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The Japanese archipelago is surrounded by the sea on all sides, and there are many remote islands from north to south. The remote islands, full of nature, are a place to relax and have an exotic atmosphere different from that of mainland Japan.
There are some outlying islands in Shimane Prefecture that are rich in natural resources, so if you come to visit, you can fully enjoy the history, culture and beautiful scenery of the islands. Therefore, this time we would like to introduce the Oki Shikishima Islands where you can enjoy the rich natural beauty of Shimane Prefecture! We will introduce you to the charm of each island and recommended sights.
If you want to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life, enjoy a relaxing time and rejuvenate yourself, don't miss today's episode～!
When many people hear the name Shimane Prefecture, they may not think of a remote island. However, with 369 outlying islands, Shimane Prefecture ranks fourth among the prefectures with the most islands. This number surpasses Okinawa Prefecture, although Okinawa has the impression of having many outlying islands.
Many of the islands are small and uninhabited, but the Oki Islands are popular as outlying islands where you can enjoy sightseeing. Let's introduce the Oki Islands in detail now.
📝 Recommended outlying islands in Shimane Prefecture are the Oki Islands.
The Oki Islands are islands off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, and the four inhabited islands are divided into two zones, “Shimanamae” and “Shimanamae”.In 2013, it was certified as a “World Geopark” as a place where you can learn about the “mystery of the birth of the earth” and the connection between man and nature. Oki is a volcanic island that has been eroded by waves and winds to its present form. The beautiful scenery created by nature is said to be one of the best in the world, and each island is a remote island with many places of interest.
There are three ways to get to the Oki Islands from the mainland: ferry, high-speed boat Rainbow Jet and airplane. The ferry ride from Shichirukui Port (Miho-Kan-cho, Matsue City) takes about two and a half hours, and the high-speed ferry ride takes about one hour. Boats to Oki also depart from Tottori Prefectural Port.By airplane, Oki World Geopark Airport in Dogo is about 30 minutes from Izumo Enryu Airport and about 50 minutes from Osaka (Itami) Airport.
You can travel between the three islands on a domestic cruise ship that operates daily. The only way to get from Dozen to Dogo is by ferry or Rainbow Jet high speed boat.
🤗 Oki, a magical island with a beautiful view of the vibrant land
Ginoshima-cho (Dogo), K隠岐の島町 (道後)
It is the largest island in the Oki Archipelago. When you look out from the coast, you can see cliffs and strange rocks carved by the raging waves of the Sea of Japan, and the emerald green sea emphasizes its majesty. In addition, about 80% of the area is covered by forests, and mysterious power spots such as mysterious giant trees and waterfalls are popular.
Recommended Sights
01 Candle Island Cruise
Candle Island is the most popular and recommended spot in Okinoshima Town. The sun sets in the west and overlaps with the tops of the oddly shaped boulders 20m above sea level, presenting a magnificent view as if they were lighted candles.
There is an observation deck nearby, but the beautiful candle-like sunset view can only be seen from a cruise ship. Also, depending on the season, weather and sea conditions, it may not be possible to see the sunset, so it is recommended to check the weather in advance.
02 Tanqiao Falls
This is a famous waterfall attraction selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan and one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. Tanahashi Shrine is located in the center of a screen-like rock wall, flanked by a 50m high male waterfall and a 40m high female waterfall.
The view of the rock wall and the greenery surrounding it is truly magical. You can feel the energy of nature, and the area has been known as an energy resort since ancient times. On or after rainy days, the volume of water increases, creating impressive waterfalls.
03 Iwakura Breasted Cedar
This is a huge tree that stands on Mt. Omansuji, the highest peak in Okinoshima-cho, 608 meters above sea level. This sacred tree at Iwakura Shrine is said to be about 800 years old and has been designated as a prefectural natural monument.
The 20 or so milky roots growing about 10 meters above the ground are as beautiful as works of art. The long strips can reach up to about 2.6 meters, allowing you to experience the vibrancy of nature up close. Even in summer, the place is cool, giving it a mysterious atmosphere.
Haisumachi (Nakanoshima)
The area is blessed with abundant springs, including Amagawa Water, which has been selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan, and a thriving agricultural industry. It is also known as the place where Emperor Gotooba ended his life, and the culture associated with it is still passed down today. It is an island full of various charms, such as a marriage resort and branded oysters.
Recommended Sights
01 Underwater observation vessel “Amanbou”
This is a semi-submersible observation ship that departs from Hirinoura Port, aiming at Saburo Rock, which is one of the famous sights of the Sea Maiden. Saburo Rock consists of three rocks, one large, one medium and one small, called “Taro”, “Jiro” and “Saburo”, which are arranged like brothers.
The underwater observation boat “Amanbou” allows you to walk underwater for about 50 minutes. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful underwater area near the Saburo Rock, where there are seaweeds and many fish swimming. Night cruises where you can see glow-in-the-dark insects are also popular. You can enjoy a mysterious underwater walk at night.
This is a semi-submersible observation boat that departs from Hishigaura Port and aims at one of the famous sights of the sea maidens, the Sanro Rock. Saburo Rock consists of three rocks, one large, one medium and one small, called “Taro”, “Jiro” and “Saburo”, which are arranged like brothers.
The underwater observation boat “Amanbou” allows you to walk underwater for about 50 minutes. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful underwater area near the Saburo Rock, where there are seaweeds and many fish swimming. Night cruises where you can see glow-in-the-dark insects are also popular. You can enjoy a mysterious underwater walk at night.
