2. Oki Shrine 7.Tengawa-no-mizu Spring 18. Noritabana Coast 29. Inujima in Oku (Dog Island) Emperor Gotoba was exiled to the (Water of the Heavenly River Spring) At the tip of the Noritabana Coast The bottom half of Inu-jima Island after the Jokyu-no-ran When invited to Oki in the you can find strangely shaped is composed of Green Tuff, which Rebellion in 1221. He resided at Period, the Buddhist Priest Gyoki rocks such as Kabuto-iwa (Helmet you can see from Oku Harbor. the Genpuku-ji Temple and passed heard the sound of running water Rock) and Yoroi-iwa (Armor Rock). Fossils of alligator tooth and away 19 years later on the 22nd from a cave in the forest. He felt These protruding basalt rocks are pond snails have been discovered Dozen Islands February, 1239. The Oki Shrine was the aura of the spring water and Dogo Islands so named because they look just in Green Tuff rock strata, which built in April 1939 to mark the named it Tengawa-no-mizu, water like the armor of a samurai tells us that the land was once a 700th anniversary of his death. from the heavenly river. Springs like warrior. There is a legend that a large lake. This rock is found in this can be found throughout Ama fallen warrior's helmet and armor turned into stone here. Goka in Dogo which is why it is known as Goka-ishi (Goka 3. Mt. Kinkoji Town, where the land is bountiful because of abundant In 1938 this coast was designated as a Place of Scenic Rock). It has been utilized for many years as a building sources of underground water. It has been designated Beauty as well as a National Natural Monument. material for stone walls among other things. After quarrelling with the envoy one of the Top 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters Island Fujiwara-no-Tsunetsugu, the of Shimane by the Ministry of the Environment and is one Dogo Island vice-envoy to T’ang China, of the blessings of a land created by volcanic activity. (Nishinoshima Town) Ono-no-Takamura, feigned illness 19. Jodogaura Coast to avoid boarding the boat that (Okinoshima Town) 30. Sasaki-ke Traditional Residence was headed towards T’ang. This The name 'Jodogaura' originated avoidance of duty incurred the 8.Miho Shrine from a kyoka (Japanese comic Sasaki-ke Traditional Residence has The Landscape of Collaboration with anger of the retired Emperor Saga poem) written by the famous been designated as an Important who exiled him to Toyoda, Ama Town in 838. While Emperor Gotoba was exiled to Oki The Connection of Three Stories Ikyuu Sojun, a quick-witted and Cultural Property of . The Ono-no-Takamura was on the island, he retired to the in 1221 after losing the Jokyu-no- mischievous Zen Buddhist monk. house was constructed in the Dozen Caldera and Sea of Japan Rokusha-gongen Shrine on Mt. Kinkoji where he made a ran Rebellion. Due to the very Along the coast you can see Tenpo Era (1836) in an architec- statue of Buddha while praying for his reinstatement to stormy seas on his departure from Human, Life and Geology geological features from when Oki tural style unique to Oki, with the capital. the capital, they made an emer- was at the bottom of a lake, and characteristics such as three gency landing at Kirogasaki Cape observe southern, northern and continental plants that separate entrances that were used 7. Akekure-no-iwaya Cavern and the Emperor waited close by at 9. Yui Pond coexist in the same environment. It was chosen as the according to the social position and occasion of visitors. 4.Uzuka-no-mikoto Shrine what is now known as the Rock design for one of the National Park Special Issue stamps The main room of this single-floored house is made from (Light and Dark Cavern) The Yui Pond is an area with a and is one of Oki’s most scenic locations. This is one of the four most (Seat) of Emperor Gotoba as they searched for lodgings. Obsidian precious ecosystem. Looking at the cedar, while the roof is gabled and laid with stone Akekure-no-iwaya Cavern is a important shrines in the Oki Gotoba and his group ended up spending the night at 250m long circular shape of the weights. How collection of sea caves inside of a Islands, and has been dedicated to Miho Shrine. pond and the surrounding Dozen Caldera was Formed. 250m long cavern. It is one of the Uzuka-no-mikoto, the deity of topography, you might assume sights visited on the Kuniga Coast good harvest, naval safety and safe 20. Kasuga Shrine ジオフィルム 隠岐ジオパーク 630万年前〜530万年前 >> GeoFilm Oki Islands Geopark 6.3-5.3 Ma >> that it was created by volcanic Sightseeing Boat Tour. The sea childbirth. This deity is unique to 9.Grave of the Famous War Horse ‘Su-Go’ activity; however a recent study 31. Mizuwakasu Shrine cave is not much wider than the the Oki Islands and has been During the spring and autumn has revealed that this pond was equinoxes, the sun will rise right in Mizuwakasu Shrine was desig- boat, so entry is highly dependent worshipped since ancient times. During the Russo-Japanese war created by a large landslide. Around the pond there is a on the weather and the height of According to the creation myth of the Akiya Coast, in when Japan seized control over the middle of the gate in front of nated as the Ichinomiya (highest viewing platform and walking track. Eco-tours and this shrine, creating a breathtaking ranking shrine) of Oki Province the waves. If you are lucky enough to be able to enter