Dōzen Caldera There are three islands Island in this caldera: was the Dōzen Caldera formed? United Nations Educational, Scientific and UNESCO English Cultural Organization Global Geopark Dozen Islands Nakanoshima Island of Rich Land and History The Do¯zen Islands were formed by volcanic activity 6.3-5.3 million years ago, resulting in many geological structures and rock formations typical of a 1. Saburō-iwa Rocks 3. Utsuka-no-mikoto Shrine 1) Eruption 2) Formation 3) Mt. Takuhi 4) Flooding Nishinoshima Island volcanic origin. This landscape consists of a large volcanic These three rocks look like three This shrine is dedicated to (6.3 Million of Caldera Eruption of Caldera depression (caldera), which has filled with seawater to become a Years Ago) (5.4 Million brothers standing in a row in the Utsuka-no-mikoto, the deity of calm inland sea. sea north-east of Hishiura Port. On bountiful harvests, maritime safety Years Ago) GEOPARK

the top of these sea-eroded basalt and safe childbirth, and is one of the rocks are small groves of green four most important shrines in the Unique Landscape Created by trees that resemble bonsai trees. Oki Islands. Utsuka-no-mikoto has You can see them from the Oki been worshipped by the people of Kisen Ferry Line, the AMANBOW Underwater Viewing Boat, Oki since ancient times. According to the creation myth of the the Dōzen Caldera and the Sea of Recommended Course or on a sea kayak tour. Akiya Coast, this deity fought a battle of strength against the deity of Ōyama Shrine in order to marry the deity of Hinamachi-hime Shrine (Hinamachi-hime-no-mikoto) in 1. Kuroki Imperial Residence Site 1-1. Hekifū-kan Museum Do¯zen Islands 2. Yakumo Square Nishinoshima. This site is located at the peak of This museum near the Kurogi A walk around the charming 4. Akiya Coast Mt. Tennō, which ofers a beautiful Imperial Residence Site features Kurī Port → Mt. Akahage → Sekiheki Clif → Ikku Shrine → Shōyō-ji Temple Hishiura Port will lead you to this view over Beppu Port. It is said that materials about Emperor Godaigo, → Guardian Deity Spring Group → Himemiya Shrine → Kurī Port square named after Lafcadio Hearn Splashes of bright red on the steep Emperor Godaigo resided here for who was exiled to the Oki Islands (Yakumo Koizumi), a famous clif face contrast beautifully with the more than a year before he and is said to have lived in international author who became a blue sea along this coast, named so escaped from the islands. The Nishinoshima before escaping back Hishiura Port → Yakumo Square → Oki Shrine → Mt. Kinkōji → Akiya Coast Japanese citizen. Hearn visited the after a legend in which a deity from → Tengawa-no-mizu Spring → Miho Shrine → Kirogasaki Cape → Hishiura Port Nishinoshima (Hinamachi-hime-no Emperor was exiled to the Oki to the mainland. Poetry written by Oki Islands on vacation with his GLOBAL -mikoto) gave birth here. The Islands during the Genkō Era in 1332 after failing to the emperor that depict the scenery from Mt. Tennō are also wife in 1892 and wrote about it in his book ‘Glimpses of overthrow the Kamakura Shōgunate (military regime). surrounding geological features on display here. Opening Hours: 9:00 - 16:00, April - October, Unfamiliar Japan – From Hoki to Oki'. During their vacation, were said to have been created by this legendary event. You Nearby are other historical sites and the Hekifū-kan Closed: Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) Beppu Port Kurogi Imperial Residence Site Mt. Takuhi Yurahime Shrine the beautiful and mirror-like Hishiura Bay attracted his Museum. → → → can see scoria, volcanic projectiles and other volcanic matter Entry: Adult ￥300, High-School/University Student ￥200, → Onimai Lookout → Akao Lookout → Tsūtenkyō Arch → Matengai Clif → Beppu Port attention and he named it Kagami-ga-ura (Mirror Inlet). along the trail on the coast. At the end of the trail you can see Elementary/Junior High School Student ￥150 a small heart-shaped hole in the rock, which was created by 2. Nishinoshima Furusato-kan Museum erosion. This museum features many interesting displays about the 5. Mt. Kinkō-ji Temple history, nature and culture of After a quarrel, Ono-no-Takamura, Nishinoshima. A visit here will give the vice-envoy to T'ang China, you a deeper understanding of the feigned illness to avoid boarding island. Opening Hours: 9:00 - 16:00, the boat that was headed towards April - October, Closed: Monday (or T'ang. This avoidance of duty Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) Entry: Adult ￥300, Ferry incurred the anger