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Masuda City

Located in western Shimane, Masuda City is a beautiful city rich in nature through which the Takatsu River, called Japan's clearest stream, flows. There are many historical highlights, including two beautiful gardens (Ikō-ji and Manpuku-ji) designed by the medieval painter Sesshū, where you can enjoy the ultimate landscaping beauty that evokes the spirit of Zen. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of sunsets on the coastline and fresh seafood, while the clear waters of the Takatsu River are popular for ayu fishing and canoeing for active travelers. Since it is not overly commercialized for tourism, it is a perfect place...

Shimane
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Shimada-gama Kiln

Shimada-gama Kiln

A traditional Iwami-yaki pottery kiln in Gotsu City, continuing since the Edo period. Iwami-yaki is characterized by the technique of firing large water jars and its sturdy, functional beauty using local clay. At Shimada-gama, a massive climbing kiln (noborigama) is still in use today, and you can observe or experience the process of craftsmen handmade each piece with soul. The simple yet powerful vessels that blend into daily life are highly regarded by Mingei (folk art) fans. In addition to preserving tradition, they also produce vessels with modern designs, making it fun to find your own favorite piece. Ideal for...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Yushien Garden

A vast pond-strolling Japanese garden located on Daikonshima Island in Nakaumi, Matsue City. It is world-famous as a production area for "Peonies" (Botan), and you can enjoy beautiful large peonies all year round. Especially in early summer, the event where tens of thousands of peony flowers cover the entire surface of the garden's pond boasts an unbelievable beauty of color. It shows the peak of landscape gardening beauty in every season, such as autumn leaves and winter illuminations. Reflecting Matsue's tea culture, you can spend a luxurious time tasting authentic matcha or ginseng tea while viewing the garden. It is...

Shimane
Sightseeing
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Okuizumo Town

Located in the inland part of Shimane, this town is where the Japanese craftsman spirit breathes, once flourishing with "Tatara Ironmaking" for Japanese sword materials. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, you can enjoy landscapes of terraced rice fields, the archetypal scenery of Japan. Known as the setting for the "Yamata no Orochi" myth, spiritual legends remain throughout the town. Local "Okuizumo Soba" and rice grown in fertile soil are exquisite, satisfying even gourmets. Unlike modern tourist spots, it is an area that travelers seeking authentic Japanese traditions, history, and simple natural wealth should definitely visit.

Shimane
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Akao Observatory

Akao Observatory

An observatory offering the most beautiful angle of the Kuniga Coast on Nishinoshima. From here, you can capture a total view of Japan's top-class cliff "Maten-gai" and the natural arch "Tsuten-kyo." The contrast between gentle green hills disappearing into the cliffs and the deep blue Sea of Japan beyond is a perfected beauty, like a scene from a movie. The sunset view is also exceptional, as the changing sky colors dye the cliffs orange in a moving display. It’s a popular spot where you can easily experience the essence of the Kuniga Coast in a perfect composition, which can be...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Mt. Daimanjisan

Mt. Daimanjisan

The highest peak of Oki-no-shima Town (608m), a hiking spot offering grand views of the entire island. From the summit, you can overlook the full circular shape of Dogo Island and, in good weather, the distant mountains of the San'in region. The trails are covered in rich primeval forests, a treasure trove of nature where the Oki Salamander (a national natural monument) and island-specific flora live. Passing through mystical giant trees and mossy rocks to reach the summit provides an exceptional sense of openness. Also known as a site for mountain worship, it has long been a spiritual pillar for...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Saigo Bay

The gateway to Oki-no-shima Town, a lively natural harbor with frequent ship traffic. The calm bay, surrounded by mountains, is filled with fishing boats and ferries, evoking a unique island travel atmosphere. Walking along the streets facing the bay at dusk is ideal as the lights reflect on the water. The massive "Saigo Ohashi Bridge" spans the bay, and from atop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire harbor and the Sea of Japan. With local markets and restaurants nearby, it’s an essential hub where you can feel the daily lives and vitality of the islanders while enjoying...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Byobu-iwa Rock

A massive, flat rock rising from the coast of Nishinoshima, named so because it looks like a "Byobu" (folding screen). The vertical rock wall juts out from the sea with geometric beauty. The regular joints formed by cooling volcanic rock are spectacular, and the giant wall carved by nature over ages overwhelms viewers. Approaching by boat reveals its surprising height and texture. Standing tall against wind, rain, and waves, it exudes a strength reminiscent of a samurai. The harmony with the surrounding blue sea is superb, making it a highly attractive subject for photographers.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Akiya Coast