the order to marry the deity of neighboring Nishinoshima, Lushunkou in 1905 (Siege of Port environmental workshops are held here. cavern, it is an amazing experience! Hinamaji-hime-no-mikoto, Uzuka-no-mikoto had a test of Arthur), the Russian Army General sight. There was once a giant pine during the (710 – 794). >> >> >> >> >> strength against the deity of Oyama Shrine. The Akiya Stessel surrendered to General tree within the grounds that was The main hall was made in Coast and the surrounding geological features are named Nogi Maresuke and presented him 10. Yui Maenosu around 60m tall. The tree’s stump traditional Oki-style architectural 8. Akao Lookout is now on display in a small hut. design during the Kansei Era according to these events. with his beloved horse. General Nogi named the horse ‘Su-Go’ Intertidal Shore Platform You can also find Japanese Black Pine trees (Pinus (1795). Along with the Akao Lookout is located on the thunbergii) that have Nagoran orchid (Sedirea japonica), Tamawakasu-no-mikoto Shrine, it was designated as a south-side of the Kuniga Bay (an 5.Saburo-iwa Rocks after the Russian General. Su-Go was later taken to the This intertidal shore platform Oki Islands where he died at the age of 23. His grave is formed due to wave erosion and is a plant found in southern areas, growing on them, while National Important Cultural Property in 1992. On the 3rd 1. Former Kurogi Palace Site eroded inlet), and is a vantage a northern flower Hamanasu Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) of May on the even years of the Christian calendar, there point for stunning panoramic The three Saburo-iwa Rocks look still maintained by the local people. 1. Misaki-no-bakuretsu-kako the largest in Dogo at 170m x The Former Kurogi Palace Site is 220m. It is composed of lacustrine grows nearby on the coast. is a large festival which is well known as one of the three views of the Matengai Cliff, like three brothers standing in a (Misaki Explosion Crater) most important festivals of Dogo. situated at the peak of a small hill Tenjo-kai, Tsutenkyo Arch and row in the sea north-east of strata that was deposited about 20 called Mt. Tennou that commands Kuniga Beach. The uniquely Hishiura Port. On the top of these 10.Kirogasaki Cape On the west side entrance to Saigo million years ago and is still being a view of Beppu Harbor. Emperor shaped rocks here were created by sea-eroded basaltic rocks are small Port is a 50 – 100m long cliff that eroded by wind and waves. Godaigo was exiled to the Oki volcanic activity 6 million years ago, and subsequently groves of green trees that resem- At the southern tip of Naka- has a gently sloping plateau at the Hakojima Island about 300m away, 21. Oyama Shrine noshima Island you can see Mt. top. When seen from the sea the Islands during the Genko Era in eroded by the strong north-westerly winds and rough ble bonsai trees. You can enjoy is also an eroded intertidal shore platform. The giant Japanese cedar tree here 32. Agonashi Jizo 1332 after failing to overthrow waves of the Sea of Japan. watching the three rocks become Takuhi (the central cone of the cliff looks like a giant bowl cut in Dozen Caldera), the surrounding half. This is the site of a volcanic is so tall it seems to be touching the Kamakura Shogunate (military two, and then one as you pass by on a sightseeing boat, the sky. It is the where the deity of Ono-no-Takamura (famous noble regime). He allegedly resided here for more than a year the Oki Kisen Ferry or the AMANBOW Underwater mountains, Island and eruption of steam about 5.5 11. Fukuura Tunnel in ) was exiled to the the outer rim of million years ago. the Oyama Shrine resides and is here before he escaped. In the vicinity is the Senpuku-ji 9.Kuniga Coast Viewing Boat. The smaller hand-excavated tunnel said to be 800 years old. During Oki Islands, but on his return to Temple Throne, the Sanmi-no-tsubone Oyashiki-ato (Site Island that form the inner sea of the capital, he left two carved Jizo The Matengai Cliff (257m) the Dozen Caldera. It is a popular is called “koma” (narrow), and the the Yama-matsuri Festival that of the Emperor's Companion's Residence) and 6.Akiya Coast larger one which was made by occurs here biannually, participants statues (bodhisattva who are the Oki-hangan Yakata-ato (Site of the Provisional Secretary commands a breathtaking view of spot for watching the sunset and the glow of fishing guardians of children) to the the Kuniga Coast. Visitors can boats at night, and is also part of the geo-tourism course. hand and by dynamite is called must tie a hardy vine around the Residence) as well as other landmarks associated with the The splashes of bright red on the 2. Kishihama Obsidian Outcrop “mado” (window). Later the tree seven and a half times. It is said to be the most maiden Akona. According to the Emperor. observe the interesting rock steep cliff face contrast beautifully Obsidian, perlite, pitchstone and tunnel was expended using heavy ancient mountain festival in Japan. Also in the area are story of these statues, when she formations that are the result of with the blue of the sea along the prayed to them her toothache healed which is how it got volcanic activity and subsequent other types of volcanic glass were machinery. These tunnels show the two giant Japanese Zelkova trees (Zelkova serrata) that 