The Oki Islands are a UNESCO Global Geopark made up of four inhabited islands off the coast of Shimane in the Sea of Japan, known for dramatic sea cliffs, ancient cedar forests, and rock formations shaped by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years. Visitors typically explore Dogo, the largest island, home to the towering Kuniga coastal cliffs and the 800-year-old Chichi Sugi cedar tree, while Nishinoshima and the other Dozen islands offer boat tours past sea arches and vertical rock faces along the Kuniga Coast. The islands also carry a distinct human history, having served as a place of exile for two former emperors, and small shrines and settlements reflect centuries of isolated island culture. A single-day trip allows a look at one island's highlights, but 1 to 3 days are recommended to properly see the geological sites and coastal villages across the archipelago. May through September brings the calmest seas for ferry crossings and boat tours, while the typhoon season in August and September can disrupt ferry schedules, so travelers should build flexibility into their plans. The islands are quietest outside the summer holiday weeks, when ferry capacity is most limited.
Good to know
- Hours
- Islands accessible year-round; Geopark Visitor Center at Saigo Port 9:00–17:00
- Best time
- May–September for calmer seas and hiking; avoid typhoon season (August–September)
Location
Saigo, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane 685-0016
36.2028, 133.3283 View on map
Highlights
- Kuniga coastal cliffs and sea arches on Nishinoshima
- 800-year-old Chichi Sugi cedar tree on Dogo island
- Volcanic rock formations recognized by UNESCO Global Geopark status
- Boat tours along the dramatic Dozen island coastline
- Historic sites linked to the exile of former Japanese emperors
Tips for visiting
- Book ferry tickets in advance during summer holiday weeks when capacity is limited
- Typhoon season (August–September) can cancel ferry sailings, so build a buffer day into travel plans
- Renting a car on the islands is the most practical way to reach scattered geopark sites
- Flights from Izumo and Osaka to Oki Airport save time versus the ferry for short visits
- Pack layers, as sea winds can make coastal viewpoints noticeably cooler than inland
- Check the Geopark Visitor Center at Saigo Port first for current trail and boat tour conditions
When to visit
May through September offers the calmest seas for ferry travel and hiking, though August and September carry typhoon risk that can disrupt ferry schedules.
Accessibility
Ferry terminals and the Saigo Port visitor center are wheelchair accessible, but many of the coastal cliff viewpoints and hiking trails involve uneven, unpaved terrain that is difficult for visitors with mobility limitations.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Oki Islands take?
A single day allows a look at one island's main sights, but 1 to 3 days are recommended to see the geological formations and villages across the archipelago properly.
Are the Oki Islands worth visiting with kids?
Older children who enjoy nature, hiking, and boat rides tend to do well, though the ferry crossing and rural infrastructure make it a more involved trip for very young children.
Is photography allowed at the Oki Islands' geological sites?
Photography is allowed and encouraged at all outdoor geopark sites, including the coastal cliffs and rock formations.
How do visitors get to the Oki Islands?
Fast ferries run from Shichirui Port in Shimane or Sakaiminato Port in Tottori, and flights connect Izumo and Osaka to Oki Airport.