Located on Nakanoshima Island, this coast features a beautiful contrast between reddish-brown cliffs and emerald green seas. Famous for a rock with a "heart-shaped hole," the view looking through it is said to bring good luck, attracting many couples and tourists. The waves are calm and the water highly transparent, making it crowded with people enjoying swimming in the summer. It is also told in mythology as the place where a goddess gave birth, bestowing it with a sacred atmosphere. Spending time listening to the gentle sound of the waves while gazing at the red rock walls and transparent sea...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Explosive Crater of the Cape

Explosive Crater of the Cape

A trace of a real crater that tells the story of how Oki was once formed by intense volcanic activity. Located on a cliff along the coast, the violent force of the magma eruption remains preserved in its original form, making it a geologically very valuable site. From the exposed colors of the rock surface and the complexly twisted strata, you can directly feel that the Earth is alive. Beyond its educational value, it has power as a sculpture created by nature, a place where you can experience the essence of Oki, which is certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark....

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Matengai Cliff

Located on Nishinoshima, this is a massive vertical cliff rising 257 meters from the sea surface. Boasting one of the largest scales in Japan, from the top of the cliff you can enjoy hair-raising thrills and an overwhelming panorama of the Sea of Japan stretching to the horizon. While peaceful scenes of cattle and horses grazing spread across the gentle meadows atop the cliff, stepping closer to the edge reveals the raw power of nature. The coexistence of the Earth's massive energy and the peaceful daily life of animals is a world-class scenic spot that evokes deep emotion and awe...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fukuura Tunnel

A historical tunnel in Oki-no-shima Town, hand-dug during the Meiji era. Residents who once had to cross steep cliffs carved the rock using only chisels and hammers for the sake of their livelihoods, completing it over many years. Raw carving marks left by the hardships of the people of that time remain on the tunnel walls, allowing you to feel the weight of their obsession and effort. Currently part of a promenade, you can enjoy the superb view of the Sea of Japan spreading beyond the tunnel along with its charm as a historical site. It is a place where...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oki Shirashima Coast

Oki Shirashima Coast

Located at the northernmost tip of Oki-no-shima Town, this scenic spot features a beautiful contrast between white rock surfaces and the blue sea. The white alkaline rhyolite born from volcanic activity has been eroded by waves into uniquely shaped islands and cliffs, creating a multi-island beauty reminiscent of Matsushima. From the observatory, you can enjoy a landscape where the pure white rocks floating in the highly transparent sea harmonize perfectly with the green of the pines rooted there. The rough Sea of Japan in winter is powerful, but on calm days, the sight of the sea surface sparkling is truly...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Iwakura no Chichisugi

Iwakura no Chichisugi

A mystical giant Japanese cedar tree standing deep in the mountains of Oki-no-shima Town, estimated to be about 800 years old. It was named so because of its extremely rare appearance, with dozens of huge aerial roots (hanging down like stalactites in the shape of breasts) dangling from the main trunk. Its overwhelming presence, which can be described as grotesque, makes you feel a majesty as if a forest spirit or god dwells within. Since ancient times, it has been cherished by locals as a god for easy delivery and abundant breast milk. Standing under this giant tree, surrounded by...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Cape Nagu

A cape located on the southwest end of Dogo Island, boasting a panoramic view. With a white lighthouse as its symbol, from here you can overlook the islands of the Dozen region (Nishinoshima, Nakanoshima, Chiburijima) across the sea. Of particular note is the beauty of the sunset; the sight of the sun sinking into the horizon and dyeing the sea golden is one of Oki's representative superb views. Additionally, the surrounding area is a peaceful grazing land where cows and horses wander freely, creating a very tranquil atmosphere. It's an ideal photo spot for refreshment, allowing you to feel the...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Tenjokai

A scenic spot in part of the Kuniga Coast, characterized by a complex many-island beauty where countless strange rocks and reefs stand in the clear sea. It was named so because its incredibly beautiful and mystical scenery is reminiscent of the "Celestial World" where gods dwell. The scenery of majestic cliffs and white rock surfaces, combined with complexly intertwined inlets and incredibly transparent seawater, bestows a sense of mystery that makes you forget you are on Earth. It is most beautiful when viewed from a sightseeing boat, and on calm days, the silhouettes of strange rocks reflected on the sea...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsutenkyo Bridge