2. Shuhaira Dance Akiya Coast. The coast gets its formed on the volcanic vent of the development of transport over the have a similarly awe inspiring presence. the name Agonashi Jizo (jawless guardian deity). The erosion from the rough Sea of name from a legend that story of the two is told every year on 23rd day of the Japan. The 2km walking track Kishihama Ridge due to the rapid ages, as well as the development of civil engineering The Shuhaira Dance is a type of Hinamaji-hime, the deity of technology. They have been designated as public works seventh month (lunar calendar) during the Bon Festival, a Dengaku (traditional along the Kuniga Coast is listed as one of Japan’s Top 100 cooling of rhyolitic magma flows. Nishinoshima, gave birth here. On As magma rises and cools, the low heritage by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. festival to pay tribute to the spirits of the dead. celebrations with music and walking courses. It takes you from the top of Matengai the trail running alongside the cliff dancing) that is part of the Cliff down along the coast to a group of strangely shaped water content core becomes one can observe the results of volcanic eruption such as obsidian, the high water content 22. Tokage-iwa (Lizard Rock) religious festival at the Mita rocks known as Tenjo-kai (Heavenly World) and a natural pyroclastic material (scoria) and other volcanic matter. Hachimangu Shrine and Hiyoshi rock arch called the Tsutenkyo Arch (Bridge to Heaven). middle layers become perilite and pitchstone, and the 12. Rosoku-jima (Candle Island) From the lookout accessed via the Shrine. These dances were outermost layer becomes crushed pyroclastic rock. Fuse District car park, you have a 33. Kabura-sugi (Turnip Cedar), Choshi designated as a National Impor- This island is a work of art in the clear view of the 26m long lizard tant Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1992. During the 10. Kuniga Coast Sightseeing Boat Tour natural gallery of Oki. The sight of that looks as though it is scaling This tree is said to be 600 years old. celebration that occurs biannually on the 15th of Candle Island when it is light up by the cliff face. This is one of the top From the distance the giant September, there is a stage set up in front of the main On this cruise you can get up close 3. Oku-tsudo Coast Walking Track the setting sun is unforgettable. It three strangely-shaped rocks in Kabura-sugi appears to be six hall of worship of the Hachimangu Shrine where the to the impressive eroded cliffs and can only be seen on the Sightsee- Japan. It is composed of a precious different trees as it separates into see the many strangely shaped Chiburijima Island You can see the strange combina- ing Boat Cruise, so make sure to six different trunks at a height of rituals of Shishi-mai, (Lion Dance) and -no-Sumo rock type that can only be found in (Deity Sumo Tournament) are carried out and followed by rocks of the Kuniga Coast. On the tion of plants peculiar to the Oki book in advance at the tourism three places in the world, in Mt. Kenya (Africa), Mt. about 1.5 meters. The name Shuhaira Dance. eastern side you will see the Chibu Village Islands growing alongside the office. You can also see other Erebus (Antarctica) and Oki. ‘Kabura’ (turnip) comes from the Tsubame-goten (Swallow Palace), （ ） walking track. In recent years this interestingly shaped rocks here such as Teppo-iwa (Rifle tree’s peculiar shape that resem- a resting spot for large numbers area has been frequently used as Rock) and Uma-nose-jima (Horseback Island). bles the tip of a ‘kabura-ya’, a turnip-shaped whistle that 3. Mita Dam of swallows, and the Byobu-ga- for geo-tours and environmental is used in rituals and to signify the outbreak of war. dake (Folding Screen Peak), rocks that look like three The Connecting Island of study workshops. The Mita Dam is located to the folding screens in a line. On the western side you will see 13. Kumi Coast 23. Shizenkaiki-no-mori Forest north of Mt. Takuhi. In the Oni-ga-jima (Demon Island), Kanabo-iwa (Metal Rod Southern Plants: Tobera Japanese cheesewood surrounding area you can see Rock), Tsutenkyo Arch, Kannon-iwa (Buddhist Deity Rock) (Pittosporum tobira) Along the beautiful Kumi Coast The area from the car park in the lacustrine strata from around 18 Oki to and many other interestingly shaped rocks, as well as the Northern Plants: Itaya-kaede mono maple (Acer mono) you can observe white alkaline Fuse District to the Kanbara million years ago, the oldest strata towering Matengai Cliff. Plateau forms the Shizenkaiki-no- 34. Ongyaku Shrine Subalpine Plants: O-iwa-kagami Schizoconon rhyolite and the beautiful flow in the Dozen Islands. For many 1.Ganjo-ji Temple 7.Aigaki Stone Walls structure of igneous rocks. You can mori Forest area. There is a years, the easily workable, (Schizocodon soldanelloides) and Mizunara oak walking track and viewing There is no main building at the (Quercus crispula) also observe the unusual plant Ongyaku Shrine, but the huge rock green-colored rock mined from 11. Funabiki Canal This temple was originally located The Aigaki Stone Walls are the distribution peculiar to the Oki platform. The many impressive this area, known as Mita Rock, was used as wall stones at the base of Mt. Akahage, and remains of Makihata stone walls Alpine Plants: Tsushima-nana-kamado Japanese rowan sights of the forest, such as ancient that forms the entrance is a Islands. There are plants endemic remnant of ancient religious and other building materials. The Mita Dam area is also a The Funabiki Canal is a narrow was called Niburi-bo. However that can be seen half-way along (Sorbus commixta var. wirfordii) to Oki, such as the Oki-no-azami cedar trees over 300 years old, well-known firefly viewing location. 