A Journey Beginning with a Breathtaking Sight

Located about 40 to 80 kilometers north of the Shimane Peninsula in the Sea of Japan, the Oki Islands are an archipelago of about 180 islands belonging to Shimane Prefecture. Of these, four are inhabited: Nishinoshima (Nishinoshima Town), Nakanoshima (Ama Town), Chiburijima (Chibu Village), collectively known as "Dōzen," and the largest island, Dōgo.

Born from volcanic activity around 6 million years ago, the Oki Islands have developed their unique landscapes through subsequent crustal movements and wave erosion. The islands feature a variety of landscapes, including sheer cliffs, unique rock formations, grasslands, and vast ocean views. In 2013, they were designated as the "Oki UNESCO Global Geopark." These are truly special islands in Japan, where the history of the Earth and the lives of people coexist.

The representative scenic spots on Nishinoshima are the "Kuniga Coast" (Kuniga Kaigan) and its centerpiece, "Matengai Cliff" (Matengai).

This is one of the iconic sites of the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark, where the dynamic landscape has been shaped over time by erosion from the sea. Among them, Matengai Cliff is a large sea cliff rising about 257 metres above sea level. The view of the Sea of Japan from the top of the sheer cliff is truly breathtaking, with a scale that makes you feel the vastness of the Earth. There is a walking trail from Matengai Cliff down to Kuniga Beach, allowing you to enjoy a stroll while taking in the panoramic views of the cliffs and the Sea of Japan.

What Shiho found especially memorable was the presence of horses and cattle living in this area. The sight of horses grazing freely in the grasslands is reminiscent of the great plains overseas. “It felt as if we humans were visiting the animals’ home,” she says. Being able to feel close to the animals’ lives in the midst of nature is a unique charm of this place.

Within the Kuniga Coast area, "Tsūtenkyō Arch," a natural rock formation created by wave erosion, is a particularly popular scenic spot. The natural beauty of the arch-shaped rock, whose centre has been carved out by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan, looks just like a gigantic sculpture. The rock arch rising against the backdrop of the sea and sky is one of the highlights of the Kuniga Coast.

What left a strong impression on Shiho was not only the scenery, but also the rock surfaces themselves. The strata and differently coloured layers of earth etched into the rocks allow you to feel the history of the Earth, shaped by crustal movements and sedimentation. As Shiho recalls, "It felt as if I was witnessing the energy of the Earth pushing upwards." Here, you can sense up close the workings of the planet, carved out over tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of years.

Located partway up Mt. Takuhi on Nishinoshima Island, "Takuhi Shrine" has long been revered as a guardian deity for safe sea travel. The shrine buildings, constructed as if nestled against a massive rock cave, are rare even in Japan, and the main hall, connecting hall, and worship hall are designated as Important Cultural Properties. The mountain itself is said to be the object of worship, making this a place that carries on Oki's tradition of nature worship to this day.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk up the mountain path from the parking lot to the shrine. Untouched nature surrounds the approach, creating a quiet space filled with the sounds of birds and insects. As Shiho recalls, "It felt like a place where you could receive the power and energy of nature," the shrine grounds, surrounded by thick, towering trees and massive rocks, exude a unique mystical atmosphere. With few tourists, the sounds of nature leave a stronger impression than the presence of people, and one of the charms is being able to take your time visiting the shrine while feeling the cliffs and rocks up close.

The accommodation facility "Entô" on Nakanoshima (Ama Town) serves as both a base for the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark and an accommodation facility, offering the unique experience of staying as if you were one with Oki's natural surroundings. All rooms—NEST DX, WA, JS, and SU—feature picture frames, with large windows that jut out toward the sea like giant frames. Through the wall-to-wall windows, the Dōzen Caldera Bay stretches out before you, creating a special space that feels as if you are looking at a landscape painting. Shiho recalls, "The floor-to-ceiling glass windows made me feel as if I had the entire view to myself, which was amazing." In fact, she decided to stay here specifically to see this view.

The guest rooms are equipped with terraces and bathrooms, allowing you to spend a relaxing time while gazing out at the sea. The Dōzen Caldera Bay stretches out before you, and simply watching the passing boats or feeling the sea breeze on the terrace becomes one of the pleasures of your stay.

Rather than "going to see a spectacular view," you can "spend time within a spectacular view." This is a special place to stay where you can experience the nature of Oki with all five senses.

About 25 minutes by rental bicycle from "Entô" is Oki Shrine, a famous spot on Nakanoshima (Ama Town) that Shiho also visited. It was established to enshrine Emperor Go-Toba, who was exiled to Oki after the Jōkyū War in 1221. The shrine, which was completed in 1939 on the 700th anniversary of Emperor Go-Toba's death, is relatively new. The spacious grounds feature a row of cherry trees said to be the finest in Oki. Next to the shrine is the Ama Town Go-Toba-in Museum, where treasures of Oki Shrine and materials about the island are on display, allowing visitors to learn about the legends of Emperor Go-Toba passed down in Oki.