of Emperor Saga Fast Ferry High-School/University Student ￥200, Elementary/Junior who exiled him to Toyoda in Ama UNESCO High School Student ￥150 Town in 838. While Ono-no-Takamura was on the island, he Saburō-iwa Rocks retired to the Rokusha-gongen of Mt. Kinkō-ji Temple where 3. Mita Dam 434.6 Mimi-ura Beach he prayed for his reinstatement to the capital and carved 1 Buddhist statues. Around this dam you can see lake Mimiura Campground sediments from around 18 million Kurogi Imperial Residence Site 6. Oki Shrine years ago, the oldest rock in the 1 3 Uzuka-no-mikoto Shrine Dōzen Islands. For many years, this Hekifu-kan Museum This shrine was built in April 1939 easily workable green-colored rock 5 Kuniga Coast 1-1 to deify Emperor Gotoba on the (known as Mita Rock) was mined 4 Funabiki Canal Mt.Tsuno Akiya Coast Swimming Beach 700th anniversary of his death. The from here and used as a building Kuniga Coast 126.2 4 Akiya Coast emperor was exiled to Oki after material. The Mita Dam is also a popular place for watching 6 Akiya Coast Campground losing the Jōkyu Rebellion in 1221. Sightseeing Boat Tour It is said that he lived on Oki until frefies in early summer. Soto hama Beach Beppu Port Hishiura Port he passed away 19 years later in Matengai Clif Rainbow Beach Mt. Kinkō-ji Temple February 1239. 4. Funabiki Canal 5

Tsu¯tenkyō Arch Mt.Yugi Yakumo Square ISLANDS This narrow 340m long canal cuts 224.0 6-1. Ama Town Museum of Local History and Culture through central Nishinoshima. Before the canal was made, the Uragō 2 This museum contains records Akao Lookout 246.2 Mt.Tada related to Emperor Gotoba, who boats had to be laboriously 8 226.5 Ōyama lived in Oki with his entourage until transported overland in order to Yura 7 Tengawa-no-mizu Spring reach the Sea of Japan from the 2 Nishinoshima Furusato-kan his death in Ama Town in 1239. It also Inner Sea. This is said to have been 7 Shimane-bana Campground Museum Oki Shrine contains artifacts discovered in Ama, 6 including bronze swords and the inspiration for naming the surrounding town Funakoshi Yurahime Shrine 3 Mita Dam earthenware. Opening Hours: 8:30 - OKI (Boat Crossing). 6-1 Ama Town Museum Mt.Kumano Shakunoe 147.3 17:00, 21 March - 20 November Entry: Individual ￥300, Group Chichī (15 or more) 250 5. Kuniga Coast ￥ The view from atop this 257m-high 452.0 7. Tengawa-no-mizu Spring sea clif along the Kuniga Coast is Furo-ya Beach breathtaking. The many interesting 9 Akekure-no-iwaya Sea Cavern On his visit to the Oki Islands during the rock formations of the coast are the Period (710 - 794), the Buddhist Welcome to the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark! 11 Mt. Takuhi Priest Gyōki heard the sound of running result of volcanic activity and water from a cave in the forest. He felt subsequent erosion from the sea the aura of the spring water and named and wind. There is a 2.3km walking it Tengawa-no-mizu, "Water of the track along the Kuniga Coast which is listed as one of the Ōi Heavenly River". Springs like this can be Top 100 Walking Tracks of Japan. It takes you from the top 10 Onimai Lookout found in many places throughout Ama Town. The land has of Matengai Clif down along the coast to a natural rock abundant sources of underground water, which has helped The beautiful Oki Islands are located in the Sea of Japan. On these small arch called the Tsūtenkyō Arch (Bridge to Heaven) and a cultivate rich and fertile land. The spring has been designated as group of strangely-shaped rocks known as Tenjyō-kai one of the Top 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters of and isolated islands, you can experience some of the strong connections (Heavenly World). 8 Miho Shrine by the Ministry of the Environment. between the Earth, living things and humankind. 6. Kuniga Coast Sightseeing Boat Tour 8. Miho Shrine On this boat tour you can get up 7 Himemiya Shrine Emperor Gotoba was exiled to Oki in close to the impressive Kuniga 9 Kirogasaki Cape 1221 after his defeat in the Jōkyu Introduction Coast. If the sea is calm you will Rebellion. Due to very stormy seas Oki features a natural and cultural landscape also enter the Akekure-no-iwaya they were forced to take shelter at unlike anywhere else. The many stunning Sea Cavern. The boat tour runs Kurī Port Kirogasaki Cape. While his men were geological landscapes of the islands tell the story from April - October when the searching for a place to stay, the weather and sea conditions are of how the islands were formed; from being part Lifestyle and Mt. Akahage Height Above Sea Level Emperor waited close by at what is Unique Ecosystem good. There are two courses - from Beppu Port (130 min.) or 1 Ganjō-ji Temple 6 Guardian Deity Water Spring Group now known as the "Rock Seat of Emperor Gotoba." The of the Asian Continent, to becoming submerged Traditions from Uragō Port (90 min.). 