To the mysterious island to encounter some of the most spectacular and breathtaking scenery in Japan
A healing journey among majestic scenery and gourmet island treats
Located some 50km off the Shimane peninsula are the Oki islands, designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in recognition of its abundant local resources including its geology and natural environment. Even amid the “treasure box” that is the scenery of the Oki islands, the Matengai cliff is a sight to behold. Standing at 257m, it looks like a piece of cake recently cut by a knife. Formed by the erosion of the wind and waves of the Sea of Japan over millennia, it is Japan’s highest cliff. I defy anyone not to lose all track of time as they gaze over a harmonious panorama of indigo sea, diving cliffs and dazzling blue sky.(This information is as of December 2017)
You may encounter horses and cattle roaming the fields
Tsutenkyo, the natural rock arch
Gaining a lot of attention recently as “miraculous scenery” is Rosoku-jima (Candle Island), a 20m high rock formation sitting off the coast. Enjoy a scenic cruise as you wait for the sun to set, forming a beautiful rose palette on the water. Then, for a moment, the sun is shines above the tip of the rock, forming a resplendent scene: it appears as if a giant candle has lit up. Of course it depends on the weather but those who witness the natural lantern will find the dreamy spectacle has a heart-warming effect.
The 800-year old giant Iwakura Chichi-sugi (“breast”) tree, with 24 large and small bosom-shaped appendages on its trunk
The Oki Islands are known for their succulent seafood. At Ryoba, a small restaurant run by a fishing family, sample the 1,080 yen Sazae-donburi (tenderly boiled sazae turban shell with a splash of dashi served on a steaming bowl of rice) or the 1,200 yen Shiroika-donburi, raw squid and egg mixed with a secret soy-based sauce and hot rice. This is truly a place to enjoy fishermen’s cooking that makes the most of the flavor of fresh seafood.
Shiroika-donburi is served only when squid has been caught
The Oki Islands are known for their succulent seafood. At Ryoba, a small restaurant run by a fishing family, sample the 1,080 yen Sazae-donburi (tenderly boiled sazae turban shell with a splash of dashi served on a steaming bowl of rice) or the 1,200 yen Shiroika-donburi, raw squid and egg mixed with a secret soy-based sauce and hot rice. This is truly a place to enjoy fishermen’s cooking that makes the most of the flavor of fresh seafood.
Oki Islands
- Contact
- Oki Islands Tourism Association
- TEL
- +81-8512-2-1577(Oki Islands Tourism Association)
- URL
- Website
- Acsess
- Flights from Osaka (Itami) and Izumo to Oki Islands Global Geopark Airport. Ferries from Sakaiminato and Shichirui take around 2.5 hours, high-speed ferries take around 1.5 hours
- Adress
- Matengai cliff [Map] Tsutenkyo [map]
MAP
MAP
Rosoku-jima Cruise Lines
- Adress
- Meeting point is Fukuura Pier (harbor)[Fukuura Pier (harbor)-Map] or Akasaki Pier (harbor) [Akasaki Pier (harbor)-Map]
- TEL
- +81-8512-2-0787 (Okinoshima Town Tourist Association)
- Open
- Departure time varies according to time of sunset
- Closed
- Weather permitting. No cruises from November to March
- URL
- Website
- Credit card
- not accepted
- Remarks
- *Booking required by day before departure
*Junior high students and older 3,000 yen, elementary school students 1,500 yen, free for pre-schoolers
*Passengers are required to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure time
MAP
MAP
Oki Plaza Hotel
- Adress
- 11-1 Minato-machi, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane [Map]
- TEL
- +81-8512-2-0111
- Parking
- 10
- URL
- Website
- Acsess
- 5 minutes’ walk from Saigo Port, around 10 minutes’ drive from Oki Islands Global Geopark Airport
- Credit card
- accepted
- Remarks
- Two per room, one night with two meals, from 16,500 yen per person
MAP
Ryoba, Fukimaru Fish Center
- Adress
- 58 Menukinoyon, Naka-machi, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane [Map]
- TEL
- +81-8512-2-6600
- Open
- 11:00-14:00 *Bookings required
- Closed
- Tuesdays
- Seats
- 60
- Parking
- 5
- Acsess
- 2 minutes’ walk from Saigo Port, around 10 minutes’ drive from Oki Islands Global Geopark Airport
MAP
Nearby
Features
Kagawa Prefecture is known as the gateway to Shikoku. Its capital is Takamatsu City, home to a wide range of interesting sightseeing spots.
With famous local dishes such as Sanuki udon and Kagawa-style chicken drumstick, and a wide range of lovingly-made traditional handcrafts that make excellent souvenirs, the city is well worth visiting.
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TAKAMATSU
Kagawa Prefecture is known as the gateway to Shikoku. Its capital is Takamatsu City, home to a wide range of interesting sightseeing spots.
With famous local dishes such as Sanuki udon and Kagawa-style chicken drumstick, and a wide range of lovingly-made traditional handcrafts that make excellent souvenirs, the city is well worth visiting.
The Night-time Food & Drinks Guide is a free pamphlet available in Takamatsu City with maps that features the best dining in the area. Check out the detailed information on the cafes, bars, restaurants, udon shops, and more recommended by the editors.
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Night-time Food & Drinks Guide
The Night-time Food & Drinks Guide is a free pamphlet available in Takamatsu City with maps that features the best dining in the area. Check out the detailed information on the cafes, bars, restaurants, udon shops, and more recommended by the editors.
Home to the headwaters of the Takahashi River, Niimi City in northwestern Okayama Prefecture is surrounded by lush nature and boasts over 200 limestone caves. There are also many tasty local foods, including Chiyagyu Wagyu beef and Pione, a grape known for its size and sweetness, making Niimi a great destination for your next trip.
