Nishinoshima Island
Nishinoshima Island is a small island that along with its neighbors Nakanoshima, Chiburijima, along with the larger Dogo Island this four islands are called the Oki Islands and are located about 50-80 kilometers off of the coast of mainland Shimane Prefecture.
Oki was formed by volcanic activity around six million years ago.
Nishinoshima Island is the second largest island of the Oki Island, with an area of about 22 square miles and a population of just 3,000 scattered across small village.
If you are traveling around the Japan Sea side of west Japan, we would highly recommend it for those who want to experience the distinct island way of life, unique culture, traditions, great seafood and of course the beautiful coastal scenery of volcanic islands.
In the island you can see cows and horses graze on expansive green pastures.
Tourist spot in Nishinoshima Island
Matengai Cliff
This dynamic 257m cliff is a must see! It is one of the highest sea cliffs in Japan. Walk along the clifftop amongst the grazing cows and horses.
Kuniga Coast
Kuniga Coast is the dynamic beauty spot that represents Oki, which is registered as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Magnificent cliffs and massive, unusually-shaped rocks hewn by the coastal erosion of the Sea of Japan tower over the entire western coast region of Nishinoshima, and the beauty of the natural forms is overwhelming.
You can see “Tsutenkyou” -
amazing rock arch has been created by the power of nature
Onimai Lookout
Lookout at top the hill, you can see the entire landscape of the Dōzen Caldera and Mt. Takuhi. You can enjoy the gentle landscape of the Sea of Japan.
Swimming
Swimming and snorkeling are very popular and the crystal clear waters are perfect for scuba diving.
Many Japanese come to the islands for fishing, either on a boat or at the shore.
Horses & Cows
There are around 50 horses in Nishinoshima. They graze on the farmland around the island. They do have owners who feed them grass and check on their well-being from time to time. You cannot ride these horses. Do not go too close to the horses – they are not tame.
The horses comes to the roads, so be careful with driving
There are also around 600 cows on the island.
How to Arrive to the Island
There are three types of standard ferries (Ferry Oki, Ferry Kuniga and Ferry Shirashima) and a fast ferry (Rainbow Jet) operating from Shichirui Port (mainland Shimane Prefecture) and Sakaiminato Port (Tottori Prefecture), to Oki Islands. The ferries arrive to Beppu Port (which is the Port that located in Nishinoshima Island)
We came with Kuniga Ferry. When we used the ferry the tickets costs ￥3,300 but the price has up since then.
Ferry Oki, Ferry Kuniga and Ferry Shirashima – takes about 2.5 hours to arrive to Nishinoshima.
And costs about ￥3,510 (Depended on the seat you choose in the ferry)
Fast ferry – takes about 70 minutes to arrive to Nishinoshima. And it costs about ￥6,680
The ocean and the view from the ferry is so beautiful
Accessibility in the Island
In the island we really recommend to use rental car or rental bike.
Near Beppu Port there a rental car option . Because it is island, there a few options. If you want to use rental car, we recommend to make reservation a days before coming to the Island.
There no bus. And there a lot of slope roads so for bicycle it hard.
We used rental car.
Information
Name:
Nishinoshima, Oki Islands
Access:
Ferry from Shimane Port , takes about 2.5 hours to arrive (If you use fast ferry it can take 70 minutes).
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