making it one of Japan’s highest sea cliffs. Its near-vertical rock face appears as though it has been cut with a gigantic knife.
Far below, the deep blue waters of the Sea of Japan stretch toward the horizon, while white waves crash against the rocks at the base of the cliff. The contrast between the blue sea, dark rock, and bright surf creates an unforgettable landscape.
Standing at the top of Matengai, visitors can appreciate both the immense scale of the cliffs and the beauty of the surrounding ocean. The viewpoint provides a powerful sense of the natural forces that have shaped the Oki Islands.
One of the most distinctive features of Matengai is the contrast between the rugged coastline below and the peaceful grassland above. While powerful waves continue to strike the cliffs, the plateau at the top is covered with open green pasture.
Cattle and horses are traditionally grazed in the area, and it is not unusual to see them quietly feeding on the grass while the Sea of Japan stretches out behind them.
This combination of dramatic cliffs and tranquil pasture creates a landscape that feels both wild and peaceful. It is one of the scenes that makes Matengai particularly memorable among the natural attractions of the Oki Islands.
Matengai is one of the main highlights of the Kuniga Coast, a spectacular stretch of coastline featuring cliffs, sea caves, rock formations, and natural arches.
From the upper area of Matengai, visitors can look across approximately 7 kilometers of coastal cliffs and unusual rock formations. Famous landmarks such as Tsutenkyo Bridge, Onigajo, and Kannon-iwa can also be seen from the surrounding viewpoints.
The area between Matengai and Akao Observatory is known as Tenjokai. Sea caves and naturally formed arches create a mysterious landscape here, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into another world.
The geological foundations of Matengai date back approximately 6 million years. Volcanic activity formed a broad plateau of basaltic lava, and the powerful waves and winds of the Sea of Japan gradually carved the coastline into the dramatic cliffs, caves, and rock formations seen today.
Layers of ancient lava can still be observed in the exposed rock faces. The successive layers create distinctive patterns that reveal part of the geological history of the Oki Islands.
For this reason, Matengai is more than a scenic viewpoint. It is also an important place for understanding the geological processes that have shaped the islands and their coastline.
A well-maintained walking trail allows visitors to explore the landscape on foot. One of the most popular routes runs from Matengai toward Kunigahama Beach.
The route is approximately 2.5 kilometers long with an elevation difference of around 250 meters. Depending on walking pace and stops, the hike takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy changing views of the cliffs and ocean, while formations such as Tsutenkyo Bridge can be seen from different perspectives. The route has also been selected as one of the “100 Best Walking Trails” by The Yomiuri Shimbun.
From spring through autumn, wildflowers including Oki thistle and Daruma chrysanthemum add seasonal color to the grasslands. The combination of open skies, green pasture, cliffs, and ocean makes this an especially rewarding walk for nature lovers.
The scale of Matengai becomes even more impressive when viewed from the water. Sightseeing boats departing from Beppu Port or Urago Port cruise along the Kuniga Coast, allowing visitors to look up at the towering cliffs from sea level.
Boat tours generally operate from around April through October, depending on conditions. In addition to Matengai, routes may pass landmarks such as Tsutenkyo Bridge and Meian-no-Iwaya, a spectacular sea cave.
When sea conditions are favorable, boats may enter some of the caves, offering a perspective that cannot be experienced from land. Seeing the cliffs rise hundreds of meters above the boat gives a powerful impression of their true scale.
The area around Matengai also preserves the remains of a wartime observation post built by the former Japanese military during World War II.
Because of its elevated position and unobstructed view of the Sea of Japan, the site was considered suitable for monitoring ships traveling offshore. The observation facility was partly underground, and grass was planted over the roof so that the structure would blend into the surrounding landscape.
Today, traces of the former facility remain, providing a quiet reminder of the region’s more recent history amid its spectacular natural surroundings.
Matengai is also recognized as one of Japan’s notable sunset-viewing locations. As evening approaches, the setting sun sinks toward the horizon of the Sea of Japan, while the cliffs become dark silhouettes against the changing sky.
The combination of the open ocean, towering cliffs, and sunset creates a particularly atmospheric scene. For photographers and travelers who enjoy peaceful landscapes, sunset can be one of the most memorable times to visit.
The main viewpoint is also relatively easy to reach. From the parking area, it takes approximately five minutes on foot to reach the summit viewpoint.
The trails around Matengai pass through open grassland and areas close to steep cliffs, so visitors should take care when walking.
Trails can become slippery after rain or during wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Weather conditions can also change quickly on the exposed coastline, making it important to dress appropriately.
Cattle and horses may be grazing in the grasslands. Visitors should avoid approaching or touching the animals and instead observe them quietly from a safe distance.
Insects may also be present in the grass, particularly during warmer months. Long periods of sitting directly on the grass are best avoided, and comfortable outdoor clothing is recommended.
Matengai can be reached from Nishinoshima’s main ports. It takes approximately 25 minutes by car from Beppu Port and around 15 minutes from Urago Port.
Public transportation on Nishinoshima is relatively limited, so visitors who want to explore several scenic locations may find a rental car or rental bicycle convenient.
From the parking area, the main viewpoint is only about five minutes away on foot, making it possible to enjoy the spectacular scenery without undertaking a long hike.
Matengai is one of the landscapes that best represents the dramatic natural beauty of the Oki Islands. Towering sea cliffs, unusual rock formations, expansive grasslands, grazing animals, and the blue waters of the Sea of Japan come together to create a remarkable coastal panorama.
The scenery also tells a much older story. Volcanic activity created the foundations of the island millions of years ago, while waves and wind gradually carved the coastline into the cliffs and caves seen today.
Whether viewed from the clifftop, explored along the walking trails, or admired from a sightseeing boat, Matengai offers different ways to appreciate the extraordinary relationship between land and sea.
For travelers exploring the Oki Islands, a visit to Matengai is an opportunity to experience one of the region’s most powerful natural landscapes while also discovering the geological and cultural history that lies behind it.