Nature in Shimane
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Shimane
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Shimane
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Dogo Island in Shimane: Japan’s Hidden Nature Haven
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- The largest of the Oki Islands, Dogo is a volcanic land of ancient trees, rocky coastlines and incredible sunsets. Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Oki Islands were formed by volcanic activity and have developed a unique ecosystem thanks to their remote location and geohisto-ry. As a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, they offer a bounty of natural highlights, from centuries-old cedars to striking rock formations perched along the shorelines. Be it by bike, sightseeing bus or car, the island is ripe for exploration, with hiking trails offering views across the ocean and entry deep into the lush green forests. Offering diverse land-scapes as well as a cultural history of traditional fishing and unusual festivals, Dogo is the per-fect introduction to the Oki Islands. Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine and the Stately Yao Cedar The main shrine of the Oki Islands, Tamawakasu-Mikoto Shrine is a stunning example of the traditional Oki-zukuri architectural style. Greeted with the thatched entrance gate, visitors can spy the paired zuishinmon guardians before stepping through to the courtyard, complete with the ancient Yao Cedar. At an imposing 30m tall, the tree is believed to be almost 2000 years old, with countless branches reaching out across the grounds. Once damaged in a storm, a cross-section of the tree is on display at the Oki Nature Museum. Just beside the Yao cedar, a set of unusually sloped steps lead to the shrine’s main buildings. Each year on June 5th, the Gorei Furyu Festival takes place here, and in a thrilling display, eight horses bearing the eight gods race to the temple. The shrine’s worship hall is strung with an impressively thick shimenawa, a woven purification rope used to ward off evil spirits. Hidden just behind this building, however, is the honden - the main hall and most sacred part of a shrine. If you take a few steps to the left of the worship call, you can look across a small pond and sneak a view of the beautiful hidden building. With a steep thatched roof and shimenawa inspired by Ise Shrine, it is a small but impressive sight. Close to the grounds is the oki-ke, the traditional residence of the head priest. As well as a home, the oki-ke is a small museum with important historical artifacts on display. One of the highlights is a set of Japan’s only remaining original eki-rei bells, dating from 646. Used as proof of identity by visiting officials and messengers, the government issued bells allowed their owners to acquire horses and labor during travel. The shrine buildings, the oki-ke and the guardians have been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan while the cedar is a National Natural Treasure. Address: 701 Shimonishi, Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 685-0017Access: A five-minute drive from Saigo Port, or you can alight at Tamawakasu Bus Stop.Hours: n/aEntry: FreeBooking: n/aWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1005 Tsuma’s Traditional Funa Goya A view that takes you back to the island’s fishing heyday, the funa-goya (boat houses) of Tsuma line the small bay. Twenty of the traditional buildings remain, rented by locals for boat storage for as little as 1,500 yen a year. Due to the stable tide of the bay, the boat houses sit right on the water’s edge. While plastic boats are used today, traditionally they would have been wooden and required raised platforms to prevent rotting from the constant lapping of the water. In the distance, the 350m tall Mount Takatayama overlooks the small and peaceful vil-lage, offering a short hike of half an hour, if you fancy a bird-eye-view of the boathouses and their surroundings. Address: 1643 Tsuma, Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 685-0104Access: A 20-minute drive from Saigo port or alight at Kamaya Bus Stop.Hours: n/aEntry: n/aBooking: n/aWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1116 Winner’s Water at Dangyo Falls Surrounded by the lush forests and rocky cliffs of Mt Yoko, deep in the Tsuma region of Dogo, lie the twin Dangyo waterfalls. Sandwiched between two towering cedars, the stone tori gate marks the entrance the shrine grounds, a weather-worn purification rope hanging from its pillars. Called dangyo no meoto-sugi, meaning husband and wife cedars, they are a formidable pair to step between. Following the rough path along a small river, visitors can enjoy a touch of shinrinyoku (forest bathing), which is said to boost wellbeing and a