324.5 Emperor and his group ended up spending the night at Miho under the sea, to their birth as isolated islands due Makihata Stone Walls 5 8 Shōyō-ji Temple Shrine. 2 Mt. Ōmine to volcanic activity. Here, you will discover a 7. Yurahime Shrine Kōri 153.3 This shrine was listed as an Ikku Shrine 4 9. Kirogasaki Cape diverse and traditional culture that has been Geohistory Ichinomiya (highest ranking shrine) This cape at the southern tip of fostered by the islands’ remote geographical in 927. In front of the torī Ōe Sekiheki Clif 3 Nakanoshima Island has a great location, as well as their geology. Why not explore the geopark yourself? Enjoy getting outdoors and (Shintō shrine entrance) there is a view of Mt. Takuhi (the central experiencing the intimate connections that exist between the geohistory of the land, the unique shallow bay in which large shoals Nagao Beach Watatsu Beach pyroclastic cone of the Dōzen of squid often appear in autumn to Mt. Takahira Ferry Caldera) on Nishinoshima, ecosystem and the lifestyles and traditions of the people. Shimazushima Island 149.0 winter each year. According to 10 9 Chiburijima Lighthouse Chiburijima Island and legend, the squid once nibbled on the fngers of the Shimazushima Campground Nakanoshima Island (the outer rim important deity Yurahime-no-mikoto as she was returning of the caldera), and the Inner Sea. It is a popular spot for to Oki in a small boat. It is said that the squid swarm into watching the sunset and the glow of fshing boats at night. Geopark Area the inlet every year to ask for her forgiveness. The geopark area is indicated by the yellow boundary line in the map below. This area encompasses four 10. Onimai Lookout 5. Ganjō-ji Temple 8. Shōyō-ji Temple inhabited and many uninhabited islands located in the Sea of Japan 40-80km north of Shimane 8. Akao Lookout Prefecture (south-west of mainland ). As isolated islands, marine life and the fsheries industry is of From here you can enjoy a This temple was originally located at This temple was originally located on This lookout point is located on a panoramic view of the entire the base of Mt. Akahage, and was Mt. Akahage and called Urumi-bō. central importance to the way of life of the people. In consideration of this, aside from land area, the peninsula on the south-side of Dōzen Caldera as well as Mt. Takuhi Chiburijima Island called Niburi-bō. However when However, when Emperor Godaigo geopark also includes 1km of sea area from the coastline. The geopark has a total area of 673.5 km2 (land Kuniga Bay. It is the best spot for (the central cone). In this area are Emperor Godaigo was exiled to Oki stayed here it was renamed. The area 346.0 km2 and marine area 327.5 km2). stunning panoramic views of the the remains of stone walls that he stayed here and renamed it wooden carving of the bodhisattva entire Kuniga Coast, including were used to divide farmland for Shunkō-zan Ganjō-ji (Ganjō-ji in the temple is said to have been Matengai Clif, Tsūtenkyō Arch and Makihata. Today, local residents are Temple of the Spring Sunlight). In gifted by the emperor, and is Tenjyō-kai). These rocks were created working together to preserve the Makihata walls. 1504 there was a great fre that destroyed the whole temple. designated as an Important Cultural Property of Shimane by volcanic activity six million years ago and shaped by erosion Entrance to the Oki Islands It was rebuilt in its current location in 1645. Parts of the Nio Prefecture. The tomb of the Emperor's descendant Prince from the waves and strong northern winds of the Sea of Japan. 