OKI ISLANDS, SHIMANE PREFECTURE , JAPANNISHINOSHIMA
TOWN

2024

WELCOME TONISHINOSHIMA
Just about 65km off the coast of Shimane Peninsula, lies the picturesque
Nishinoshima Island. This 55.96 ㎢ -sized island is where Nishinoshima Town lies.
Nishinoshima Island is the second-largest inhabited island of the Oki Islands,
housing a population of around 2,500, with tourism, fishery and cattle farming as thethree main backbones of the local economy.
Nishinoshima is part of the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark and Daisen-Oki
National Park, which are both known for their abundant natural scenery. The
magnificent sea cliffs and wonderfully shaped rocks are the must-sees on the island.
The hyperlocal events and festivals offer an opportunity for visitors to get a taste of
the culture and traditions unique to the town. Mesmerised by the beauty of the town,
many visitors choose to come to Nishinoshima Town again as their holiday
destination.
From crystal clear waters, grazing cattle on lush green hills, delicious local cuisinesand fun-filled activities, Nishinoshima is a town full of enjoyment behind its humble
façade. We look forward to seeing you here, again and again.

AMAZING VIEW FROM ONIMAI LOOKOUT

01

CONTENTS
WELCOME TO NISHINOSHIMA

01

GENERAL INFORMATION

03

GETTING HERE & AROUND

05

WHEN TO VISIT

09

PLACES TO GO

11

FLAVOURS TO SAVOUR

15

THINGS TO DO

17

EVENTS & FESTIVALS TO ATTEND

21

PLACES TO STAY

25

MODEL ITINERARIES27

A NOTE TO OUR VISITORS

31

STAY IN TOUCH
IMAGE CREDITS:
Photography is courtesy of Nishinoshima Town, Club Noah andTakuhi-gama kiln.
Illustrations are provided by Nishinoshima Tourism Association.

GENERAL INFORMATIONName of Island

03

NISHINOSHIMAISLAND

Name of Town

NISHINOSHIMATOWNName of Port
(Passenger Ferry)

BEPPU PORTBON VOYAGE STREAMERS

GETTING
HERE &AROUNDWe are here!

05

Getting to Nishinoshima
Nishinoshima Town may seem hard-to-reach, but the island is closer than
you think. Here are the best ways to reach Nishinoshima Town.
BY FERRIES AND FAST FERRY:The Oki Kisen ferries and fast ferry Rainbow Jet(hydrofoil) will take you to Nishinoshima Town from
Shichirui Port (Shimane Prefecture) and Sakaiminato
Port (Tottori Prefecture). You can catch a connecting
bus from JR Matsue Station for both ports, or takethe JR train from Yonago Station to Sakaiminato
Port. The timetable changes slightly depending on
the season, but crossings to Nishinoshima Town’s
Beppu Port takes a little more than 2.5 hours byferry and about 2 hours on the fast ferry.
There are three crossings to Nishinoshima Town
daily, and an extra one during the summer months.
Given the limited schedule, we strongly advise
planning your island escape holiday in advance.

BY PLANE:FERRYFAST FERRY RAINBOW JET

There is no airport in Nishinoshima Town, but it is still possible to travel by air for a shorterjourney to the island.
There are daily, direct flights from Izumo Airport (Shimane Prefecture) and Itami Airport(Osaka) to the airport in Okinoshima Town. After your flight to Okinoshima Town, proceed
to catch a ferry to get to Nishinoshima Town.
Alternatively, catch a domestic flight to Yonago Airport (Tottori Prefecture) from Tokyo, andtake the JR train to Sakaiminato Port for your ferry crossing.

Getting Around the Town
From rental cars to “bus number 11”, there are many options available.
BY CAR:
Rent a car on the island, or take your car on the ferry, and enjoy a scenic drive at the
picturesque Kuniga Coast. A lot of the roads on the island are quite narrow. The windy roadup to Matengai Cliff is just wide enough for the coach-sized sightseeing bus to pass, so go
slow and keep a keen eye on oncoming traffic.
*Visitors from abroad will need either an International Driving Permit or a translation ofyour driving licence to rent a car in Japan. Please obtain the necessary documents in yourhome country in advance.

BY BIKE:
Rent an e-bike, or take yours on the ferry, and challenge yourself up our long slopes; youwill be rewarded with panoramic vistas!