02 Kakushi Shrine
This shrine was built in 1939 to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of retired Emperor Toba. With an area of over 50,000 square meters, it is a magnificent shrine on the island. There is a sumo wrestling arena on the grounds, and the Chibikko Sumo, held in October every year, is one of the most popular events for islanders.
Oki Shrine is also one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the Oki area. In spring, about 250 cherry trees are in full bloom.
03 Meiya Coast
The Myeonga Coast is a scenic spot with strange reddish-brown rocks and cliffs that are said to have been formed by a volcanic eruption 2.8 million years ago. It is called “Heart Rock” because it looks like a hollowed-out heart from different angles, and it is a popular attraction for couples as a mascot for marriage.
The sea cliffs and sea caves extend for about 1 kilometer, and the reddish-brown monstrous rocks contrast beautifully with the emerald-green waters. Not only is it a great place to enjoy a swim, it is also home to the town's campground, making it a great place to travel in the summer.
Nishinoshima-cho (Nishinoshima)
The island is dotted with grasslands and mountains where grazing has been practiced since ancient times, and it is common to see cows and horses strolling leisurely. The Kokoga Coast includes the Great Cliff Ferris Street and the Tonten Bridge, and the vibrant landscape stretches for 7 kilometers. The area is also famous for the first successful cultivation of rock oysters in Japan.
Recommended Sights
01 Kokoga Coast (Akao Observatory)
The coastline is about 7 kilometers from east to west, and the cliffs, which have been affected by sea erosion, were designated a National Natural Monument in 1933, and are said to be one of the most beautiful sights in Oki.
From the observation deck, you can see the Kokoga Coast, including the Motegai Cliffs and the Totenkyo Bridge. The absolute scale of the cliffs is over 200m and the absolute scale of the cliffs is amazing. In particular, Motegai is a large cliff with an elevation of 257m, making it the highest sea cliff in Japan.
Nearby is a 250-meter-long sea cave known as “Light and Dark Cave,” which may be accessible by sightseeing boat, depending on the sea conditions.
02 Shimae Bay Night Parade
In the evening you can explore the bay of Nishinoshima Town on a cruise ship owned by the hotel. The vast night sky is covered with glittering stars and is beautiful to behold. What's more, the night lights emit blue light in the darkness with the spray of the waves, creating a mysterious atmosphere. You can spend a special and luxurious time that you cannot experience in the city.
Feel the sound of the waves and the sea breeze while enjoying a sea view that is completely different from that of the daytime.
03 Yurabi Goddess Society
This ancient shrine is located across Yura Bay from Urado Harbor. Yurahime is enshrined as the guardian deity of the sea and protects the island's fishing industry. Yura Beach, located in front of Yura Himeji Shrine, is known as “Squid Beach” and is famous for the large number of squid that gather here from October to February every year.
There is a legend about the gathering of squid at Yura Beach, and it is said that swarms of squid started to flock to Yurahime Beach as an apology to the squid that held Yurahime Mikoto's hand while she was crossing the sea with a bucket of sweet potatoes.
Chifu Village (Chiburi Island)
It is the closest village to the mainland in the Oki Islands and the only village in the prefecture. There is still a lot of rich nature left here, and you may even encounter wild raccoons. You can also enjoy spectacular geographical spots such as Mt. Akamo, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Shimane Peninsula and Tottori Prefecture's Daisen, and the magnificent Akabeki wall created by nature.
Recommended Sights
01 Mt Redbald
Red Bald Mountain is located in the western part of Chifu Island, 325 meters above sea level. The observatory at the top of the mountain is popular as the best observatory in Oki, offering a 360-degree panoramic view. You can see the world's rare broken crater bay, the Shimane Peninsula, and Mt.
You can also enjoy the beauty of cows and horses grazing quietly and wild radish flowers blooming in spring.
02 Chibi
“Akabeko is a cliff of 50 to 200 meters high located on the west coast of the island. The surface of the reddish-brown rock, about 1 kilometer long, has been roughly carved by the raging waves of the Sea of Japan, and takes on various expressions depending on the time of day.
A particularly recommended time is around dusk. The view of the setting sun on the reddish-brown cliffs against the azure sea is beautiful.
03 The spring of the river well
This spring has been selected as one of the 100 choices for Shimane's famous water. On the island, it is used for cooking and drinking, such as cooking rice and brewing coffee. Just looking at the iconic stone statue of a raccoon warms the heart. We also recommend quenching your thirst while walking around the island.
In addition to the spring water from the river well, Chio Village is also known as a place with abundant water sources, as there are springs flowing from wells and mountaintops.
🤗 Best Season to Visit Shimane Outlying Islands
The four islands of Oki are charming spots that can be visited all year round. The scenery and seasonal cuisine change with the seasons, so no matter what time of year you visit, you can fully experience the charm of each island. Therefore, the best season to visit Shimane's outlying islands varies depending on your purpose.
For a leisurely stroll around the island, enjoying the scenery and seasonal flowers, spring and fall are recommended. If you want to enjoy marine water sports such as snorkeling and bathing, it is best to visit in summer. If you would like to enjoy delicacies such as Oki Matsuba Crab, a specialty of the Oki Islands, choose winter.
However, from November onwards and during the typhoon season, there are more days when the sea becomes rough, and boats sailing between the islands may not be able to operate as planned. Check the weather in advance before making plans.
- Author:japan guides
- URL:https://japan-guides.com/article/culture-43
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