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Okinoshima

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City
—°3
Okinoshima (Japan)
ℹ️

Practical info — Okinoshima

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Book your ferry tickets (Oki Kisen) in advance, especially if you plan to take a car to the island.
  • A rental car is almost essential on the island as public transport is very limited and infrequent.
  • Take a boat tour to Candle Rock (Rosoku-jima) timed perfectly for the sunset.
  • Visit Tamawakasumito Shrine to see the 'Yao-sugi' giant cedar, estimated to be over 2000 years old.
  • Keep an eye out for the sea urchin season in summer for the freshest local seafood experience.

🍽 Food

🍽
Oki Beef

High-quality Wagyu from cattle raised on the island's sea-breeze pastures; best enjoyed as steak.

🍽
Sazae Curry

A local comfort food made with turban shell meat, found in cozy cafes near the ferry terminals.

🍽
Iwagaki (Rock Oysters)

Huge oysters harvested in early summer, best eaten raw with just a squeeze of lemon.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Obsidian Crafts

Okinoshima was once a hub for obsidian; look for handmade jewelry or decorative items.

🛍
Local Sake

Island breweries use soft mountain spring water to create a unique and smooth flavor.

🧘
Akao Lookout

A spectacular spot to admire the Kuniga Coast cliffs in relative solitude.

🧘
Yurahime Shrine

A peaceful waterfront shrine known for the legend of the squids that visit the bay.

Okinoshima is the largest of the Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark in the Sea of Japan. The town is characterized by its rugged volcanic cliffs, such as the towering Jodogaura Coast, and pristine waters great for snorkeling. Fukuura Beach (福浦海水浴場) and Fuse Beach (布施海水浴場) are local favorites, offering calm spots for swimming amidst impressive geological formations. The island is rich in culture, known for traditional bull sumo (Ushi-tsuki) and ancient shrines like Mizuwakasusu-jinja. Dense forests and hidden waterfalls provide excellent hiking opportunities. Its remote location has preserved a distinct way of life and ecosystem, making it a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can access the island via ferry or plane from mainland Japan. It provides a unique blend of geological wonders and traditional island hospitality, far from the typical tourist trails.

Geography

Population
13,433 (2024)
Coordinates
36.21349, 133.31151

Facts

  • Shimane Prefecture
  • Oki Islands
  • UNESCO Geopark
  • Bull Sumo
  • Volcanic cliffs
  • Sea of Japan
  • Remote getaway
  • Mizuwakasusu Shrine

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SakaiminatoSakaiminato52 km · EExplore →
YonagoYonago60 km · EExplore →
MatsueMatsue64 km · SEExplore →
Adachi Museum of Art and GardenAdachi Museum of Art and Garden68 km · EExplore →
YurihamaYurihama83 km · NEExplore →
IzumoIzumo89 km · SEExplore →
Izumo-Taisha ShrineIzumo-Taisha Shrine93 km · SEExplore →
Tottori Sand DunesTottori Sand Dunes114 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Okinoshima (3)

Yin Qi Guo Fen Si⛪ religious

Oki Kokubun-ji is a historic Buddhist temple located on the Oki Islands.

Yu Ruo Zuo Ming Shen She⛪ religious

Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine is known for its ancient architecture and festivals.

Shui Zu Shen She⛪ religious

Mizuso-jinja is a traditional Shinto shrine located in Okinoshima.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Oki Islands?
A group of islands in the Sea of Japan known for their geology and untouched nature.
What is the most famous natural landmark?
Candle Island (Rosoku-jima) is a rock formation that looks like a lit candle at sunset.
How do you reach Okinoshima?
By ferry from Sakaiminato or Shichirui, or by plane to Oki Airport.
What is a local tradition?
Oki bullfighting (Ushi-tsuki) is a tradition on the islands dating back centuries.
How many days should you stay?
At least 2-3 days to explore the main island Dogo and the surrounding landscapes.
Okinoshima: where is it located?
Okinoshima is located in Japan.
Okinoshima: what is there to see?
Highlights include Yin Qi Guo Fen Si, Yu Ruo Zuo Ming Shen She, Shui Zu Shen She.
Okinoshima: why is it worth visiting?
Okinoshima is the largest of the Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark in the Sea of Japan.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Sakaiminato — Okinoshima (Japan)
Sakaiminato
A major fishing port in Tottori, famous for the Mizuki Shigeru Road and its Yokai bronze statues, plus world-class seafood.
Yonago — Okinoshima (Japan)
Yonago
A major commercial hub in Tottori, famous for Kaike Onsen—Japan’s birthplace of seaside hot springs—and views of Mount Daisen.

History & landmarks

Matsue — Okinoshima (Japan)
Matsue
Matsue, known as the "City of Water," impresses with its original castle and picturesque canals along Lake Shinji.

More places

Adachi Museum of Art and Garden — Okinoshima (Japan)
Adachi Museum of Art and Garden
Although modern, the museum's garden is famous for being voted the best Japanese garden in the country for over a decade.
Izumo-Taisha Shrine — Okinoshima (Japan)
Izumo-Taisha Shrine
One of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine — Okinoshima (Japan)
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
A large silver mine that operated from the 16th to the 20th century.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine — Okinoshima (Japan)
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
A UNESCO World Heritage site that was one of the world's most important silver mines from the 16th to the 20th century, accounting for a …