06

BY BUS:
There is one main bus route in Nishinoshima
Town, and the town bus is designed to help the
locals to get around for their daily needs andcommute. The majority of the accommodations,facilities, restaurants and a handful of sightseeing spots are located along the bus route,making the bus a good choice for visitors who
would like to explore Nishinoshima car-free.
The bus operates daily, from seven to seven,and it matches the schedule for ferries and thefast ferry Rainbow Jet.
The town bus operates on a flat fare system;
JPY 200 per adult for one-way and JPY 100 per
child. Having a few JPY 100 coins in your pocket
will come in handy, as the bus accepts cash
only.

TOWN BUS

ON FOOT:BY TAXI:

Nishinoshima is a hilly island, but the town
is well-connected through a network ofroads and is quite easy to get around on
foot. Walking is a great way to enjoy
Nishinoshima’s outdoors, and is also thebest way to get around if you enjoy slow
travel.

MATENGAICLIFF

FUNAKOSHI
AREA

KU

BEPPU PORTKOMUKAI
AREA

N

IG
A

CO

AS
T

Taxis are not always readily available, so if
you need a lift back to your accommodation
after dinner or your visit to an izakaya, ask
the owner or a staff of the establishment
for assistance.

KUNIGA
BAY

URAGŌ
AREA

AKAO
LOOKOUT

MT. TAKUHI
HASHI
AREA

ONIMAILOOKOUT

07

452M

There is a main road connecting Beppu Port andmajor residential areas such as Funakoshi and Uragō.
There is only one set of traffic lights on the island,
and it is located in Funakoshi area.
The restaurants and cafés in Nishinoshima Town are
mainly located near Beppu Port and in Uragō area.

STRANGELY-SHAPED ROCKS AT KUNIGA BAY

08

WHEN
TO VISITSHĀRABUNE SPIRIT BOAT, URAGŌ AREA

09

SPRING (MARCH – MAY):
Spring marks the beginning of the tourism
season on Nishinoshima Island. Cherry
blossoms, Oki Iwagaki oysters and Kuniga
Biraki Festa are the main highlights, andthe sightseeing boat season starts in lateMarch. It can still be quite chilly during thefirst half of the season, but it getssignificantly warmer in May.
SUMMER (JUNE – AUGUST):
The tourist season reaches its peak during
the hot summer months on the island. The
teal blue sea, energetic summer festivals
and mouthwatering sazae turban shellcurry are the main features. The beachseason is from late July to mid-August for
Sotohama Beach; bring your swimming
costume and enjoy a leisure afternoon
there!
*ObonisanannualBuddhist
event
where
families gather to pay respect to their deceased
ancestors. The period lasts for about a week inNishinoshima, and the sending of Shārabune
Spirit Boats on 16 August marks the end of theoccasion. Some business establishments choose
to take a break during Obon, and it is notuncommon for restaurants to reach maximum
capacity throughout their business hours. The
fast ferry Rainbow Jet is easily booked up, andthe ferries get very crowded, too.

AUTUMN (SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER):
Sunny days and cool breeze make autumn agreat time to explore the island. Culturaland hyperlocal events will allow you tointeract with the locals and experience
unique cultural practices at first hand. Keepan eye out on the stinging insects when you
are out exploring.
WINTER (DECEMBER - FEBRUARY):
Windy days, long nights and rough seas
make winter the least popular season for
visitors. Some of the accommodation
facilities take a winter break, especiallyduring the New Year holidays. Sightseeingboats and marine activities are not in
operation due to rough sea conditions, and
it is not uncommon for ferry crossings to becancelled. There is a higher tendency forsleet on the island, and we get “wet snow”
here. If you would like to make the best of
the low season, make sure to bring waterproof gear and an extra pair of thick, woolly
socks!

Shishi-mai Lion Dance, Mita Hachiman Shrine

SHISHI-MAI LION DANCE, MITA HACHIMAN SHRINE

10PLACESTO GO

11

Located in a far-flung corner of Japan, Nishinoshima is a treasure box.
Magnificent sea cliffs, mesmerising sunsets, short and sweet hiking trails,
and old shrines, these wonders are right here waiting for you.
KUNIGA COAST:
The iconic Kuniga Coast stretches along the northwestern shore of Nishinoshima Island andis home to Matengai Cliff, Tsutenkyo Arch and a collection of unusually shaped rocks. The
erosion by seasonal wind from the continent and waves of the Sea of Japan shaped, andcontinues to shape the breathtaking shoreline that one can see today.