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NIIMI
Home to the headwaters of the Takahashi River, Niimi City in northwestern Okayama Prefecture is surrounded by lush nature and boasts over 200 limestone caves. There are also many tasty local foods, including Chiyagyu Wagyu beef and Pione, a grape known for its size and sweetness, making Niimi a great destination for your next trip.
Seasons
Destinations
A peaceful body of water surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is renowned for its many beautiful islands and scenic views. Known also as the Aegean of the East, it attracts countless visitors from around the world.
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SETOUCHI
A peaceful body of water surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is renowned for its many beautiful islands and scenic views. Known also as the Aegean of the East, it attracts countless visitors from around the world.
Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea.
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OKAYAMA
Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea.
Hiroshima, the International City of Peace, is known throughout the world for its two World Heritage sites and for being the setting of superb literary works. This is a compulsory stop for connoisseurs from around Japan looking for unique food culture, not least of which are okonomiyaki, said to be Japan's national dish, and oysters.
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HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima, the International City of Peace, is known throughout the world for its two World Heritage sites and for being the setting of superb literary works. This is a compulsory stop for connoisseurs from around Japan looking for unique food culture, not least of which are okonomiyaki, said to be Japan's national dish, and oysters.
Shimane Prefecture is redolent of tradition, boasting a large number of nationally-recognized historical and cultural treasures such as the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and Matsue Castle. Its large number of hot springs means it attracts a large number of people seeking healing in body and soul. It is also popular among visitors who can enjoy the fresh seafood from its Japan Sea coast and traditional foods such as soba noodle and Japanese sweets.
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SHIMANE
Shimane Prefecture is redolent of tradition, boasting a large number of nationally-recognized historical and cultural treasures such as the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and Matsue Castle. Its large number of hot springs means it attracts a large number of people seeking healing in body and soul. It is also popular among visitors who can enjoy the fresh seafood from its Japan Sea coast and traditional foods such as soba noodle and Japanese sweets.
In the northern part of the prefecture facing the Sea of Japan, there is a beautiful stretch of coastline of the Tottori Sand Dunes and white sand and pine trees while the south is a majestic mountain range including Mt. Daisen, the tallest peak of the Chugoku region. Tottori is therefore an area of natural beauty changing by the season, where delicacies from the sea and the mountains await.
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TOTTORI
In the northern part of the prefecture facing the Sea of Japan, there is a beautiful stretch of coastline of the Tottori Sand Dunes and white sand and pine trees while the south is a majestic mountain range including Mt. Daisen, the tallest peak of the Chugoku region. Tottori is therefore an area of natural beauty changing by the season, where delicacies from the sea and the mountains await.
Kagawa is the smallest prefecture in Japan. It is famous in Japan and abroad for being home to Sanuki udon, one of the “big three” udon noodle varieties, to the point that Kagawa is also known as “Udon Prefecture.” Kagawa is also gaining ground as a leader of Japan’s art culture by serving as the stage for the Setouchi Trienniale, a renowned contemporary arts festival.
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KAGAWA
Kagawa is the smallest prefecture in Japan. It is famous in Japan and abroad for being home to Sanuki udon, one of the “big three” udon noodle varieties, to the point that Kagawa is also known as “Udon Prefecture.” Kagawa is also gaining ground as a leader of Japan’s art culture by serving as the stage for the Setouchi Trienniale, a renowned contemporary arts festival.
Kochi Prefecture is a premier destination for natural beauty, with its dynamic, warm Kuroshio current-bathed coastline, crystal-clear rivers such as the Niyodogawa famous for its “miracle blue” waters, and ample scenic hotspots. It is also popular as a foodie destination, a variety of seafood including skipjack tuna and its delicious sake rice wine.
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KOCHI
Kochi Prefecture is a premier destination for natural beauty, with its dynamic, warm Kuroshio current-bathed coastline, crystal-clear rivers such as the Niyodogawa famous for its “miracle blue” waters, and ample scenic hotspots. It is also popular as a foodie destination, a variety of seafood including skipjack tuna and its delicious sake rice wine.
Many people flock to Ehime prefecture to soothe their mind and body with the healing waters of Japan's oldest hot springs resort Dogo Onsen, and the breathtaking Tashimabi scenery of numerous islands scattered throughout the Seto Inland Sea, as seen from the Shimanami Kaido bridge route connecting six of the larger islands. In addition to these and other attractions, Ehime is also blessed with a warm climate and locally grown citrus fruits, as well as an abundance of seafood sourced from the three coastal waters that surround it.
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EHIME
Many people flock to Ehime prefecture to soothe their mind and body with the healing waters of Japan's oldest hot springs resort Dogo Onsen, and the breathtaking Tashimabi scenery of numerous islands scattered throughout the Seto Inland Sea, as seen from the Shimanami Kaido bridge route connecting six of the larger islands. In addition to these and other attractions, Ehime is also blessed with a warm climate and locally grown citrus fruits, as well as an abundance of seafood sourced from the three coastal waters that surround it.
Tokushima prefecture magnificently captures the beautiful nature and traditional culture of Japan in its many attractions including the Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge, one of the country's three uniquely structured bridges, and the Iya Valley region with its preserved nostalgic rural scenery. A trip to Tokushima will surely be unforgettable as you marvel at the Naruto whirlpool, one of Japan's top three tidal streams, and experience the excitement of the country's hallmark Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival.
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TOKUSHIMA
Tokushima prefecture magnificently captures the beautiful nature and traditional culture of Japan in its many attractions including the Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge, one of the country's three uniquely structured bridges, and the Iya Valley region with its preserved nostalgic rural scenery. A trip to Tokushima will surely be unforgettable as you marvel at the Naruto whirlpool, one of Japan's top three tidal streams, and experience the excitement of the country's hallmark Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival.
