Fun Facts about Nishinoshima, Shimane

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Fun Facts about Nishinoshima, Shimane

Located off the shore of Shimane Prefecture, Nishinoshima Island is a hidden gem, even to travellers from within Japan! So, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce a few interesting facts about Nishinoshima. Knowing these facts will make your island holiday on Nishinoshima Island more enjoyable!

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Nishinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture

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Nishinoshima is the second largest island of the Oki Islands. Located in the Sea of Japan, Nishinoshima is approximately 65km off the coast of Shimane Peninsula in Shimane Prefecture. Nishinoshima is one of the four inhabited islands in Oki, and the town on Nishinoshima Island is called Nishinoshima Town. Formed by volcanic activity about 5.5 million years ago, Nishinoshima is the home to Oki’s must-see sightseeing spots, Matengai Cliff and Tsutenkyo Arch, fresh seafood such as Oki rock oysters, traditional cultures such as Kagura Shinto dance and Dengaku dance. Nishinoshima is a charming island filled with nature, culture, rich food and warmth of people.

Fact 1: Nishinoshima is the name of the town and the island.


The Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture are made up of many islands. The four largest islands are inhabited, and Nishinoshima Town is located on Nishinoshima Island, the second largest island of the Oki Islands. 

Fact 2: The ferries call at Beppu Port.

Fun Facts about Nishinoshima, Shimane

Nishinoshima is a small island and does not have an airport; the island can be accessed by ferries operated by the Oki Kisen Ferry Line. The ferries and fast ferry Rainbow Jet call at Beppu Port.

Fun Facts about Nishinoshima, Shimane

Before getting on any of the ferries operated by Oki Kisen Ferry Line, all passengers are required to fill in a Passenger Boarding Form. The names of the ferries and ports are all printed on the form. Circle the name of the ferry you are taking, and make sure to circle “Beppu” if you are coming to Nishinoshima.

Fact 3: There is also a port called Uragō Port.

Fun Facts about Nishinoshima, Shimane

In the past, the Oki Kisen ferries also called at Uragō Port, but that was until 2007. Located in Uragō area on the western part of Nishinoshima Island, Uragō Port is now a fishing port, and the sightseeing boat boarding point is also there.

Nishinoshima is also a port of call for cruise ships, and cruise ships always call at Uragō Port. After the cruise ship anchors, tenders are lowered to ferry passengers to shore.

Fact 4: There are horses and cows, but not deer, wild boars or bears!

Fun Facts about Nishinoshima, Shimane

Horses and cows are kept on the island, and
they are put out to pasture for most of the time, thus creating a peaceful
pastoral scene. You might be able to see cows and horses grazing away at
Matengai Cliff, Onimai Lookout and other sightseeing spots located inside
pastures.

There are no deer, wild boars, bears, nor even
monkeys on the island, so you won’t have to worry about encountering any while
you’re out exploring. However, please be careful not to get too close to the
cows or horses.

Fact 5: The famous “Oki no Iwagaki” oysters were born here.

Fun Facts about Nishinoshima, Shimane

Nishinoshima was the first place in Japan where iwagaki oyster farming was carried out successfully. The iwagaki oysters farmed here in Nishinoshima are branded as “Oki no Iwagaki”, and they are renowned for their large size and creamy flavour. “Oki no Iwagaki” are in season from March to May; don’t miss the chance to try them fresh on the island!

Fact 6: There’s a Montbell Corner in Nishinoshima.

Fun Facts about Nishinoshima, Shimane

In November 2024, Montbell, the Japanese outdoor clothing and equipment brand, has opened its first island shop in Nishinoshima! The Oki Nishinoshima Montbell Corner is located inside the Beppu Port Ferry Terminal. They also have the Nishinoshima-exclusive t-shirt, so make sure to swing by!

There’s still a lot more!

There are still many more interesting facts about Nishinoshima. If you’d like to learn more about our town and island, consider hiring a tour guide when you visit us. The tour guides will help you gain a richer experience on the island!

Nishinoshima Town, Shimane Prefecture

Nishinoshima is the second largest island of the Oki Islands. Located in the Sea of Japan, Nishinoshima is approximately 65km off the coast of Shimane Peninsula in Shimane Prefecture. Nishinoshima is one of the four inhabited islands in Oki, and the town on Nishinoshima Island is called Nishinoshima Town. Formed by volcanic activity about 5.5 million years ago, Nishinoshima is the home to Oki’s must-see sightseeing spots, Matengai Cliff and Tsutenkyo Arch, fresh seafood such as Oki rock oysters, traditional cultures such as Kagura Shinto dance and Dengaku dance. Nishinoshima is a charming island filled with nature, culture, rich food and warmth of people.

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