Tsutenkyo Bridge

A grand natural stone bridge located on the Kuniga Coast of Nishinoshima Island. Over many years, the rough waves of the Sea of Japan eroded the rock, creating a massive arch-shaped unique rock with a large hole hollowed out in the center. The exquisite formative beauty, which is hard to believe was made by nature, possesses a divinity worthy of its name "Bridge Leading to Heaven." The contrast with the surrounding cobalt blue sea is beautiful, and the experience of passing under this bridge by sightseeing boat is full of thrills and emotion. This superb view, which can be called...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Sekiseki Cliffs of Chibu

Sekiseki Cliffs of Chibu

A magnificent precipice standing on the west coast of Chiburijima Island, ranging from 50m to 200m in height and stretching for about 1km. Volcanic rocks oxidized by volcanic activity form vivid layers of red, yellow, and brown, and the redness becomes even more prominent when illuminated by the setting sun. The sight of these colorful cross-sections exposed by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan is as if you are directly witnessing the energy of the Earth. The scale viewed from a sightseeing boat is breathtaking, a dynamic scenic spot symbolizing the Oki Geopark where geological beauty and the...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mt. Akahage

The highest peak on Chiburijima Island (325m), a vantage point boasting Oki's finest panoramic views. From the summit, you can overlook the caldera topography created by Oki's Dozen islands (Nishinoshima, Nakanoshima, Chiburijima) and see the beautiful arrangement of the islands as if in the palm of your hand. The surrounding area is an open pasture where cows and horses graze peacefully, creating a very serene scene. Especially at dusk, when the sky and sea turn orange and the silhouettes of the islands appear, the beauty is beyond words. Experience the overwhelming sense of openness that can only be found in...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Jodogaura Coast

Jodogaura Coast

A beautiful coast on the northeast of Dogo Island featuring highly transparent seas and countless small islands. It was named so because its multi-island beauty and clear sea resemble the Buddhist "Jodo" (Paradise). The rocky areas, where entry points and pine greens stand out, look as if nature recreated the beauty of a Japanese garden on a grand scale. In summer, marine activities like canoeing, camping, and swimming are popular, and visitors are surprised by transparency that lets you see the sea floor. Walking the seaside promenade while feeling the breeze and waves is perfect for those who want to...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Takuhi Shrine

One of Oki's oldest shrines, located on Mt. Takuhi on Nishinoshima Island. Its main hall is built as if recessed into a cave on a steep cliff, overwhelming visitors with its mystical appearance. Worshiped since ancient times as a god of maritime safety, the name "Takuhi" (Burning Fire) comes from the legend that the shrine's fire once guided drifting boats. The approach is a trail through lush primeval forests where you can observe unique island flora and fauna. The architecture, retaining strong traces of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, and the panoramic view of Oki's many islands from above...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yoroi-iwa & Kabuto-iwa

Yoroi-iwa & Kabuto-iwa

Unique rocks found along the coastline of Chibu Village, formed by volcanic rock being eroded over many years. They are called so because they resemble the scale patterns of "Armor" (Yoroi) and the shape of a "Helmet" (Kabuto) worn by Japanese samurai. One cannot help but feel the mysteries of the Earth seeing such regular and brave forms created solely by natural forces. Standing against the backdrop of the rough Sea of Japan, they are excellent subjects for photographers. The story of Oki's harsh environment creating shapes reminiscent of Japanese historical items is also popular with international tourists.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lizard Rock

A giant, unique rock approximately 26 meters high that appears after passing through the deep forests of Dogo Island. It is named so because it looks like a huge lizard climbing a vertical cliff. It's hard to believe this form was created accidentally by natural erosion; its realistic balance of limbs and tail surprises first-time visitors. Surrounded by lush forests, you can visit while enjoying a light hike. It is also a geological heritage site telling the story of Oki's volcanic origin, allowing you to feel the miraculous formative beauty of nature up close.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Chibu Village

Located on Chiburijima Island, the smallest island of the Oki chain with untouched nature. The main highlight is the "Sekiheki" (Red Cliff), where a vertical red cliff over 100 meters high stretches for 1 kilometer. From the island's highest peak, "Mt. Akahage," you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Sea of Japan and the Oki Islands. There are more cows and horses than people, and the peaceful pasture scenery looks like another world. It is a hidden place where you can enjoy the simple kindness of the islanders and quiet "island time."

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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