11. Mt. Takuhi (large and threatening guardians of Buddha) statues that Kyōson is located within the shrine grounds, and the tomb of 1. Mt. Akahage 3. Sekiheki Cliff stood at the gates of the original temple are on display here. the famous monk Mongaku Shōnin can also be found on the 9. Akekure-no-iwaya Sea Cavern This mountain is the central way to the temple. pyroclastic cone of the Dōzen Caldera This is the highest peak on Splashes of vivid red, yellow and This unique place is a collection of and the tallest mountain in the Dōzen Chiburijima Island (324.5m) and brown decorate the massive clif face 6. Guardian Deity Water Spring Group sea caves that have eroded to form Islands (452m). Close to the summit is commands a beautiful of Sekiheki, which is about 1km long. You can fnd these springs by 9. Chiburijima Lighthouse a 250m long sea cavern. It is one of the main building of Takuhi Shrine, 360°panoramic view of the Dōzen following the road from Kurī Port in The red color in the clif was created This lighthouse is located on the east the sights visited on the Kuniga which is built partially inside a cave! Caldera, Mt. Takuhi, and the calm by splashes of hot lava that were the direction of Kōri Settlement. Coast Sightseeing Boat Tour. The Takuhi Shrine is the oldest shrine Inner Sea. On clear days you can They are called ‘spring water of life’, side of the island on Mt. Takahira ejected from the volcano at high (149m), and lights up the Oki Strait. It sea cavern is not much wider than building in the Oki Islands, and has been designated as an also see Mt. Daisen and the speed. The lava turned red when the and have been designated as one of the boat, so entry is highly is the closest lighthouse to the Important Cultural Property of Japan. This shrine is dedicated Shimane Peninsula. The grazing cattle and remaining iron content oxidized upon contacting the air. A white intrusive the Top 100 Exquisite and dependent on the weather and the height of the waves. If to the deity of safe sea voyages. People have come here to pray mainland of Japan. You can also see Makihata stone walls along the mountain side create a dike also cuts across the center of the clif. Sekiheki is especially Well-Conserved Waters of Shimane you are lucky enough to be able to enter the cavern, it is an for maritime safety for many hundreds of years. The beautiful picturesque view. In spring, pretty No-daikon (Japanese Prefecture. The springs are lined with Jizō, statues of the Shimazushima Island from here and amazing experience! hike up to the shrine takes about 15 minutes from the car park. radish) bloom all over the mountain. spectacular when viewed up close from the sea. bodhisattva who looks after children, travelers, and the enjoy the view of the setting sun upon Mt. Akahage. 4. Ikku Shrine underworld. This island has abundant sources of 2. Makihata Stone Walls underground water, featuring wells on the coast and natural The ofcial name of this shrine is springs in the mountains. 10. Shimazushima Island Remains of stone walls can be seen Amasashihiko-no-mikoto Shrine, but This popular swimming location has Okinoshima Town Tourism Association Ama Town Tourism Association from Mt. Akahage Lookout. These the local people have fondly 7. Himemiya Shrine OKI Kanko Co.,Ltd. walls are a remnant of a unique nicknamed it Ikku Shrine which means a number of interesting things to Tel/Fax 08512-2-0787/3950 Tel/Fax 08514-2-0101/0102 (Inter-Island Ferry) method of stock and crop rotation ‘the best shrine on the island’. It is also This shrine is dedicated to three see, such as 5.5 million year-old Web http://oki-dougo.info/ Web http://oki-ama.org/ Tel/Fax 08514-6-0016/0018 farming called Makihata. Makihata the Ichinomiya (highest ranking important female deities who trace fossils of creatures such as E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected] appear in Japanese legends. It is crabs and shrimp along the shore. OKI Kisen Co.,Ltd. was carried out in the Oki Islands shrine) of the island. There is a legend What is a Geopark? Nishinoshima Tourism Association Chiburijima Island Tourism Association from the Middle Ages up to as about the deity of this shrine and Okuninushi (Oanamuchi), an believed that if a pregnant woman Further inland, there is a stone (Ferry and Fast Ferry) monument to a pine tree that is A geopark is a designated area that encompasses geological sites of scientifc or aesthetic value. However, Tel/Fax 08514-7-8888/8890 Tel/Fax 08514-8-2272/2278 recently as 1970 in the Dōzen Area. The felds were marked important deity believed to have been the ruler of Izumo ofers up some of her breast milk to Tel 08512-2-1122 using stone walls and wooden fences. This farming method Province. In the shrine grounds there is the Rock Seat of Emperor these goddesses, the milk she sung about in the Oki Islands folk song Dossari-bushi. Also a geopark is not just about geology. It is a place where you can explore the deep connections that exist Web http://nkk-oki.com/ (English Available) Web http://www.chibu.jp/ Web http://www.oki-kisen.co.jp/ located on the island is Watatsu Shrine, which enshrines the E-mail [email protected] E-mail [email protected] enabled the barren and mountainous land