general sense of happiness. The female waterfall, called medaki, is the first to spot, while the larger fall can be found up a flight of moss-lined steps. Falling straight from an overhanging cliff, the ‘male’ waterfall, called odaki, is an impressive sight. Nestled close by, Dangyo shrine is largely protected by the rocks, but receives a light mist nonetheless. Long-believed to be ‘winner’s water’, the falls are visited by those competing in local competi-tions like sumo before a match, hoping for success. If you venture along the path you can en-joy the view from behind the falls and there’s even a spot to try the water before you leave. Address: Nagu, Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 685-0103Access: A 50-minute drive from Saigo Port, no public bus service. Hours: n/aEntry: FreeBooking: n/aWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1010 Going North: Shirashima Coast At the northernmost tip of the island, the Shirashima coast offers breathtaking views of the is-land’s coast. Perfect for those with an interest in geological formations and still beautiful for those without, you can spot dikes and faults carved out over the years by the harsh seas. The striking white waves of the blue ocean are only enhanced by the green of the trees balanced upon the islands, apparently defying the harsh conditions that surround them. From the view-point, there is a 50-minute trail down to the coast for those with extra time. Address: Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 685-0432Access: A 35-minute drive from Saigo port, no public bus service.Hours: n/aEntry: n/aBooking: n/aWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1002 Hidden Shrine: Chichi Suzi Close to the peak of Mt. Daimanji, the ancient Chichisugi is another of the island’s legendary trees. Surrounded by ferns and with a distinctly primeval feel, the 30m tall tree has a striking presence, looming out from its simple neighbors. Meaning breast tree, the cedar is known for its unusual limbs and is dedicated to a maternal deity. With a 10m circumference, the tree is one of few so large to remain alive, continuing to grow new limbs that protrude at increasingly crowded angles. Enveloped in total silence, the tree is a shrine, complete with a weathered tori gate just in front of it. Nearby, there are small placards left by visitors to mark their journey, a habit with un-known origins but a friendly touch. If you’re keen to continue walking, there are two trails near-by which lead to the mountain peak, taking an hour. The tree is best accessed by car but can also be reached using the Araki mountain trail. Address: Fuse, Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 685-0412Access: A 50-minute drive from Saigo Port. There is no bus service. Hours: n/aEntry: n/aBooking: n/aWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1016 Jodogaura Coast’s Breathtaking Views One of the most breathtaking examples of the island’s rocky coastline, Jodogaura’s namesake will come as no surprise. Meaning heaven, the area is named after the Buddhist Pure Land branch and certainly lives up to its name. Formed by volcanic flow and shaped by millennia of rough winds and waves, the coves are clear markers of the island’s geological development. With a path trailing the coastline visitors can clamber out onto rocks or admire them from the viewpoints - whichever suits their fancy. Topped with pine trees, the rocky islets have signs of life and even the occasional local fisherman, reclining in the sun. As well as being beautiful to observe, the landscape is a window into the history of not only the islands but Japan itself. Visible in the rock formations are layers of sediment that once formed the bottom of the lake on the Eurasian continent, millions of years before it became an ocean - separating Japan forever. Oki was formed by volcanic activity and was connected to Japan’s mainland during the glacial age, before sea levels once again rose, cutting them off perma-nently. Thanks to this unique development the island has an unusual range of biodiversity and geological history and is now a designated UNESCO Global Geopark. There is a rest area near the parking spot with a cafe open during peak seasons as well as a camping ground.Address: Fuse, Okinoshima Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 685-0412Access: A 40-minute drive from Saigo portHours: n/aEntry: n/aBooking: n/aWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1111 Sunset at Candle Island Balanced on an increasingly fragile base, the Rosoku-jima is a further example of the erosion taking place on the island’s coasts. While interesting to observe during the day, either by boat or from an on-shore observation point, the island earns its name from its appearance during the beautiful Oki sunsets. Seen