MATENGAI CLIFF:AKAO LOOKOUT:

Rising 257m above sea level, Matengai Cliffis one of the highest sea cliffs in Japan. The
Kuniga Coast Hiking Trail connects the cliff
top and the shore below, and mid-point on
the trail offers the best view of the sheer
cliff face, which looks like a large piece ofmulti-layered cake.

Akao Lookout offers a sweeping view of
Tsūtenkyō Arch and the nearby area. Youmight find yourself accompanied by cows
and horses sometimes, as the area surrounding Akao Lookout is inside a pasture.

From Beppu Port:
25 min by car
1 hr by bicycle*The town bus does not go to Matengai Cliff.
The closest bus stop is at Kuniga Bay car
park.

From Beppu Port:
25 min by car
1 hr 10 min by bicycle*The town bus does not go to Akao Lookout.

TSŪTENKYŌ ARCH:
This wonderfully-shaped rock arch is one of
the most photographed landmarks of
Nishinoshima Town, and it stands near thefoot of Matengai Cliff. Originally a sea cave,
continuous coastal erosion created theshape we see today.
From Beppu Port:
25 min by car or 45 min by bicycle, and then
5 min on foot (downhill) from Kuniga Bay car
park

GORGEOUS VIEW OF TSŪTENKYŌ ARCH FROM AKAO LOOKOUT

13

12

YURAHIME SHRINE:TAKUHI SHRINE:

Dedicated to the deity of fishing, Yurahime
Shrine has been guarding the island for along time. It was listed as one of thehighest-ranking shrines of the former Oki
Province, and the shrine’s history can betraced all the way back to year 842. There isa legend between the connection of thedeity and shoals of squid that get washed
up to the inlet in front of the shrine. This isalso the reason why there are so manysquids inside the shrine grounds. Yurahime
Shrine is also a popular cherry blossom
viewing spot in April.

Sitting quietly on Mt. Takuhi, Takuhi Shrine
is one of the most important shrines on the
Oki Islands. The current shrine building –partially
prefabricated
in
Osaka
and
assembled on the mountain – was built in
1732, and has been designated as an
Important Cultural Property of Japan. The
hike from the car park to the shrinebuilding is short and enjoyable, and interesting flora and fauna can be observed
here.

Location: Uragō area
From Beppu Port:
10 min by car
30 min by bicycle
25 min by bus, alight at “Yurahime Jinja”

Location: Mt. Takuhi
From Beppu Port:
20 min by car or 50 min by bicycle to the carpark, then a 25-minute uphill walk*The town bus does not go to Takuhi Shrine.

TAKUHI SHRINE

13

FURUSATO-KAN MUSEUM:
Located in Beppu area, Furusato-kan Museum
is only 5 minutes on foot from the ferry
terminal. The museum is packed with valuable showpieces, complete with explanations
written in English. A quick visit to themuseum before your adventure will provide
you with deeper insight into the island life
and traditions here in Nishinoshima Town.
Business hours: 9am – 5pm
Open: April through October
Admission: JPY 150 per adult for int’l visitors*Present your passport or residency card to
get discounted admission for international
visitors.
Location: Beppu area
From Beppu Port:
5 min on foot

SOTOHAMA BEACH:
Facing the Sea of Japan, Sotohama Beach is
the only natural sandy beach on the island.
During the beach season every summer, thebeach shop serves ice-cream and soft drinks.
Location: Funakoshi area
From Beppu Port:
10 min by car
15 min by bicycle
15 min by bus, alight at “Sotohama” and a few
steps on footWe have a few more spots!
Check the full list here:

14

FLAVOURSTO SAVOUR“Sazae gohan”, rice cooked with sazae turban
shell, is a must-eat well-loved by the locals.

15

Blessed by the bountiful sea, Nishinoshima is a seafood lovers’ paradise.
From mouth-watering Oki Iwagaki oysters to tummy-filling set meals
prepared with care, and, of course, ramen noodles, we have you covered!
Make sure to try the local Oki sake, too!
IWAGAKI OYSTERS:In 1992, Nishinoshima Town made history andbecame the first place in Japan to successfully
cultivate rock oysters. Oki Iwagaki oysters are best
between March and June, and these creamy,
succulent oysters are simply irresistible.