330m long canal that cuts through when Emperor Godaigo was exiled the Mt. Akahage viewing Continental Plants: Mitsuba-iwagasa Spiraea (Spiraea Oki-shakunage Rhododendron (Rhododendron japono- traditions. A festival involving thistle (Corsium japonicum var. okiense) and Oki-no- archery where the targets are central Nishinoshima. Before the to Oki he stayed here, and platform. Makihata is a traditional blumei),Daruma-giku Aster (Aster spathulifolius) aburagiku chrysanthemum (Dendranthema okiense), as heptamerum var.okiense) and other precious plants, canal was made the boats had to renamed it Shunko-zan Ganjo-ji and unique form of stock and crop make the forest an ideal place for exploring nature. pictures of crows and mice takes 4. Shara-bune (Spirit Boat) well as the continental plant Darumagiku Aster (Aster place on the grounds of the shrine. be laboriously transported (Ganjo-ji Temple of the Spring rotation farming that was devel- spathulifolius), the southern plant Sharin-bai Yeddo The Shara-bune are boats that are overland in order to reach the Sea Sunlight). In 1504 there was a oped on the Dozen Islands in the The Oki Islands have inherited many ancient religious hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica var. umbellata), and traditions like this, such as in the Iwakura Shrine in the sent out on the water to carry of Japan from the Inner Sea. This is great fire that destroyed the whole temple but it was middle ages, and carried out until the late 1960s. remnant plants from the ice age, Shirouma-asatsuki offerings to the spirits of the dead said to be the inspiration for rebuilt in its current location in 1645. Parts of the Nio Engineered as a solution to a shortage of arable farming 4. Tsuma Traditional Boat Houses Fuse District, and the Oyama Shrine, where giant trees are chives (Allium shoenoprasum var. orientale) and 24. The Oki Salamander worshipped as deities. during the Bon Festival (13th – naming the surrounding town “Funakoshi” (Boat statues (large and threatening guardians of Buddha) that land, Makihata crops were rotated as part of a four-stage Ezo-obako Chinese plantain (Plantago camtschatica) can stood at the gates of the original temple are on display cycle in order to utilize the land in the most profitable Twenty boat houses in Tsuma are 15th August). The keel and frame Crossing). The canal had an original width of 3.3m when also be seen here. The Oki Salamander is a mountain of the boats are made from wood here. way. lined up neatly in the surroundings it was constructed in the Taisho Period in 1915, but it was of a quiet fishing village, with a dwelling salamander that is of the and bamboo and the hull from later widened to its current width of 12m. lotic (river ecosystem) type and has straw. Thousands of pieces of 2. Kawai-no-Jizo Spring view of Mt. Takada, a place of 8.Mt. Akahage worship. Nearby is a pine grove 14. Ise-no-mikoto Shrine an interesting evolutionary colored paper with sutras written on them are attached process. It is widely distributed to the rope sail creating a beautiful collage of color The Kawai-no-Jizo springs can be said to have been planted by 35. Oki Kokubun-ji Temple Site 12. Mt. Takuhi accessed from Port Kurii on Chibu Mt Akahage (325m) is the highest Yao-bikuni Buddhist nuns. The This shrine was listed in the close to the coast as well as in the floating on the water. peak on Chiburijima Island. It Engi-shiki, an important set of mountains. In 2005, the Oki This is the tallest mountain in the Island by following the main road area has been designated one of The Oki Kokubunji Temple was in the direction of the Kori offers a beautiful panoramic view the Top 100 White Sand and Green Pine Tree locations in governmental regulations devised Salamander was added to the Dozen Islands area (452m) and is of Nishinoshima Island, Naka- built under the imperial edict of 5. Yurahime Shrine Settlement. This group of springs is Japan. A dazzling luminescent firefly display can be in the Heian Period (794 – 1185), as “Alliance for Zero Extinction” (an initiative composed of Emperor Shomu during the Nara the central cone of the Dozen noshima Island, Mt Takuhi, the one of the four main shrines on 52 conservation organizations) list of highly threatened Caldera. Close to the summit of called the 'spring water of life', enjoyed along the coast from early summer to autumn. Period in 741. The main hall was During the Heian Period this shrine and is designated as one of the Dozen Caldera and the calm Inner Oki. At this shrine there is an species, and the Oki Islands was added as the last refuge was enlisted as an Ichinomiya the mountain is the main building Sea. In spring, the grazing cattle burnt down during the Top 100 Exquisite and Well- annual festival where a warrior of an endangered species. Okinoshima Town has desig- anti-Buddhist movement at the Shrine, meaning it has the highest of the