from the sea, with just the right positioning and at just the right time, it resembles a burn-ing candle, the sun’s flame perched on the wick as it sets. While it seems the balancing act of these factors may be too tricky to attempt, the Rosoku-jima Sightseeing boats have it down to a fine art. Twisting and looping their boast at just the right moment, you’re almost guaranteed a perfect candle moment, provided the weather permits the boats to leave, of course. The journey out will provide some impressive views of the jagged shores as well as views of the unusual Fukuura Tunnels. Carved over centuries and used for humans as well as cars, they were once the only way to traverse the island’s tricky topography. If keen, you can follow a walking trail along the water’s edge and through the tunnels, taking the bus to the Uneri Ho-tel stop or driving around 30 minutes from Saigo Port.For those sticking to the sunset view, boats must be booked in advance and cost 2,600 yen for adults and 1,300 yen for children. As the departure times depend on the sunset, you will be advised what time to arrive at Fukuura Bay when you call. Address: 2003 Kitagata, Okinoshima, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 685-0301 (Fukuura Bay)Access: A 35-minute drive from Saigo port. Hours: Tours are conducted at sunset so times vary, but will be confirmed at the time of book-ing. Entry: 1,600 yen for adults and 1,300 yen for children. Booking: Advance reservations are required and can be made over email with the Okinoshi-ma Tourism Association: dogoport@tx.miracle.ne.jpWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1001 Transport on Dogo Island Dogo is best explored by car, as the popular sightseeing spots are spread out across the is-lands. Unfortunately, while there are public buses, they generally serve local needs rather than sightseeing spots. This means that while some places have infrequent services, many have none at all. There are cars available to rent from a selection of companies including Oki Rent-a-Car (*), Oki Ichibata Rent-a-Car (*) and Marina Rent-a-Carr(*). Dur-ing the high season, these cars may be booked up so booking in advance is recommended. (*) the websites are available only in JapaneseIt is also possible to explore the island by bike - but the distances can be quite far, so this is only suggested for keen cyclists. You can rent bikes from the tourist information office at Saigo port and choose from regular, road or electric bikes. Prices start at 500 yen for three hours and range up to 1,200 yen. Website: https://oki-dougo.info/data01/room/sroom/sroom_cycle.html (Japanese only)Sightseeing tours are available and cover either the East or West sides of the island. These tours run from April to October and depart in the morning (the Chichisugi course) and the af-ternoon (the Dankyo Course) so you can do both in one day if required. Both courses take just under four hours and cost 5,000 yen for adults and 3,000 yen for children. Reservations are advised and can be made, along with inquiries, to the Oki Ryugakusha on 08512-2-7100. Website: https://oki-dougo.info/data01/room/broom/event_geobus.html (Japanese only) ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Shimane
- 12. February. 2020
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Remote Adventures: Exploring The Shimane’s Dozen Islands
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- To the west of their larger counterpart Dogo, the three dozen islands are a haven for nature lovers with beautiful hiking trails, delicious local food and fascinating traditions. Formed from a single caldera long ago, the three islands are now separated by seas but remain closely con-nected on a cultural level. Once part of Pangea along with Dogo before a lake and eventually a sea formed, separating Japan, the Oki islands were initially a peninsula but became remote islands over six million years ago. Their unusual development means they have a unique eco-system, stunning rock formations and a chance to escape everyday life into the wilds of Ja-pan. With an inter-island boat service, all three islands can be explored easily, be it over a weekend or longer. Protected by the Daisen-Oki National Park, it’s the perfect location for a few days of windswept hikes, with some surprisingly contemporary restaurants to look forward to at the end of your day. Chiburi Island The smallest of the islands but also the only place in Shimane Prefecture with a growing popu-lation, Chiburijima has a rough-and-ready charm to it. The island is known for the Mt. Akahage hiking trails and the annual wild radish festival which is held in June, but also for the stunning Sekiheki Red Cliffs. Best Nature Spots: Sekiheki Red Cliff Walk and Mt. Akahage A kilometer-long stretch of eye-catching red, the Sekiheki