SAZAE TURBAN SHELL:
Sazae turban shell is a summer staple on the island,and signature dishes include “sazae gohan” and sazae
curry. Sazae turban shells bring a delicate and subtle
sweetness to the dish it is cooked in, and it is simply
a tasty treat that you should not miss.

IWAGAKI OYSTERERIYAKI NABE:
Originally a dish consumed by fishermen out at sea,
this fish stew is a local speciality. Slices of fish andonion are cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce witheagle-claw chilli peppers. This also makes a goodlunch option!

JAPANESE HOME COOKING:
Restaurants on the island are mainly independently
owned, and they offer a taste of humble Japanesehome cooking. From daily lunch specials to karaage(Japanese fried chicken), which can be found on mostof the menus, there are plenty to choose from!

SAZAE TURBAN SHELL

List of restaurants and cafés on the island:
Majority of the restaurants and cafés are open from 10am.
We recommend booking a breakfast-included stay withyour accommodation.

16

THINGS
TO DO

We have a few more options notlisted here.
Check the full list:

SIGHTSEEING BOAT

17

From pedalling up to Matengai Cliff to paddling near Tsūtenkyō Arch, there
are many memory-making things to do in Nishinoshima. Detox from theeveryday and connect with nature.
WALKING/HIKING:Nishinoshima Town is quite hilly, but the island itself is quite small. Major areas are allconnected by the main road, and it only takes 1.5 hours on foot from Beppu Port to thesightseeing boat boarding point in Uragō area. The Kuniga Coast Hiking Trail (Matengai Cliff– Kuniga Bay) and the path from the car park to Takuhi Shrine are both well maintained.
Bring your trusty and comfy pair of walking shoes, and explore Nishinoshima on foot!

SEA KAYAKING:Surrounded by beautiful, clear blue waters, gliding
above water in a sea kayak at Kuniga Coast is anunforgettable experience.
The experienced instructors are very friendly andknow the locations extremely well. They will bring
you to the best location of the day, so you can enjoy
the scenery and sport to the most. If weather
permits, you can go and explore a few sea caves, too!
*Guide available in Japanese with limited English.
Booking required.
Please wear clothing suitable for marine sports.

BOOK NOW!

Organiser: Club Noah Oki
Location: Komukai area
Offered: April through November
Session: from 9am or 1pm (about 2 hours)
Price: JPY 6,500 per person
Included in the price: life jacket and marine shoes*Participants must be at least 9 years of age.

SIGHTSEEING BOAT & SIGHTSEEING BUS TOURS

Discover Nishinoshima’s Kuniga Coast on land orfrom the sea. The sightseeing bus tours will bring you
to all the iconic locations along Kuniga Coast.
If you would like to stretch your legs a little, you canhike from Matengai Cliff down to Tsūtenkyō Arch andcontinue the tour on the same bus. The sightseeing
boat tours will take you along the bottom of themagnificent sea cliffs, and through caves (seaconditions permitting) to let you experience themesmerising beauty of Kuniga Coast.
*Guide available in Japanese. No booking required.
Organiser: Oki Kanko Co. Ltd
Location: Uragō area
Offered: late March through OctoberPrice: JPY 4,000 per adult, JPY 2,000 per child

Sightseeing Boat Tour:
Duration: 1.5 hours
1. 8:30am-10am (July 13-August 31 only)
2. 10:50am-12:10pm
3. 1pm-2:20pm
4. 3pm-4:20pm
Sightseeing Bus Tour:
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
1. 1pm-2:45pm
2. 3pm-4:45pm*The tour can finish at Beppu Port
with an addition of JPY 200 per person.

18

FABRIC DYEING:
Unleash your creativity and connect with nature here
at Takuhi-gama Kiln. During this two-hour beginnerfriendly workshop, you will be guided step by step tocreate a uniquely beautiful tenugui towel (rectangular cotton cloth) using local clay. If weather
permits, you will finish the session by rinsing thetowel at the shore to set the colour. You can takeyour finished work home with you on the same day.
*The workshop will be conducted in Japanese withlimited English.
Organiser: Takuhi-gama Kiln
Location: Hashi area
Offered year-round
Price: JPY 3,300 per adult*Minimum 2 persons
Duration: 2 hours
1. 2 hours between 9am-noon
2. 1pm-3pm
3. 3pm-5pm

BOOK NOW!

