Visit the spectacular scenery of the Oki Islands. Top 10 Spots to See in Shimane Prefecture's Oki Islands, UNESCO Global Geopark-designated Remote Islands

1. Kuniga Coast (Nishinoshima Island, Nishinoshima Town)

Located on the western coast of Nishinoshima Island, Kuniga Coast is the home to Matengai Cliff and Tsūtenkyō Arch, which are 2 of the most iconic spots of Oki. The hiking track at Kuniga Coast will provide you with the perfect opportunity to experience the breathtaking views of the coast at first hand. To get the perfect picture of Matengai Cliff from top to bottom, hop on the sightseeing boat (external site)! You will also be able to see more photogenic spots along the coast!

Kuniga Coast

Nishinoshima Town, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 684-0303

Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument in 1938, Kuniga Coast is dotted with natural wonders. The highlight of the coast is Matengai Cliff. At 257 m tall, the cliff is one of the highest sea cliffs in Japan, and it looks like as if it was cut out of the land with a huge knife. Standing atop the sheer cliff looking down at the sea, you can feel the enormity of nature. Tsūtenkyō Arch is a huge rock arch which can be found near the bottom of Matengai Cliff. The arch was carved out of the rock over time by the sea and wind, showing the power of nature. Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Kuniga Coast. Hop on a sightseeing bus or book a sightseeing taxi for a relaxed journey, and maybe enter some sea caves on the sightseeing boat (if the weather permits)!

2. Rōsoku-jima (Candle Island) (Dōgo Island, Okinoshima Town)

Rising 20 meters vertically out of the water, the sea stack is the icon of Dōgo. The stack gained its name because it looks like a candle lit by the sun when it sets and aligns with the rock. To witness the miraculous moment, join the sightseeing boat tour (external site)!  

Rōsoku-jima (Candle Island)

Fuse, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture 685-0412

Standing about 20 meters tall, this strange rock looks like a huge candle being lit on fire when the setting sun is lined up just right with the tip of the rock. The sightseeing boats schedule their departure around sunset. Bring your camera and aim for a breathtaking shot!

3. Sekiheki (Red Cliff) (Chiburijima Island, Chibu Village)

The Red Cliff of Chiburijima Island is a must-visit spot. The red rock, oxidized lava rich in iron, gave this stunning cliff its name. Here you can enjoy the extraordinary landscape, learn about the geological features of the area and feel the power of the Earth. The view of Sekiheki from the lookout is breathtaking, but the view of the cliff from the water is strikingly memorable. Join the sunset cruise (external site) and catch the unforgettable sight of the cliff turn flaming red by the rays of the setting sun.   

Sekiheki (Red Cliff)

Chibu Village, Oki-gun, Shimane 684-0100

This precious cliff gives us insight into volcanic activity that took place here around 6 million years ago. Lava erupting from here was rich in iron and oxidized when it contacted the air. This caused it to change color to this vibrant red. After that, magma with different composition rose through the volcanic vent and formed the white dike visible from the lookout point. Strong waves have worn away at the rock, creating the red cliff we see today. Come and take a peek at the inside of a volcano! If you like exploring, you can hike to here from Kurii Port (one way 1.5 - 2 hr).

4. Chichi-sugi Japanese Cedar (Dōgo Island, Okinoshima Town)

Approximately 60 minutes by car from Saigō Port, this 40 meters tall Japanese cedar tree is estimated to be 800 years old. The strangely-shaped drooping roots gained the tree its name. Serene and tranquil, this is a perfect location for forest bathing and embracing Oki’s nature.

Chichi-sugi Japanese Cedar

Fuse, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture 685-0412

This tree is 800 years old and about 30 m tall, with a 5 m trunk that branches into 15 parts. From these parts hang about 24 large and small drooping roots. Here you can feel a mysterious atmosphere in an area that feels cool even in the summer, particularly just after rain. Close by the tree are two trail entrances to Mt. Daimanji (around 1 hour one way, steep). Around 15 minutes walk up the hill is the entrance to the trail for Washigamine Ridge and Byōbu-iwa (Folding Screen Rock). It is recommended to hire a guide when hiking these trails. Ask for information about these trails at the Okinoshima Town Tourism Association.

5. Yui Maenosu Intertidal Shore Platform (Dōgo Island, Okinoshima Town)

Located on the western shore of Dōgo, this intertidal shore platform is a hidden gem of the Oki Islands. The shore platform is crafted by wind and sea erosion. The Oki version of “the Mirror of the Sky” appears when the tide is low and waves are calm. Since this shore platform is half hidden under the waves, make sure to plan ahead before heading out!
*If you are planning to venture on a walk on the platform, please bring along your marine shoes or sandals that you don’t mind getting wet. Don’t forget a towel to clean off your feet!
*Keep track of the tide and the weather.