Takuhi Shrine, which is the and fields of No-daikon Japanese wearing armor and holding a rare nated the Oki Salamander as a protected species. oldest shrine in the Oki Islands, Conserved Waters of Shimane. Statues of the bodhisattva end of the rank of all shrines in the Dozen who look after children, travelers, and the underworld, radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) blooming on type of bow and arrow leads the festivities. Islands. It is one of the four grand and has been designated as both sides of the mountain create a picturesque view. however it was restored in the called Jizo, line the springs. On Chibu Island, sources of (sacred dances) are performed on the evening biannually Showa Period in 1950. Unfortunately in 2007 it burnt shrines on the Oki Islands. In front National Important Cultural Property. This shrine is 5. Ozuku Conglomerate Rock on the 25th of July, and on the 26th of July. dedicated to the deity of safe sea voyages, and has been water are abundant, with wells along the coastline and down once more. A restoration project is currently of the (shrine gate) there is a springs near the tops of mountains. shallow bay in which large shoals used as a calling point for boats at sea since ancient 9.Himemiya Shrine Along the slope to the right of the 25. Byobu-iwa (Folding Screen Rock) underway as well as archeological work relating to of squid gather. According to legend, they once nibbled times. Ozuku Port, you can see many remains from when the temple was first built. on the fingers of the important deity Yurahime-no- 3.Tomb of Priest Mongaku Himemiya Shrine enshrines round green colored rocks 15. Vegetation of Funaoroshi, Kumi On the west side of Byobu-iwa mikoto as she was returning to Oki in a small boat. To ask Yamatohime-no- (a goddess embedded in the rock layer. The rock is a splendid columnar joint Priest Mongaku was an important that appears in the ancient book rock layer is about 20 million years On the river-side in Kumi at 20m that resembles a folding screen. for her forgiveness, every year they swim into the inlet 13. Dozen Kagura (Sacred Shinto Dances) above sea-level, a wide variety of and launch themselves on the shore. member of the Kamakura Shogu- of Japan written in the early 8th old and due to the number of the With a precipice that is about 80m nate (military regime) who appears century), along with the founding rocks it is assumed that a river plants can be seen in the same high, It is considered a top Among the kagura dances Emperor Jimmu’s Mother, carried them there. The color of habitat. The beautiful alkaline 36. Tamawakasu-no-mikoto Shrine (entertainment for the gods) on in the Heike Monogatari, (Tales of mountaineering location. It offers 6. Onimai Lookout Heike), a famous classic military Tamayorihime-no-mikoto, and the rocks changed to green as a result of contact with rhyolite rocks here are speckled a breathtaking view of the sea the Dozen Islands, there are the with red and white. This shrine is the main general From here you can enjoy a tale. The priest was accused of Grandmother, Toyotama-hime-no- water of a high temperature after the rock layer formed. that you cannot experience well-known kagura performed mikoto. All three deities are female, and according to shrine of Oki, and is dedicated to panoramic view of the entire biannually at Takuhi Shrine, as well criticizing the government of anywhere else. many different gods. The main Dozen Caldera as well as the Emperor Gotoba, and was conse- temple legend, if a pregnant woman offers up some of as the kagura of the Yurahime her breast milk to the goddesses, the milk she produces Southern Plants: Tobera Japanese cheesewood shrine was constructed in the central cone, Mt. Takuhi. You can Shrine that take place on board a quently exiled to the Oki Islands. Cursing the Emperor, he unique Oki architectural style. The holed himself up in a cave on the South side of Mt. for her child will be blessed. (Pittosporum tobira) also compare the tranquil waters boat. The kagura dances on the Northern Plants: Yuki-guni-mitsuba-tsutsuji Rhododen- hall of worship, the Zuishinmon of the Inner Sea alongside the Dozen Islands are quite different to those on Dogo (the Takuhi where he later died. According to Ando Tatewaki, 6. Katakuri Flower Park 26. Chichi sugi Japanese Cedar guardians at the gates, and the a friend of the priest, this is his burial site. dron (Rhododendron lagopus var. niphophilum) rough Sea of Japan. In this area largest island). While the latter are performed to the slow In this area from March to April Subalpine Plants: Kurobe Japanese thuja (Thuja front hall of worship have all been are the remains of stone walls that and leisurely pace of the Hayashi (Japanese festival 10.Somin-Shorai Ritual The solemn and majestic Chichi- designated as National Important Cultural Property. Every 4.Shoyo-ji Temple many Katakuri Dogtooth violet standishii), O-iwa-kagami Shizocodon (Schizocodon sugi Japanese cedar tree is the were used to divide farmland in a unique crop rotation music), Dozen Kagura are fast paced and energetic. The In the Chibu Village area, an old (Erythronium japonicum) blossom soldanelloides) year on the 5th of June during the Gorei-furyu Festival, method known as Makihata. Makihata was developed on vanquishing of a giant serpent Yaegaki also only features