Oki Islands: Shimane's Remote Archipelago

Sea cliffs, grazing cattle and imperial history meet on a remote Sea of Japan archipelago that is a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Published October 26, 2026 at 11:18 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The Oki Islands are a remote archipelago in the Sea of Japan, off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, and a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2013. Only four of roughly 180 islands are inhabited: Dogo, Nishinoshima, Nakanoshima and Chiburijima. Ferries from Shichirui or Sakaiminato take about 2.5 hours or more, and flights from Osaka and Izumo land on Dogo. Services are reduced in winter.

Many travelers know Shimane for Izumo Taisha and Matsue, but fewer realize that a short sea crossing away lies an archipelago of cliffs, farmland and old shrines. The Oki Islands feel far from city Japan, partly because getting there takes planning and partly because the scenery is wide and quiet. This guide explains the geography, how to reach the islands, what each island offers, and how to move around without a rental car if you prefer. It also touches on the islands' long role in imperial history.

Where the Oki Islands Are

The Oki Islands lie in the Sea of Japan, north of Shimane Prefecture, and are part of the Daisen-Oki National Park. The group includes about 180 islands in total, but only four are permanently inhabited. Those four are Dogo, the largest, and the three islands of the Dozen group: Nishinoshima, Nakanoshima and Chiburijima.

The Dozen islands form a ring around a central lagoon, because they are the remains of an ancient volcanic caldera. That volcanic past is a big reason the islands were named a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2013. The geology is visible in the sea cliffs, the layered rocks and the unusual shapes of the coastline.

Reaching the Islands by Ferry or Air

Most visitors travel by sea. Ferries leave from Shichirui Port near Matsue and from Sakaiminato Port in Tottori Prefecture, and the crossing takes roughly two and a half hours on the standard ferry. Faster boats shorten the trip, and the number of sailings grows in summer and shrinks in winter, so check the timetable first.

Winter seas can be rough, and some sailings may be canceled when waves are high, so build spare days into a winter trip. Ferries also link the four inhabited islands. If you prefer to fly, Oki Airport on Dogo has services from Osaka and Izumo, with a flight time of about 50 minutes from Osaka and about 30 minutes from Izumo.

Dogo: The Largest Island

Dogo is the main island and the usual base for first-time visitors. Its highest point is Mount Daimanji, a little over 600 meters, and hiking routes climb to wide views over the sea. Other highlights include Candle Island, a rock formation famous for sunset views, Dangyo Falls and Dangyo Shrine. Mount Takuhi, about 450 meters high, is another hiking option, and it shares its name with a shrine.

The island also has a very old cedar tree called Chichi-sugi, said to be around 800 years old. Because the island is large, it has the best range of lodging and the widest choice of local food. Many visitors spend most of their time here before hopping to a smaller island for a night or two.

Nishinoshima and the Kuniga Coast

Nishinoshima is known for the Kuniga Coast, a rugged stretch of coastline that is popular for hiking. A canal cruise crosses the narrow isthmus between the island and the coast, which gives visitors another way to see the scenery. Matengai Cliff rises about 257 meters above the waves, and its grassy slopes make a striking picture against the sea.

The mix of open pasture and sheer drops makes this one of the most photographed parts of the archipelago. Wind can be strong near the cliffs, so keep a safe distance from edges and follow local signs. Early morning and late afternoon light bring out the colors of the rock.

Nakanoshima and Chiburijima

Nakanoshima is the middle island of the Dozen group and is known for a local tradition of bull sumo, in which bulls compete in a ring. Check local information if you hope to see it, as events happen on set dates. The island's quiet villages and coastline suit slow exploration.

Chiburijima is the smallest of the four and feels like a small, quiet world of its own. Mount Akahage and the Red Cliff, or Sekiheki, offer broad sea views. A glass-bottomed boat called Amanbow is among the sightseeing options listed for the area, and it gives a look at the underwater scenery without getting wet.

A Place in Imperial History

The Oki Islands also played a part in Japan's imperial story. Emperor Go-Toba was sent to Oki in 1221 and died there, and Emperor Go-Daigo was exiled to the islands in 1332 before escaping and returning to power. Because of this, the islands carry a quiet historical interest beyond their scenery.

Visitors who enjoy history may like to read about these emperors before the trip, so that the places they see have context. In the Edo period the islands were governed by the Matsue domain, which fits their place within Shimane Prefecture today.

Getting Around Without a Car

Public transport on the islands is limited. Buses exist but run infrequently, which is why many visitors rent bicycles, e-bikes or cars, and why local taxis are widely used. The relatively light traffic makes cycling comfortable on many roads, though hills can be steep.

If you plan a car-free trip, base yourself on one island at a time, check bus timetables the day before, and book a taxi for the longer sights. Island ferries make it easy to move between the four islands, but timetables change with the season. Pack light, since you will be carrying bags between ports.

Seasons and Planning

Summer is the busiest season, with more ferry sailings and warm sea conditions. Spring and autumn are quieter, with comfortable hiking weather. Winter brings strong winds and fewer services, so it suits experienced travelers with flexible plans.

Whatever the season, book accommodation early, because the number of rooms is limited. Confirm ferry times with the operators and check weather forecasts the day before each crossing. A relaxed schedule of two or three nights lets you enjoy one or two islands without rushing.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Rural Japan Without a Car is available on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to the Oki Islands?

Take a ferry from Shichirui Port near Matsue or Sakaiminato Port in Tottori Prefecture, which takes around two and a half hours on the regular ferry. Faster boats exist, and flights land at Oki Airport on Dogo from Osaka and Izumo. Check timetables, since winter services are reduced.

Which Oki island should you visit first?

Dogo is the usual choice because it is the largest and has the most lodging, food and transport. Nishinoshima is the next favorite for the Kuniga Coast and Matengai Cliff. Plan two or three nights if you want to see more than one island.

Can you visit the Oki Islands without a car?

Yes, but plan carefully. Buses are limited, so most visitors use taxis, bicycles or e-bikes. Ferries connect the four inhabited islands, though schedules change with the season. Base yourself on one island at a time and confirm local transport the day before.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Izumo Taisha and Matsue: The Land of the Gods, Iwami Ginzan: Shimane's Silver Mine Landscape and Sado Island: Japan's Quiet Island of Taiko and Tradition.