Yui Maenosu Intertidal Shore Platform

Oil well in Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture 685-0102

The waters along the coast here are very shallow, and with good weather conditions the water surface becomes a natural mirror, reflecting the sun. This platform is composed of sediments from the time when the land forming the current island was located at the bottom of a large lake (about 20 million years ago). The land was later eroded by wind and waves, and continues to be eroded today. Maenosu forms the largest wave-cut platform on Dōgo Island, with an expanse of 170 m by 220 m. Bring your sandals and take a leisurely walk through the shallow waters while enjoying the sunset.

6. Takuhi Shrine (Nishinoshima Island, Nishinoshima Town)

Half hidden inside a cave, the wooden shrine building of Takuhi Shrine, built in 1732, is the oldest in the Oki Islands. Since the shrine is located on Mount Takuhi, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Dōzen Islands, and catch a glimpse of mainland Japan on a clear day. The hike up to the shrine is short and enjoyable, and there are bamboo hiking sticks at the entrance of the hiking track as well for those who wish to use them. Don’t forget to keep an eye out on the Japanese pit vipers and hornets that live there!   

Takuhi Shrine

Mt. Takuhi, Nishinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture 684-0303

The wooden shrine building, created in 1732, is the oldest remaining in the Oki Islands, and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The area surrounding the shrine is within a protected environmental area, and interesting flora and fauna can be observed there.

7. Nagu-saki Cape (Dōgo Island, Okinoshima Town)

Nagu-saki Cape is also located on the western shore of Dogō Island, and quite close to Yui Maenosu Intertical Shore Platform. Here you can enjoy a short walk from the carpark to the lighthouse and admire the beauty of the Dōzen Islands, which are visible in the distance. Since part of the walking trail is inside a pasture, closed shoes are highly recommended and make sure not to disturb the cows that are enjoying their time at the cape too!Due to the special landscape, it can be very windy at Nagu-saki Cape. Bring a windbreaker with you.  

Nagu-saki Cape

Nagu, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture 685-0103

This cape commands a sweeping view of the sea and the Dōzen Islands in the distance. Next to the observation deck stands the nostalgic old lantern that acted as a lighthouse, which the people of Nagu area used to light every day. There is a short trail down to the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula. Cows graze in this area, so be careful not to frighten them and disturb their lunch. Nagu-saki Cape is also a popular sunset spot. At dusk, the setting sun sinking into the horizon and the Dōzen Islands is very romantic.

8. Mt. Akahage (Chiburijima Island, Chibu Village)

The summit of Mt. Akahage, at 325 m, is the highest point of Chiburijima Island. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the island, and here is also the place where you can take a picture of all the 4 major islands of Oki! If the weather is fine, you can also catch the sight of mainland Japan.  

Mt. Akahage

〒684-0100 Chibu Village, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture

Mt. Akahage is Chiburijima Island's highest peak at 325 m above sea level. This is the best spot for seeing an amazing 360° panorama, with all four islands of the archipelago before your eyes. If the weather is good enough, you can see as far as mainland Honshu island and Mt. Daisen, a 1729-meter-high peak in the neighbouring prefecture Tottori. In the spring you can enjoy a picturesque scene of the wild radish flowers blooming all around while the cows and horses quietly graze.

9. Akiya Coast (Nakanoshima Island, Ama Town)

Located on the north-eastern coast of Nakanoshima Island, the picturesque Heart Rock of Akiya Coast is another popular sightseeing spot. A short path from the carpark will lead you closer to the Heart Rock (inaccessible by foot), and while you are there, don’t miss out the opportunity to check out the red-coloured cliff, which contrasts beautifully against the blue sea!  

Akiya Coast

Toyoda, Ama-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane 684-0402

The blue of the sea stands in stark contrast to the vibrant red of the sheer rock cliff on this coast. You can find the instagrammable rock, Heart Rock, sitting on the surface of the sea. Akiya Beach and Akiya Campground (reservation required) are also here. Akiya Coast is located on the northeastern coast of Nakanoshima Island and faces the Dōgo Channel. The highest tides cover parts of the path along the cliff, and the sea can be rough at times. Please stay alert to weather conditions.

10. Saburō-iwa Rocks (Nakanoshima Island, Ama Town)

Literally meaning “Three Brothers”, Saburō-iwa Rocks are three sea stacks standing northeast of Hishiura Port. Popular with the islanders, they are named Tarō, Jirō and Saburō respectively. Since the “Three Brothers” are inaccessible by foot, to catch a better glimpse of them, hop on the underwater viewing boat (external site)! The 50-minute tour will not only bring you closer to the “Three Brothers”, but will also give you an opportunity to enjoy the landscape underwater!  

Saburō-iwa Rocks

〒684-0403 Ama-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture

These three rocks are named Tarō (largest), Jirō (middle) and Saburō (smallest). It is said that they are brothers, and they are a popular sight for tourists on board the ferry or Underwater Viewing Boat AMANBOW. If you wish to see them from the land, they are best seen from Nishinoshima Island. The "Three Brothers" are sea stacks, an interesting rock formation created by sea and wind erosion. Beneath the water surface, it is a wonderland of marine life.

For more information about the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, please visit our official English Website!  

Author: Cleo Wong