Another experience you should not miss when visiting Oki Shrine is the "nighttime visit." Guided tours of the shrine grounds at night and special experiences such as receiving a Shinto purification ritual in the quietly solemn atmosphere of the worship hall are available (advance reservation required). The mystical atmosphere under the starry sky, so different from the daytime tranquility, will surely become an unforgettable memory of your trip.

Oki Geopark Promotion Organization

Located in the deep greenery of Dōgo, Dangyō Falls is one of Oki's most famous waterfalls, having been selected as one of the "100 Great Waterfalls of Japan" and "100 Famous Waters of Japan." Two waterfalls, the approximately 50-metre Otaki (male waterfall) and the approximately 40-metre Metaki (female waterfall), cascade down on either side of Dangyo Shrine, which sits in the centre of the rock wall. As you walk along the approach lined with cedar trees, the clear sound of flowing water and the dynamic scenery unfold before your eyes.

The greatest attraction of this waterfall is that you can view the Otaki from behind—a "waterfall you can view from behind."." Shiho-san also praised it, saying, "Water flows down like a curtain from a high place, and you can look up while being showered with spray. There are very few places in Japan where you can experience such a powerful waterfall from behind, making it well worth a visit." It is truly a unique scenic spot where you can feel the strength and energy of Oki's rich nature with all your senses.

Oki Geopark Promotion Organization

Oki Geopark Promotion Organization

Located on the west side of Dōgo, "Yuimae-no-su" is a shallow coastal area with a flat rock bed stretching for about 200 metres. At low tide, you can walk through the sea, and it is also known as a popular sunset-viewing spot. On calm days with no wind or waves, the water surface beautifully reflects the sky, creating a magical, mirror-like landscape.

When Shiho visited, she also spent a beautiful evening with her feet in the water. “The shallow coastline stretches far into the distance, and you can actually walk out into the water. Especially at sunset, you can enjoy the view of the sun setting right in front of you, with orange light reflecting off the surface of the sea,” she shares. Watching the sun set to the sound of gentle waves is sure to become an unforgettable highlight of your island trip.

Oki Geopark Promotion Organization

Candle Island (Rōsoku-jima), which rises offshore from Dōgo, is a slender, unusual rock formation about 20 metres tall. True to its name, at dusk the setting sun aligns perfectly with the tip of the rock, creating a magical scene as if a real candle has been lit.

This miraculous sight can only be seen from aboard the “Candle Island Sightseeing Boat,” which departs from Fukuura Port or Omosu Port on Dogo Island. The boat is carefully guided to the best position, taking into account the weather, wave conditions, and the angle of the setting sun. Waiting for that golden, miraculous moment surrounded by the sound of the waves is truly a special experience. This breathtaking scenic view is a sight not to be missed when visiting Oki.

Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Oki Islands are a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and the rare branded wagyu known as "Oki Beef."

Thanks to the islands being surrounded by the sea, the catch of the day is exceptionally fresh. Shiho also visited a sushi restaurant for lunch (such as Aira in Ama Town) and enjoyed a deluxe kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) made with the day's catch.

Another must-try is the rare branded wagyu "Oki Beef," carefully raised in the islands' vast natural environment. Shiho also visited the popular restaurant “Shima Umare Shima Sodachi Oki Gyuten” near her hotel, where she enjoyed melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful beef. Be sure to enjoy these ingredients nurtured by Oki's rich natural environment during your visit.

Lake Shinji

Along with your trip to the Oki Islands, be sure to enjoy some of the most appealing sightseeing spots on the Shimane mainland. In particular, Matsue Castle and Lake Shinji in the Matsue area are close to each other, making them easy to visit together as a popular sightseeing route. After strolling through the historic streets around the National Treasure Matsue Castle, head to Lake Shinji, famous as one of Japan’s top sunset spots. The sunset, turning the lakeshore red as it sinks, is breathtakingly beautiful and highly recommended by Shiho. Another must-visit in Shimane is Izumo Taisha, known nationwide as a sacred place for bringing people together. It is a place said to be filled with special spiritual energy, well worth visiting before or after your trip to Oki. The impressive giant shimenawa (sacred rope) at the Kaguraden and the clear, peaceful atmosphere of the shrine grounds make it an ideal place to start or end your journey.

Even for Shiho, who has seen countless breathtaking landscapes, the Oki Islands are a truly special place where you can feel the dynamic forces of the Earth firsthand. "The scenery, where you can truly sense the power of crustal movements over periods spanning tens of thousands or even millions of years, is incredibly captivating. There are four inhabited islands in Oki, each with its own unique character, making you want to visit again and again," she says.

What left the biggest impression on her were the unique experiences and warm encounters that can only be found on the islands. "As I cycled around the islands on an electric rental bike, I saw cows lying in the middle of the road and horses suddenly appearing. Being able to see animals in their natural surroundings up close is something unique to Oki. There are also stylish and charming cafés run by young people who have relocated to the islands, where you can relax and enjoy the lively local atmosphere."

The dynamic scenery created by the Earth, along with everyday sights and encounters you can only experience here—why not set out for the Oki Islands and experience a journey that will satisfy all your senses?