CYCLING:
Cycling in Nishinoshima Town offers an excellent opportunity to explore the island’s iconic
coastal scenery and breathtaking landscape. Rent an electric bike on the island, or bringyour own bicycle, and enjoy an island escape on two wheels.
depending on season
Organiser: Nishinoshima Tourism Association (Business hours: 8:30am-5pm/5:30pm/6pm)
Location: Beppu area
*Equipment fee, insurance & tax included in price. Same-day return only.
Electric commuter bike:
Easy to ride, the electric commuter bikes are
all equipped with a basket, perfect for those
who wish to explore the neighbourhoods near
Beppu Port and get to Uragō area.
Price:
1 hour: JPY 700
Extension fee: JPY 500 per hour
6 hours plus: JPY 3,200

19

E-bike:Fast and powerful, the e-bikes will take youfrom the waterfront to 200m plus above sea
level
in
no
time!
The
panniers
andweatherproof smartphone case mounted on
the e-bike will hold your equipment.
Price:
3 hours: JPY 2,600
Extension fee: JPY 800 per hour
6 hours plus: JPY 5,000

TIPS FOR VISITORS:
1. Cattle grids, aka Texas gates, are installed at the entrance of the pastures toprevent the cows and horses fromentering or exiting. Please dismount andwalk across the grid and be careful whencrossing the gates.
2. There are bicycle racks in the car park at
Kuniga Bay, Matengai Cliff, Akao Lookout and Onimai Lookout. Please park thebicycle there so it does not interferewith vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
3. Ride on the left in the same direction as
traffic.
4. Don’t drink and ride.

TEXAS GATEBICYCLE RACKSSPECIAL NOTE FOR E-BIKE CYCLISTS:
Although the e-bikes are powerful, thebattery will not last if your trip is a long one
with steep slopes included. Visit the
Nishinoshima Community Library or Chūōkominkan in Uragō area and get a fully
charged battery when needed.
Nishinoshima Community Library:
Hours: 10am - 7pm
Closed on Wednesdays.

NISHINOSHIMA COMMUNITY
LIBRARY

Chūōkōminkan (2/F):
Hours: 8:15am - noon, 1pm - 5:15pm
Closed on weekends and public holidays.

CHUOKOMINKAN (2/F)

20

EVENTS &FESTIVALSTO ATTEND

ENERGETIC MIKOSHI PARADE AT NIGHT

21

COME AND JOIN US

From energetic mikoshi parades to solemn traditional dances, coastal
cleanups and hyperlocal events, there are lots of events throughout theyear. Come join us and get a taste of Nishinoshima culture!
*Please enquire at the tourism office or check our socials for the latest updates
regarding event dates and details.

Kuniga Biraki Festa (April):
Held annually in April, Kuniga Biraki Festa is a series of events that marks the beginning ofa new tourist season. The evening cherry blossom viewing light-ups and the sunset café atKuniga Coast are crowd pleasers, but the highlight of the Festa has to be the half-day
coastal cleanup event at Kuniga Coast. Come and join hands with local communities to clean
up marine litter at Kuniga Bay. Everyone is welcome to join; no sign-up required!

Grand Festivals and Mikoshi Parades (July):
Throughout the year, rituals and festivals are conducted at the shrines to commemorate
important events or pray for a bountiful harvest. But once every two years, the portableshrines (mikoshi) of Yurahime Shrine, Takada Shrine and Kai Shrine are carried around theirareas by the local heroes to bring blessings and good luck to the community. The festivals
are all held in July and last for two days. On the first night of Yurahime Shrine Grand
Festival, there will be a fireworks display. The venue will be packed with spectators andparticipants, but this is a good opportunity to experience the unique culture of
Nishinoshima, so don’t miss it!

22

Shūhaira / Niwa-no-mai (Autumn):

Compared to the dynamic grand festivals,
Shūhaira and Niwa-no-mai are slower-paced
and more solemn. Shūhaira is a traditional
Dengaku dance developed to celebrate andpray for a bountiful harvest, and the danceis designated as an Important Intangible
Folk Cultural Property in Japan.
Odd-numbered years: Shūhaira at Mita
Hachiman Shrine
Even-numbered years: Shūhaira and Niwano-mai at Hiyoshi Shrine

Mikado Matsuri (September):This event is held in September in evennumbered years to com-memorate Emperor
Go-Daigo, who was exiled to the Oki Islands
in 1332. The emperor lived on Nishinoshima
and escaped back to the capital in 1333.
Mikado Matsuri is held near Beppu Port andat Kuroki-gosho Imperial Residence Site,
where the emperor is said to have lived.
Come and join the locals for a night in
Beppu, with local delicacies, stage eventsand a fireworks display.