where the deity of the Iwakura one of the three big festivals on Dogo, a miraculous event Exiled Emperor Godaigo stayed at religious rite is carried out that has with pinkish purple to white Continental Plants: Mitsuba-iwagasa Spiraea (Spiraea Shrine resides. It is about 800 years Dozen and carried out until the end of the 1960s. Local in the dances on Dozen. They are designated as an this temple after arriving on its origins in the folk belief of flowers. Though the flower is a takes place in which eight sacred horses carrying the gods residents are working to preserve these walls even now. Intangible Folk Cultural Property of . blumei var. obtusa), Yokogura-no-ki Berchemiella old and has a very interesting from eight areas gallop to the shrine to pay their respects. Chiburijima Island. It was originally Somin-Shorai, a charm to ward off subalpine plant, in Oki it is found (Berchemiella berchemiaefolia) appearance. The tree has one root located on Mt. Akahage and called evil spirits and prevent disasters. close to the coast. These flowers but separates into about 15 trunks Urumi-bo until the Emperor Every year on the 12th of January, were previously endangered due from 4-6 meters up, and it has also renamed it Shoyo-ji Temple after willow branches featuring the to over-picking, but now volunteers from the region are sprouted new roots which you can see hanging down its impressive pine trees. The words ‘Somin-Shorai’ are placed at protecting them in the Katakuri Flower Park. 16. Shirashima Coast Lookout from the trunks. The Chichi-sugi is worshipped as the wooden carving of the Bodhisattva seven locations around the island where people travel in location of a deity, and every year on the 23rd of April at the temple is said to have been gifted by the Emperor, and out of the area. These branches act as talismans to The Shirashima Cape, Shirashima offerings are brought to the tree as part of a religious 37. Yao-sugi Cedar and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of prevent contagious illnesses from entering the district. Island, Okinoshima Island along festival. Shimane Prefecture. The tomb of the Emperor's descend- with other small islands in the area This giant tree is found on the ant Prince Kyoson is also located at the temple grounds. are collectively referred to as the grounds of Tamawakasu-no- Nakanoshima Island 7. Dangyou-no-taki Waterfall mikoto Shrine, and is believed to 11.Shimazushima Island Shirashima Coast. The contrasts of 5.Ikku Shrine Since long ago the water of the the blue of the sea, the stark white be around 2000 years of age. It (Ama Town) Shimazushima Island has a number Dangyou-no-taki Waterfall has of the rock face, and the bright 27. Ryuugataki Waterfall was planted by Yao-bikuni The official name of this shrine is of interesting features. Firstly, been revered as sacred. It is said green of the pine trees on the Buddhist nuns from Wakasa Amasashihiko-no-mikoto Shrine, trace fossils from 5.5 million years that if you drink the water before coast leave a lasting impression on visitors. Beautiful The Ryugataki Cliff is located on Province, so it has always been but the local people have ago of prehistoric creatures such as a match or competition, you will Ajisai (hydrangeas) along the walking trail bloom well the way from Saigo to Fuse in called the Yao-sugi Cedar. The The Historical Island nicknamed it Ikku Shrine meaning sea urchins and clam worms can be win, and so even today before a into autumn. Here you can also observe the rare combina- front of the Ryugataki Tunnel. If inside of the tree is hollow and it is said that on warm the best shrine on the island. It is found along the shore. This shore traditional sumo match or tion of southern and northern as well as continental you look up at the cliff from the days with little wind you can hear the sound of a giant also the Ichinomiya (highest is also a popular swimming traditional bull fight those plants growing in the same place, a phenomenon peculiar sea, the basaltic dike looks as serpent snoring inside. Brought up to the Earth ranking shrine) on the Island. location. Further inland, there is a involved in the competition will go to drink the water. to the Oki Islands. though a dragon has slithered out There is a legend about the deity stone monument to a pine tree that is sung about in the Ono-no-Takamura, the envoy who was exiled to the Oki onto the cliff face. Nearby are of this shrine and Okuninushi (Oanamuchi). On the Oki Islands folk song Dossari-bushi. The Watatsu Shrine Islands, is said to have come here to pray for his repatria- Kura-jima Island (Horse Saddle 1. Yakumo Square grounds are the Rock (Seat) of Emperor Godaigo and the located here enshrines the deity Itakeru-no-mikoto, who tion to the capital. Island) and Eboshi-iwa Rock (Black Ceremonial Hat Rock). Rock (Seat) of Kengyo, the temple administrator who was according to legend brought many plants from the 17. Mura-Matsuri-Furyu Festival In the Meiji Period in 1892, banished to Oki in 1674. Korean Peninsula to Japan. 