of the Oki Islands Godaigo (exiled to Oki in 1332) and the Rock Seat of Kengyō (a produces for her child will be between the land, nature, history and culture of the people who live there. A geopark works to protect, to be utilized efectively for agriculture. temple administrator who was banished to Oki in 1674). blessed. deity Itakeru-no-mikoto, who according to legend brought many plants from the Korean Peninsula to Japan. preserve and celebrate this geological, natural and cultural heritage, so that we can enjoy it in the same way for many years to come. 1. Mizuwakasu Shrine 35. Shirashima Coast Lookout 32. Jōdogaura Coast 29. Shizen-kaiki-no-mori Forest This shrine was designated as the Ichinomiya The contrasting colors of the blue This scenic spot features many The many impressive sites of the (highest ranking shrine) of Oki Province in 927. sea, white clifs and green pine interesting rocks, such as lake forest, such as ancient Japanese cedar The current honden (main hall of worship) was trees along the Shirashima Coast sediment, which tell us about the trees over 300 years old, the endemic Geology tells us what has happened over time made in traditional Oki-style architectural design make this spot a popular lookout. geological history of Oki. You can Oki rhododendron and other in 1795. It was designated as an Important Along the walking trail you can also observe the unique plant precious plant and animal species (Years Ago) make this forest a popular place to Cultural Property of Japan in 1992, along with observe the strange mixture of Oki distribution of the Oki Islands, and Stage４ Peninsula to Isolated Islands Period the honden of Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine. On plant life, including hydrangeas enjoy the spectacular views along explore nature. There are hiking trails Dogo Island of various lengths that you can start from Nakadani Rest Area 3rd May on even years, one of the three most important festivals of Dōgo that bloom until November. The Shirashima Coast the nature trail around the clifs of the coast. Dōgo Island Island takes place at this shrine. The shrine grounds also feature a sumō Sightseeing Boat that leaves from Nakamura Beach allows to Tokage-iwa Lookout and up to Washigamine Peak. dohyō (sumo ring) used when Oki Traditional Sumō takes place. you to view the interesting rocky coast up close. 29-1. Oki Salamander 31. Kasuga Shrine The Oki Salamander is a unique 1-1. Oki Kyōdo-kan Museum of Local Archaeology and Folklore On the spring and autumn species of Dōgo Island and a Dogo Island equinoxes, the sun will rise right in protected Natural Monument of Next to Mizuwakasu Shrine is an elegant 34. Noritabana Coast the middle of the gate in front of Dōzen Islands western-style building. This is the old town hall Okinoshima Town. The salamander At the tip of this coast you can fnd this shrine, creating a breathtaking is aquatic for the frst three years of that was built during the Meiji Period (1868 - strangely-shaped rocks such as sight. The tallest Black Pine Tree in its life. It can be found in ponds and Connecting Three Stories: 1912). It was dismantled and rebuilt in its Kabuto-iwa (Helmet Rock) and Japan (60m) was once located here, rivers in the forests of Dōgo Island. current location and is now a museum with Yoroi-iwa (Armor Rock). These however it was struck by lightening There is a pond located a short walk from Nakadani Rest many historical and cultural artifacts on display. Geology, Nature and Human Life protruding basalt rocks are and died. You can see the stump of the tree on display in Area where they can often be seen. Behind the museum there is a traditional so-named because they look just like the shrine grounds. In the shrine area there are Japanese Oki-style Residence and a Bull Sumō Ground. Opening Hours: 9:00 - the armor of a samurai warrior. There Black Pine with Nagoran orchid, a sub-tropical species, 29-2. Tokage-iwa (Lizard Rock) 17:00, Closed: Weekends and Public Holidays from December - March is a legend that a fallen warrior's helmet and armor turned to growing on them. Hamanasu, a northern fower, is found This strangely-shaped rock is thought Entry: Adult 300, University/High School Student 200, Elementary 3. Ise-no-mikoto Shrine 2. Funaoroshi Vegetation ￥ ￥ stone here. In 1938 this coast was designated as a Place of nearby on the coast. to resemble a lizard scaling the clif Student ￥100 Scenic Beauty as well as a Natural Monument of Japan. This shrine was listed in the A wide variety of face. It is 26 meters long and was