SHŪHAIRA, MITA HACHIMAN SHRINE [ODD-NUMBERED YEARS]

23

Respect Local Culture and Customs:
Festivals, ceremonies and rituals, big and small, areheld throughout the year in Nishinoshima Town.
Showcasing the unique identity of Nishinoshima, a lotof the festivals have been passed down forgenerations and have a religious background. Pleasekeep that in mind when participating, and refrainfrom making noises that interfere with the ceremony.

SHŪHAIRA, HIYOSHI SHRINE [EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS]

24

PLACESTO STAY
From hotels with a sea view, cosy
ryokans, welcoming minshukus (familyoperated guesthouse) and a campground tucked in a quiet corner on theisland, we have a generous range ofaccommodation
optionsfor
yourgetaway.
Check the full list here:

KACCHAN, THE MASCOT OF NISHINOSHIMA,IS LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN TOWN!

25

Things to note if you are looking into
camping in Nishinoshima:
Bring your camping gear and enjoy aquiet stay under the starry sky at the
campground. If you want to cook using a
camping stove, please use the designatedcooking area. Please be considerate anddo not camp outside the designatedcampground.

VIEW FROM MATENGAI CLIFF

26

MODELITINERARIES

We’ve come up with a few model itineraries to help you plan your island
escape to Nishinoshima.

27

1-DAYAROUND NISHINOSHIMA ON 2 WHEELS
9:00amPick up rental e-bike from the office ofNishinoshima Tourism Association at
Beppu Port, and visit Matengai Cliff,
Kuniga Bay and Yurahime Shrine.
11:30am Enjoy lunch in Uragō area.
If the battery of the e-bike is running low,
go to Nishinoshima Community Libraryand exchange it for a fully charged one foryour journey in the afternoon.
1:00pmArrive at Takuhi-gama Kiln for your fabricdyeing workshop.
3:00pmAfter the workshop, challenge yourself up
to Takuhi Shrine by e-bike.
5:00pmStart to make way back to Beppu Port and(4:00pm) return the e-bike before the office ofNishinoshima Tourism Association calls it
a day.

The
officeof
Nishinoshima
Tourism Association is inside
this building, which is locatedat Beppu Port.

2-DAY
CAR-FREE ADVENTURE ON NISHINOSHIMA [JUNE THROUGH AUGUST]
DAY 1

9:30am

12:05pm

3:00pm
5:00pm
6:00pmTravel to Shichirui Port (Shimane
Prefecture) by bus from JR
Matsue Station or JR Sakaiminato
Station, and catch Ferry Kuniga.
Ferry
Kunigapulls
outof
Shichirui Port, and after 2.5hours, the ferry pulls into Beppu
Port.
After getting off the ferry, go totheofficeof
Nishinoshima
Tourism Association and pick up
the rental e-bike. Enjoy lunch at
Beppu area, and then go to
Matengai Cliff and Kuniga Bay.
Arrive at Takuhi-gama Kiln andtry your hand at fabric dyeing.
After the workshop, return to
Beppu Port to return the e-bike,and go to your accommodation.
Enjoy the rest of the evening.

DAY 2
7:00am9:00am

11:00am
1:00pm1:34pm

2:00pm3:12pmHave an early breakfast, andafter that, pack your bags andget ready for your sea kayaking
adventure.
*Pick-up by organiser.
Arrive at the location and enjoy
paddling along the coast of
Nishinoshima Town.
After 2 hours of paddling, head
to Uragō area for an early lunch.
Catch the bus from Uragō areaand head to Beppu Port.
Get off the bus at Beppu Port
Ferry Terminal. Complete theboarding procedure and maybe
drop by the sourvenir shop forsome shopping.
Arrive at the boarding point offast ferry Rainbow Jet and get
ready to board, as the vessel
leaves at 2:12pm.
Rainbow Jet arrives at ShichiruiPort. Continue your journey to JR
Matsue Station or JR Sakaiminato
Station by bus.