38. Oki Family Residence Yakumo Koizumi (Lafcadio Hearn), This festival takes place biannually a famous international author who 6.Sekiheki (Red Cliff) on the 19th of October and is one The Oki Family Residence is the became a Japanese citizen, went 12.Chiburijima Lighthouse 8. Nagu-misaki Cape of the three big festivals of Oki 28. Kuroshima Island house of the Oki Clan, an impor- on vacation to the Oki Islands with On this appropriately named Red Dogo. For the festival, the Hachi- tant family in the history of Oki his wife while on his search for Cliff, splashes of vivid red, as well Nagu-misaki Cape has been a oji Shrine that enshrines the god Kuroshima Island was created and the head priest of the The Chiburijima Lighthouse is on around 3.3 million years ago from Japan’s most iconic scenery. During as yellow and brown decorate the the east side of the island on Mt. historically important place for of the sun, and the Ichinomori Tamawakasu-no-mikoto Shrine. It their vacation, the beautiful and cliff face over an expanse of about marine trading, and is also Shrine that enshrines the god of an eruption of basaltic rock into was built in the unique Oki Takahira (149m) and lights up the the eastern coastal area of Dogo. mirror-like Hishiura Bay attracted his attention and he 1km. This cliff can also be viewed Oki Strait for naval safety. associated with the legend of the the moon come together to architectural style and thus has named it Kagami-ga-ura (Mirror Inlet). It is said that from the sea. The red color in the Empress Jingu. On the side of the celebrate the meeting of the cosmic dual forces. As part You can see the columnar joints three entrances that were used Previously, the lighthouse lodgings that formed when the volcanic Koizumi was especially taken by the scenes of young cliff was created by splashes of hot were next to the lighthouse but observation platform is an old of the festival proceedings, go- (an object which according to social position and occasion. This building women working in the villages and the lullabies sung by magma ejected from the volcano garden lantern that was used by contains the spirit of a deity) are hoisted up in the sky rock cooled. Inside these columnar has been listed as a National Important Cultural Property. they were closed to make a joints are mantle xenoliths of the the village mothers. The details of his trip to Oki are that oxidized upon contacting the air. An intrusive dike of parkland area. Here you can enjoy the lighthouse keeper in the past. and carried three and a half times around the festival Inside, you can see sword marks on the walls and gunshot written in his book “Glimpes of Unfamiliar Japan – From a different color also cuts across the center of the This area is known for its beautiful sunsets as well as its area. The sun takes the form of a three legged crow, and olive colored peridotite, and greenish black pyroxenite holes in the door that record the turmoil of the Oki the sunset and coastal scenery such as Shimazushima that rose up from the Earth's mantle during the eruption. Hoki to Oki”. Emperor Gotoba pyroclastic cone. Island. view of the Dozen Islands right in front the cape. the moon takes the form of a white hare. Rebellion that occurred at the end of the . Oki Islands Geopark Guide Map N a height Dogo Island 16 Shirashima Coast (Okinoshima Town） Lookout 16 Shirashima Coast Lookout 500～600m 18 Noritabana Coast

400～500m 13 Kumi Coast 18 Noritabana Coast 12 300～400m Rosoku-jima 14 Ise-no-mikoto Shrine Kumi Coast 13 Guide Map 200 300m ～ 17 Mura-Furyu Festival 485 100～200m Jodogaura Coast 15 Boat Mooring, Kumi 19 0～100m b 12 Rosoku-jima (Candle Island) 19 Jodogaura Coast

0 5 10km 11 Fukuura Tunnel 485 316 Kasuga Shrine Fukuura Tunnel 11 20 Oyama Shrine 21 Mizuwakasu Shrine 44 31 27 Ryuugataki Cliff Geological Map of the Oki Islands Kabura-sugi 47 (Turnip Cedar) 33 22 Tokage-iwa (Lizard Rock) 28 Kuroshima Geology tells us what was happening over the ages. Island 23 Shizenkaiki-no-mori Forest c (years before present) 133°9’E Lookout 25 Byobu-iwa (Folding Screen Rock) Stage４ From Peninsula to Isolated Island 70000 36°11’N The Oki Salamander 24 26 Chichi sugi Japanese Cedar Stage３ Volcanic Islands Period Dogo Island 100 million Ongyaku Shrine 29 stage２ Sea of Japan Formation Period 10 Yui Maenosu 26 million 34 Inujima in Oku stage１ Continental Period 485 (Dog Island) Yui Maenosu Intertidal Shore Platform Nishinoshima 10 32 Agonashi Jizo Island 7 Dangyou-no-taki Waterfall Oki Kokubun-ji Temple Site 30 d Yui Pond 9 35 Sasaki Traditional Katakuri Flower Park 47 Residence 6 9 Yui Pond 30 Sasaki Traditional Residence

316 44 8 Tamawakasu-no-mikoto Shrine Nakanoshima 36 Nagu-misaki Cape Island Yao-sugi Cedar 37 Saigo Bridge 5 Oki Family Residence 38 Chiburijima 8 Nagu-misaki Cape Ozuku Conglomerate Rock e 44 Saigo Harbor Island 43 Misaki-no-bakuretsu Tsuma Boat Houses 4 (Misaki Explosion Crater) Lookout 1