Engi-shiki (laws and regulations plants from around 30. Ōyama Shrine formed as parts of the rock collapsed along the joints. One of the lizard's compiled by the central Japan including The giant Japanese cedar tree here government in 927), and is one of sub-alpine plants, front legs fell of as a result of the 1-2. Goka Sōsei-kan Museum of Traditional Culture 33. Kabura-sugi Japanese Cedar is said to be 800 years old. It is an Western Tottori Earthquake in 2000. the four main shrines on Oki. At the continental plants, This museum features displays and short flms This incredible tree is said to be ancient form of shrine that has no There are short trails from Nakadani Rest Area to Tokage-iwa annual festival of this shrine, a northern plants and about traditional Oki culture such as Bull Sumō around 600 years old. From a shrine building. The tree itself Lookout, or up to the rock (for experienced hikers). warrior wears armor and holds a southern plants can be and Oki Traditional Sumō, as well as information distance, it appears to be six enshrines a deity. During the rare type of bow and arrow to lead the festivities. Kagura seen in Kumi at 20m above sea level. The about the unique plants and animals of the Oki diferent trees, but it in fact Yama-matsuri Festival that occurs 28. Byōbu-iwa Rock (Shintō dances) are performed on the evening of 25th July beautiful alkaline rhyolite rocks here are Islands. The café next to the museum serves diverges into six diferent trunks at biannually on the frst Sunday of on even years and 26th July on odd years. speckled with red and white. traditional Oki-style soba and other dishes. a height of about 1.5m from the April, participants must tie a hardy vine around the tree On the western side of this large Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00, Closed: Weekends roots of the tree. Nearby is a river seven and a half times. It is said to be one of the most rocky outcrop there is a splendid 4. Kumi Coast and Public Holidays from December - March Entry: Adult ￥500, with water which has been designated as one of the Top ancient mountain festivals in Japan. You can visit the tree columnar joint that resembles a University/High School Student ￥300, Elementary Student ￥200 100 Exquisite and Well-Conserved Waters of Shimane. on the way to Chichi-sugi Japanese cedar from Fuse Area. byōbu (folding screen). With a Along this coast you can observe precipice about 80m high, it is a very the beautiful fow structure of the impressive geological formation. The Recommended Course white alkaline rhyolite clifs. You hike up to the lookout on can also observe the unusual plant Washigamine Peak is excellent for experienced hikers. distribution that is peculiar to the Height Above Sea Level Do¯go Island Oki Islands. On the rocky coast here 27. Chichi-sugi Japanese Cedar ・Dōgo Island East Course ( 7 hours) there are endemic species, Saigō Port → Tamawakasu-no-mikoto Shrine・ Oki-ke Family Residence → Oki Kokubun-ji Temple Site This solemn and majestic tree is continental species, species from southern Japan, as well as → Mizuwakasu Shrine → Shirashima Coast Lookout → Noritabana Coast → Tokage-iwa (Lizard Rock) 35 Shirashima Coast Lookout located on Mt. Daimanji. The tree remnant plants from the last glacial age. → Ōyama Shrine → Chichi-sugi Japanese Cedar → Jōdogaura Coast → Kasuga Shrine itself is a shrine dedicated to a → Sasaki-ke Traditional Residence → Saigō Port maternal deity. It is about 800 years 5. Rōsoku-jima (Candle Island) old and has a very mysterious Ise-no-mikoto Shrine ・Dōgo Island West Course ( 7 hours) appearance. It has several diferent Saigō Port → Misaki Explosion Crater → Oku-tsudo Coast Walking Track → Tsuma Boat Houses This island is a work of art in the trunks, and has also sprouted many natural gallery of the Oki Islands. 3 → Dangyō-no-taki Waterfalls → Nagu-misaki Cape → Yui Pond → Fukuura Tunnels → Kumi Coast new roots which you can see dangling down. This strange → Mizuwakasu Shrine → Oki Kokubun-ji Temple Site → Tamawakasu-no-mikoto Shrine → Saigō Port The sight of Candle Island when it is 34 Noritabana Coast shape is where the tree gets the name chichi-sugi (breast cedar). lit up by the setting sun is Kumi Coast 4 322.3 unforgettable. However, it can only Nakamura Beach Nakamura Campground 26. Kuroshima Island Lookout be seen on the Rōsoku-jima Sightseeing Boat Cruise, so make Kichiura Campground This island was created around 3.3 2 sure to book in advance at the Okinoshima Tourism Funaoroshi Vegatation million years ago from an eruption of basaltic lava in the eastern coastal Association. You can view the rock from above at the Rōsoku-jima (Candle Island) 5 ・Ōjirobana Park Mt. Ōmine Rōsoku-jima Lookout in Ojirobana Park or follow the trail 507.6 Ībi area of Dōgo Island. It is composed of Experience the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark ・Ōmine Windfarm down to the second lookout on the coast. Jōdogaura Coast columnar joints that formed when 32 the volcanic rock cooled. Inside these rocks are mantle xenoliths that Unique History and Culture