28

3-DAYNISHINOSHIMA ADVENTURE TRAVEL,
IN CONJUNCTION WITH KUNIGA BIRAKI FESTA (APRIL)
DAY 1

2:25pm
5:05pm

DAY 2
AM

PM

6:00pm29

Travelto
Sakaiminato
Port(Tottori Prefecture) by bus from
JR Matsue Station or by train
from JR Yonago Station, andcatch Ferry Shirashima.
Ferry Shirashima pulls out of
Sakaiminato Port.
The ferry arrives at Beppu Port.
Go to your accommodation andenjoy the hospitality.

After breakfast, take a bus to
Takuhi-gama Kiln.
*The nearest bus stop is “Hotel
Tsurumaru”. Alight there andenjoy a 20-minute walk to thekiln.
Releaseyourcreativity
andcreate your own uniquely dyed
tenugui towel.
After the workshop, take a bus to
Beppu area for lunch.
Pick up your rental e-bike from
theofficeof
Nishinoshima
Tourism Association, and explore
the town on two wheels.
If the battery of the e-bike isrunning low, go to either of thebattery stations in Uragō andexchange it for a fully charged
one.
Return the e-bike before theoffice of Nishinoshima Tourism
Association calls it a day, andenjoy the evening at youraccommodation.

DAY 3: COASTAL CLEANUP AT KUNIGA BAY
7:00amEnjoy an early breakfast at youraccommodation.
(7:50am) *If you are staying near Beppu
Port, take the bus bound for
Uragō and walk to Kuniga Bay
after getting off at “Yura Shako”.
*If you are staying in Uragō,walk to Kuniga Bay.
8:50amCheck-in at Kuniga Bay, and take
9:00ampart in the Coastal Cleanup withthe local community (around 2
hours, with a short break in
between).
11:00am After the event, return to Uragō
area for an early lunch.
12:50pm Join sightseeing boat tour to
Kuniga Coast.
2:30pmThe sightseeing boat returns toUragō. Enjoy a coffee break, andedit your photos or video
footage.
2:52pmCatch the bus back to Beppu
Port.
3:15pmAfter getting off the bus at
Beppu Port, drop by the tourism
association’s office and show thestaff the pictures or reels you’ve
posted on your socials (public
account) and receive a souvenir.
3:25pmGet your ticket and board FerryOki.
5:55pmFerry Oki arrives at ShichiruiPort. Continue your journey to JR
Matsue Station or JR Sakaiminato
Station by bus.

3-DAYNISHINOSHIMA ADVENTURE TRAVEL,
IN CONJUNCTION WITH YURAHIME SHRINE GRAND FESTIVAL[JULY, ODD-NUMBERED YEARS]
DAY 1

2:25pm
5:05pmTravelto
Sakaiminato
Port(Tottori Prefecture) by bus from
JR Matsue Station or by train
from JR Yonago Station, andcatch Ferry Shirashima.
Ferry Shirashima pulls out of
Sakaiminato Port.
The ferry arrives at Beppu Port.
Go to your accommodation andenjoy the hospitality.

DAY 2: YURAHIME SHRINE GRAND FESTIVAL
AM
After breakfast, go to Beppu Portand pick-up the rental e-bikefrom the office of Nishinoshima
Tourism Association (earliest at
8:30am).
Ride to Takuhi-gama Kiln andcreate your own uniquely dyed
tenugui towel.
After the 2-hour workshop, rideto Uragō area for lunch.
PM
Enjoy the afternoon pedalling toMatengai Cliff and Kuniga Bay.
Return the e-bike, and return toyour accommodation for an early
dinner.
After dinner, catch the bus (lastbus leaves Beppu Port at around7pm) and go to Uragō.
*If you are staying in Uragō
area, just walk to the port area.
Yurahime Shrine Grand Festival
starts at around 6pm.
8:00pmFind a spot near the waterfront
and enjoy the fireworks display
with the locals. Make sure tostop by the stage and watch
Dōzen Kagura (Shinto dance),
too.

DAY 3
7:00am9:00am
11:00am

2:00pm2:12pm3:12pmEnjoy an early breakfast at youraccommodation, and get readyfor your sea kayaking adventure.
*Pick-up by organiser.
Enjoy paddling along the coastof Nishinoshima for 2 hours.
After the adventure, go to Beppu
area for lunch. If time allows,
drop by the former sake brewery
for sake tasting.
Go to the ferry terminal building
andcompletetheboarding
procedure for fast ferry Rainbow
Jet.
Rainbow Jet leaves Beppu Port,and arrives at Shichirui Port
(Shimane Prefecture).
Continue your journey to JR
Matsue Station or JR Sakaiminato
Station by bus.