Oku-tsudo Coast OKI ISLANDS GEOPARK Walking Track 3 Lookout 4 Tsuma Boat Houses 2 Kishihama Seashore Obsidian 1 Nishinoshima Island Misaki Explosion Crater 9 Kuniga Coast (Nishinoshima Town） 2 Kishihama Obsidian Message from the Oki Islands Geopark f Oku-tsudo Coast 3 Walking Track “Discover Connections” Tourist Information The small world of the Oki Islands is isolated from mainland Japan by the Sea of Japan. Despite being small, on Oki you can experience first-hand some of Kuniga Coast Saburo-iwa Rocks 10 Boat Tour 5 Saburo-iwa Rocks Okinoshima Town Tourist Association the strong connections between the earth, living things and humankind. 95 Tel/Fax 08512-2-0787/3950 7 Akao Lookout Dozen Caldera E-mail [email protected] Special Features Former Kurogi Palace Site 104 Uzuka-no-mikoto Shrine Nishinoshima Town Tourist Association consists of the following The Oki Islands have developed through a series Kuniga Coast Tel/Fax 08514-7-8888/8890 １9 81 Akiya Coast three islands: of changes: from being a part of the Eurasian 1211 Funabiki Canal 26 E-mail [email protected] g Nishinoshima Islands Continent, to the bottom of a lake, to the 319 Mt. Kinkoji Ama Town Tourist Association Kuniga Coast 3 Nakanoshima Island bottom of a deep sea, to being connected to the The lifestyle A special Sightseeing Boat Tour 10 Tel/Fax 08514-2-0101/0102 Beppu Harbor Chiburijima Island. mainland Shimane Peninsula, to finally becom- and traditions eco-system独自の生態系 Hishiura Harbor E-mail [email protected] 485 ing a group of remote islands. Through this The Dozen Islands were formed by volcanic activity Chibu Village Tourist Association transformation from continent to small islands, a Yakumo Square 6 Akiya Coast 6.3-5.3 million years ago, resulting in many geological Tel/Fax 08514-8-2272/2278 diverse ecosystem and unique cultural traditions 81 structures and rock formations typical of a volcanic E-mail [email protected] have developed in this region. Origin of Oki Islands Akao Lookout 28 origin.This landscape consists of a large volcanic depres- 315 Tengawa-no-mizu Spring 47 sion (caldera), which has filled with seawater to become OKI Tourism Co.,Ltd.・・・ Sightseeing Boat 2 Shuhaira Dance 317 (Water of the Heavenly River Spring) a calm inland sea. Tel/Fax 08514-6-0016/0018 45 317 Oki Shrine Dogo Area The Oki Islands Geopark encompasses the Oki Islands Archi- 133 Mita Dam １2 ・・・ Ferry Yurahime Shrine Ferry OKI Co.,Ltd. 15km pelago, which consists of four inhabited islands and 180 uninhabited Tel 08512-2-1122 islands located 40 – 80 km north of Shimane Prefecture (south-west of 320 94 Nishinoshima h Town mainland Honshu). The total area of the geopark is 628km2 (land area Shara-bune (Spirit Boat) Nakanoshima Island 346km2, marine area 282km2). The fishing industry and marine organ- Okinoshima Akekure Town isms that inhabit the sea area around Oki are vital to the way of life of its 67 (Ama Town） people, so coastal areas up to 1km from the shoreline have been included (Light and Dark) Cavern 318 Ama Chibu Town in the geopark area. The geographical environment of these remote 123 Mt. Takuhi Dozen Oki Islands Geopark Model Course Town islands and the lifestyle of the people are important aspects of this 1113 geopark. 76 Dozen Kagura 68 Miho Shrine Dozen Islands (Sacred Shinto Dances) 6 Grave of ・ （ ） Onimai Lookout 79 Nishinoshima Chiburijima Island 3 hours 30 minutes The geoparks program is supported the Famous War Horse ‘Su-Go’ Island Kurii Harbor → Kawai-no-Jizo Spring → Tomb of Priest Mongaku → Shoyo-ji Temple What is a Geopark? → Ikku Shrine → Sekiheki (Red Cliff) → Mt. Akahage→ Himemiya Shrine → Kurii Harbor by UNESCO. It recognizes unique areas for their special geological significance 10 Somin-Shorai Ritual and outstanding natural and cultural landscapes. The Oki Islands Geopark 10 Kirogasaki Cape ・Nakanoshima Island (5 hours) Hishiura Harbor → Yakumo Square → Oki Shrine → Mt. Kinkoji → Akiya Coast became a member of the Japan Geoparks Network (JGN) in 2009. i 96 Himemiya Shrine → Tengawa-no-mizu Spring (Water of the Heavenly River Spring) → Miho Shrine Kirogasaki Cape → Grave of the Famous War Horse ‘Su-Go’ → Kirogasaki Cape → Hishiura Harbor Nakanoshima 105 Island ・Nishinoshima Island (6 hours) Kurii Harbor Chiburijima Beppu Harbor → Former Kurogi Palace Site → Mt. Takuhi → Yurahime Shrine Island → Onimai Lookout → Akao Lookout → Tsutenkyo Arch → Matengai Cliff → Beppu Harbor

Kawai-no-Jizo Spring Ferry Mt. Akahage Information 82 Ganjo-ji Temple 28 35 Oki Islands Geopark Committee 8 Tomb of Priest Mongaku Miho Shrine Dogo Island Shimane Prefectural Government Oki Branch Office 3rd Floor Aigaki Stone Walls 127 111 4 Shoyo-ji Temple ・Dogo Island East Course ( 7 hours) 24 Shioguchi, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane- 685-8601. JAPAN Ikku Shrine 57 East Course Saigo Harbor → Tamawakasu-no-mikoto Shrine ・ Oki Family Residence → Oki Kokubun-ji Temple Site Tel +81-8512-2-9636 / Fax +81-8512-9626 / E-mail [email protected] 7 Aigaki Stone Walls 322 → Mizuwakasu Shrine → Shirashima Coast Lookout → Noritabana Coast → Tokage-iwa (Lizard Rock)→ Oyama Shrine → Chichi sugi Japanese Cedar → Jodogaura Coast → Kasuga Shrine → Ryuugataki Cliff → Sasaki Traditional Residence → Saigo Harbor Oki Tourism Association 6 Sekiheki (Red Cliff) Chiburijima Island Saigo Harbor Terminal Building 3rd Floor ・Dogo Island West Course ( 7 hours) Nakamachi Menuki 4-57, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane-ken 685-0013. JAPAN j １6 (Chibu Village） Saigo Harbor → Misaki Explosion Crater → Oku-tsudo Coast Walking Track → Tsuma Boat Houses → Kouzanji Temple → Dangyou-no-taki Waterfall → Nagu-misaki Cape → Yui Pond → Fukuura Tunnel → Kumi Coast → Mizuwakasu Shrine Tel +81-8512-2-1577 / Fax+81-8512-2-1406 / E-mail [email protected] / Web http://www.e-oki.net Sekiheki (Red Cliff) → Oki Kokubun-ji Temple Site → Tamawakasu-no-mikoto Shrine → Saigo Harbor 129 Chiburijima Lighthouse West Course Help Protect Oki’s Natural Beauty 113 Shimazushima Island 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 http://www.oki-geopark.jp