6. Fukuura Tunnels 361.1 contain the minerals peridotite and pyroxenite. Mantle Mt. Sakiyama ・Ichigayadake Bull Sumo Ring Mimoza Campground xenoliths are rocks that contain fragments from deep inside This tunnel group was dug through 207.2 Fukuura Tunnels 6 Kasuga Beach the Earth's mantle that were carried to the surface as lava the soft pyroclastic fow deposits of 31 Kasuga Shrine ascended from underground. the mountain on the Fukuura Coast. Ōyama Shrine 30 1 Mizuwakasu Shrine The small tunnels on the sea-side 25. Inu-jima Island were dug by hand. The larger tunnel Fukūra Beach 1-1 Oki Kyōdo-kan Museum 500.0 was dug frst by hand and dynamite, This island can be seen from the Ōku Kōri and then expanded using heavy 1-2 Goka Sōsei-kan Museum 597.6 Coast. The bottom-half of the rock is 372.0 ・Ryūga-taki Cliff machinery. These tunnels show the development of 29-2 Tokage-iwa composed of 'green tuf', a transport over the ages (from on-foot, to horse and cart, to Nakadani Rest Area Kuroshima Island green-coloured tufaceous rock. 355.4 Kōji automobile), and the development of civil engineering 29 Shizen-kaiki-no-mori Forest Fossils of an alligator tooth and Make obsidian arrow heads Watch Oki Bull Sumō technology on the islands. 521.6 26 Kuroshima Island Lookout pond snails have been discovered in Nagōda 33 28 Byōbu-iwa the same rock, which tells us that the Kabura-sugi land here was once in a large lake. As this type of rock is often 7. Yui Maenosu Intertidal Shore Platform 27 Chichi-sugi found in the Goka Area, it is often referred to as 'Goka Rock.' It This intertidal shore platform was has been utilized for many years as a building material. Ongyaku Shrine formed by wave erosion and is the Mt. Ōmine Agonashi Jizō Statues Ongyaku Shrine 607.7 Ōku 249.0 16 25 Inu-jima Island largest in Dōgo Island at 170m x 22 24. Sasaki-ke Traditional Residence 220m. It is composed of lake This building is the oldest wooden sediments deposited about 20 572.8 ・Chōshi Dam Mt. Yokō home in the Oki Islands and has million years ago that have been been designated as an Important continuously eroded by wind and Yui Maenosu 7 Cultural Property of Japan. It was waves. You can see the platform when you drive through Intertidal Shore Platform Amegi 23 Chōshi Dam constructed in 1836 in an the Yui Area. Chōshi See Shāra-bune Spirit Boats (16th August) Visit shrines (Takuhi Shrine) 9 Dangyō-no-taki Waterfalls Sasaki-ke Traditional architectural style unique to Oki, Oki Kokubun-ji Temple Site 24 Residence with characteristics such as three Yui Pond ・Sayama Bull Sumo Ring 8. Yui Pond 8 17 separate entrances that were used according to the Katakuri Flower Park Saigō purpose and the rank of visitors. The main room of this This pond area has a precious Tōgo single-foored residence is gabled and the roof is thatched 11 473.9 ecosystem. Looking at the 250m Mt. Ōmine with Japanese cedar bark, and laid with stone weights. wide, cylindrical pond and the Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00, March - November surrounding topography, you Entry: Adult ￥400, Child ￥200 might assume that it was created Hatta Oki Islands Geopark Visitor Center & by volcanic activity. However, a Īda 21 23. Chōshi Dam Mt. Uzume Oki Shizen-kan Nature Museum recent study has revealed that it 309.3 253.8 This dam was built to store water for was in fact created by a large landslide. There are viewing Nagu-misaki Cape Mt. Terayama agriculture and the town's water 10 Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine 15 Tatsugi Yacht Harbor Campground platforms and a walking track around the pond. Shiohama Beach supply, as well as for disaster Watch a kagura performance Join a local festival Mt. Takada Oki-ke Family Residence Saigō Bridge prevention. The rocky clifs here are 315.0 15-1 9. Dangyō-no-taki Waterfalls Mt.Mt. Kinpu-sen Saigō Port composed of the oldest rock in the Ōzuku Conglomerate Rock 12 Oki Islands, Oki Gneiss. This Outdoor Adventures The sacred water of the Mt. Īno 194.0 metamorphic rock was formed 250 