30

A NOTE TO OUR VISITORS
We love seeing visitors in Nishinoshima Town, exploring the stunning landscape,taking part in activities and interacting with the local community. While we warmly
welcome you to our island, we would like to ask you to keep in mind the following andkindly help us protect the island for generations to come. We have also gathered a few
tips to help you make your trip here more enjoyable.
STAY ON TRACK:
Please stay on the designated routes, and help
protect the habitats of animals and plants.
NO LITTERING:
Please help us keep Nishinoshima clean andlitter free. Keep a rubbish bag in your backpack
and dispose of your rubbish properly. The binsnext to the vending machines are for plastic
bottles and cans only.

Flying drones:
If you want to fly a drone in Nishinoshima Town,
especially at Kuniga Coast, you will need tocontact Nishinoshima Town Hall and apply for apermit (free of charge). Drone operators should
also keep in mind that drones should not
disturb animals and other people.
*Permits are required for both commercial andnon-commercial purposes. Please submit yourapplication a minimum of 10 business days prior
to intended filming activities.

31

DRIVING ON THE ISLAND:
We are a small island with lots of single-trackroads, including the roads leading to Matengai
Cliff, Akao Lookout and Onimai Lookout. There
are passing places for traffic to get by. Keep an
eye on on-coming traffic, and drive slowly. Pay
special attention when driving in the pastureareas on the western side of the island. It is notuncommon for cows and horses to chill in the
middle of the road. If your way is blocked by the
animals, stay inside the car and wait until it issafe to proceed.

Filming on Nishinoshima:
A permit is required for all commercial filming
activities at a sightseeing spot or sightseeing
facility (Kuniga Coast included). Please contact
Nishinoshima Town Hall and apply for a permit(free of charge) a minimum of 10 business days
prior to intended filming activities.

Cancellation of Ferries:
Secluded in the corner of Shimane Prefecturewith our neighbours, the ferries are the lifelineof the Oki Islands. When the sea is rough, thefast ferry Rainbow Jet will have to be cancelled
as it glides on the water’s surface. The ferries
can get cancelled, too, especially during thewinter months and when a typhoon is rolling in.
When you are making plans for your trip to
Nishinoshima, have a Plan B so you can get tothe island or return to Honshu Island tocontinue your journey.
Beach Safety and Etiquette:
For your safety, please swim at the two
designated beaches during the swimming
season. Avoid swimming alone and don’t forget
to apply sunscreen. Make sure to check theweather forecast before setting out. Wear water
shoes and rash guard to protect your feet andskin from potential scrapes. Bring a change ofclothing so you can get out of your beach attire
for the next item on your itinerary.

Sun Safety:
From spring through autumn, there are dangersof over-exposure to the sun, which can cause
sunstroke and sunburn. The lack of tall trees at
Kuniga Coast means the area, especially the
Kuniga Coast Hiking Trail between Matengai
Cliff and Kuniga Bay, is very exposed to
sunlight. It is important to use suitable sunprotection,suchaswearing
sunscreen,
sunglasses and UV clothing. Make sure to bringsome drinks for rehydration, too.
Pasture safety:
Practice social distancing with the cows andhorses. Don’t feed, frighten or touch them, andbe especially careful not to get between a calf
and its mother.
Fishery Rights:
Fishery rights are established in the waters of
the Oki Islands. Do not collect abalone, sazae
turban shells, sea urchins, etc. If you violate therules, you may be punished for breaking thelaw.

COWS AND HORSES GO TO MATENGAI CLIFF, TOO

STAY IN
TOUCH

Your travel assistant on Nishinoshima Island

NISHINOSHIMATOURISMASSOCIATION
4386-3 Mita, Nishinoshima Town,
Oki Islands, Shimane, 684-0303 Japan
TEL: +81-8514-7-8888
FAX: +81-8514-7-8890
https://nkk-oki.com/english/

Regarding flying drones and filming permits:

NISHINOSHIMATOWN
INDUSTRY PROMOTION DIVISION
600-4 Mita, Nishinoshima Town,
Oki Islands, Shimane, 684-0303 Japan

E-mail: sangyou-shinkou@town.nishinoshima.shimane.jp

Learn more about the

OKI ISLANDS

Share your Nishinoshima moments with us!
#nishinoshimaokiislands#visitnishinoshima