cliffs are an unusual and dramatic view, well worth the short hike it takes to see them up close. Gaining their color from splashes of hot volcanic lava which turns red when exposed to the oxygen in the air. The contrast of a white stripe across the cliff and the blue seas below it make for a truly beautiful sight. The viewpoint is a short walk from the car park. Address: Nibu, Chibu, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 684-0100Access: 25-minute drive from Kurii port, two-hour cycle. Website: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1004 For those looking for a longer hike, the Mt. Akahage trails are a great hiking and camping al-ternative. Dotted with the local cows, the 325m tall mountain is the highest point on the island, offering 360-degree views of the dozen caldera and even to Mt. Daisen on a clear day. There are remnants of dry-stone walls along the trails, left from the days of the island’s unusual makihata crop rotation system which prevented the land from becoming overworked by alter-nating grazing with vital crops. There is also a lookout accessible by car if you don’t have time to complete the hikes. Address: Urumi, Chibu, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 684-0100Access: 20-minute drive from Kurii port, 1.5 - 2-hour cycle. Website: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1009 Best Experience: Red Cliff Boat Tour Offering a whole new perspective of neighboring Chiburi Island’s Sekiheki red cliff, the boat tour puts the island’s distinctive geological history pride of place. While from land the scale of the cliffs may be hard to fathom, from the water it is left it is awe-inspiring in its impact. The boat journey takes in a few extra sights including the nearby caves, with the skilled drivers able to take the boats right inside in good weather. With cows appearing as small dots on the distant clifftops of the red cliff, it is possible to see the sheer magnitude of the island’s form, as well as the changing layers that have created it over millennia. Address: 1730-6 Kurii, Chibu, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 684-0100Access: To Kurii port, it’s 17-minute ferry ride from Beppu portHours: The tour starts after 4 pm, based on sunset time. You will be advised the exact start time upon bookingEntry: 12,000 yen for up to a group of 6 people, 2,000 yen for each extra personWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1117 Best Experience: Iwagaki Oyster Painting Smooth, locally-sourced and each one a unique shape, the oyster shells set before you will be a tantalizing selection. The craft of Iwagaki oyster painting offers the chance to become an artist, albeit temporarily, and to take home a small piece of the island when you leave. With plenty of examples to inspire you and an incredibly talented teacher, the options are limitless. You can record a special memory from the trip, map out the islands or add tiny shells and sand collected from the island’s small beach. Address: 1730-6 Chio-mura, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture 684-0100Access: Chiburijima tourism association is in the Kurii ferry terminal building.Hours: 1 pm - 4 pm all year roundEntry: 1,500 yenBooking: Reservations advised, available by email: sekiheki@jewel.ocn.ne.jp or phone: 08514-8-2272Website: http://www.chibu.jp/activity.html (Japanese only) Best Food: Hotel Chibu no Sato’s in-house Restaurant The only hotel on the island, Hotel Chibu-no-Sato is also one of the very few restaurants to be found on Chiburi. Luckily, the newly-appointed head chef has an amazing way with food, cre-ating Japanese and Western-style dishes using the island’s best ingredients. Keen to avoid wasting the local fish, which are often sliced for sashimi with plenty of good fish going to waste, he ensures all parts are used, with creative combinations and traditional techniques. Address: 1242-1, Chibu, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 684-0102Access: 10-minute drive from Kurii port, with shuttles provided for guests. Hours: Dinner times dependent on reservationWebsite: http://tibunosato.com/ (Japanese only) Nishinoshima Island The largest of the Dozen islands, Nishinoshima is a natural haven with incredible views across the Kuniga Coast. With local restaurants serving up their freshly-caught produce, boat tours and hikes, the island has everything you need for a refreshing day out. Best Nature Spot: Matengai Cliff Sky Walking To experience true Nishinoshima, visitors can try sky-walking at the Matengai cliff on the Ku-niga Coast. On the far North-West of the Islands, this rugged and windswept coastline has some of the most unusual formations. Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the Oki Is-lands are known for unusual landscapes. Walking across neatly-grazed fields, you’ll come across the cows and horses who live on the hillsides, resting and munching on the wild grass. The paths are unpaved but not too difficult to navigate, with signposts to mark the way, as well as acting as occasional scratching posts for the animals. The light hike takes around an hour, ascending the cliff with the option to return to your transport or continue on down to the water’s edge. At the bottom of the trail is the Tsutenkyo Arch, an impressive formation which was once a cave, but now inspires visitors to try recreating its shape for a memorable photo of the trip. Nearby, you’ll find the small but unusual Kuniga Shrine perched on its very own island. Best Food: Lunch at Nishiwaki With a bright red sign that’s hard to miss and dried squid hanging proudly from the door-frames, Nishiwaki is as unpretentious as it gets. Simple wooden benches are joined by fish-drying racks on the outdoor terrace, and you’ll find the menu is simple but tempting. As one of the first businesses on the island to request the help of the local tourism office for English menus, it’s a welcoming spot for foreigners as well as locals. Using freshly caught seafood and fish, the lunch sets are packed with melt-in-the-mouth sashimi, tender abalone, the local specialty of turban shell and plenty of seasonal vegetables and seaweed. Be sure to pick up some souvenirs on the way out - the island was once designated for royal provisions, with local seafood used in Imperial court rituals, so whatever you pick is bound to impress.Address: 677 Urago, Nishinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture 684-0211Access: A 10-minute drive from Beppu Port or a 25-minute cycle. Hours: 11 am - 3 pm with some seasonal changes. Booking: Not requiredWebsite: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1088 Nakanoshima Island Adding a spiritual side to the natural beauty of the islands, Nakanoshima offers rare experi-ences as well as unexpected cuisines. Best Experience: Night Prayer at Oki Shrine Adding a spiritual touch to the island experience, Oki Shrine has opened its doors to visitors for a unique evening ceremony. In partnership with the Murao Family who run the shrine, the local tourism association have developed a way for visitors to witness the atmosphere of even-ing prayer, a tradition usually difficult to witness. Open to both Japanese and international guests, there are explanations about the process as well as invitations to join, with a simple ceremony and prayer ritual taking place in the warm glow of the shrine. Somber but moving, the rare experience will no doubt remain with those lucky enough to take part for a long time to come. You will be picked up from the port or your accommodation and whisked away to the shrine, all under the clear night skies of the island. If you would like an evening tour without the cere-mony you can also arrange this with the tourism office for 2,000 yen per person. Address: 1784 Ama, Oki District, Shimane Prefecture 684-0403Access: You will be taken to the Shrine from your accommodation or the port and returned.Hours: From 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm including collection and drop off. Entry: 5,000 yen for the priest prayer, or 2,000 yen for the night tour. Booking: Reservations are required and can be made through the Ama Town Tourism Office. Website: http://www.travel-oki-islands.net/card.aspx?1162 ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Shimane
- 6. February. 2020
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Recommended spots
195 results
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- Inasanohama Beach
- Coast / Beach
- Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukidukikita Inasa
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- Kotogahama Beach
- Coast / Beach
- Shimane Pref. Odashi Nimachoumaji
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- Hinomisaki
- Cape
- Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachouhinomisaki
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- Iwami Tatamigaura Beach
- Coast / Beach
- Shimane Pref. Hamadashi Kokubuchou
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- Daikon Island
- Island
- Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Yatsukachouhanyu
Shimane Main Areas
What Shimane prefecture lacks in size and population, it makes up for in scenery and ancient mythology. Izumo-taisha, in the middle of the prefecture, is said to be Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine, where stories that delve into the creation of the Japanese race have been passed down over centuries. The 180 Oki Islands, a 40-minute ferry ride north of Sakaiminato, offer an undiscovered paradise well off the beaten track.
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