Mt. Sutoko 236.6 154.6 million years ago at high temperatures deep underground Dangyō-no-taki Waterfalls has been Mt.Mt. Koguwashi 20 Minato-machi Town revered since ancient times. It is 246.7 on the Pangaea Supercontinent. The dam has a spacious rest Tsuma Funa-goya area, walking trails, and beautiful views of the surrounding said that if you drink the water 13 before a match or competition, you (Traditional Boat Houses) mountains. In June and July you can see frefies. will win. Before an Oki Traditional Misaki Explosion Crater Sumō or Bull Sumō match those Island Park Campground 19 22. Ongyaku Shrine involved in the competition will go to these waterfalls to Oku-tsudo Coast Walking Track 14 There is no main shrine building pray and to drink the ‘winning water’. here. The deity resides in the rocky clif behind the gates of the shrine. 10. Nagu-misaki Cape There are other such ancient 18 Obsidian Outcrop shrines that have been preserved in Go sea kayaking Enjoy snorkeling This cape was a historically Oki, such as the Iwakura Shrine and important place for marine trading, the Ōyama Shrine in the Fuse Area, and is also associated with the which are giant Japanese cedar trees. During the festival legend of the Empress Jingu. Next Ferry that takes place here on 21st March on even years, to the lookout there is an old Fast Ferry ceremonial archery with pictures of crows and mice takes lantern that was once lit every place. night by the lighthouse keeper, a sight that the Nagu people remember fondly. The area is 13. Tsuma Funa-goya 15. Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine 16. Agonashi-jizō (Guardian Deity Statues) 18. Obsidian Outcrop 21. Oki Islands Geopark Visitor popular for its beautiful sunsets as well as the view of the (Traditional Boat Houses) This shrine is the main general shrine of Oki and Ono-no-Takamura (a famous noble in Obsidian, perlite, pitchstone and Center & Oki Shizen-kan Nature Museum Dōzen Islands right in front of the cape. Twenty boat houses is dedicated to many diferent deities. The main the ) was exiled to the Oki other types of volcanic glass were You can fnd out all about the Oki are lined up neatly on shrine is constructed in the unique Oki Islands. He left two carved Jizō statues formed on the volcanic vent of the Islands Global Geopark at the Visitor 11. Katakuri Flower Park the bay in Tsuma, a architectural style. The honden (main hall of (bodhisattva who are the guardians of Kishihama Ridge due to the rapid Center, and learn about the geohistory worship), the Zuishinmon guardians at the shrine children) to the maiden Akona Minako cooling of rhyolitic magma fows and nature of the islands in the Oki Join a geotour Watch the sunset In this area many pinkish-purple to quiet fshing village Nature Museum. There are also indoor with a view of Mt. entrance, and the former hall of worship have all when he returned to the capital. These under pyroclastic rock. As the white Katakuri (Dogtooth violet) been designated as Important Cultural Property are called Agonashi-jizō. According to magma rose and cooled, the low craft activities that you can do at the fower from March - April. The Takada, a place of Visitor Center (bookings required). mountain worship. of Japan. There is a giant Japanese cedar tree on the shrine grounds, legend, when she prayed to them her toothache healed. They are water content core became obsidian, the high water fower is a sub-alpine plant, but in called Yao-sugi. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Every year on 5th June located here but are only revealed at a special time each year. content middle layers became perlite and pitchstone, and Opening Hours: 8:30 - 17:30, Closed: 29th December - 3rd January Oki it is found close to the coast. Nearby is a pine grove said to have been Entry: (Museum): Adult ￥300, Child ￥150 (Free Entry to the planted by Buddhist nuns. A luminescent frefy during the Gorē-furyū Festival, a miraculous event takes place where eight The story of the two is told every year on the 23rd day of the the outermost layer became crushed pyroclastic rock. These fowers were previously sacred horses carrying the deities from eight areas gallop to the shrine. seventh lunar month during the Bon Festival. Visitor Center) endangered due to over-picking, display can be enjoyed along the coast from early summer until autumn. Bioluminescent 19. Misaki Explosion Crater 20. Minato-machi Town Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark Promotion Committee but now volunteers from the region are protecting them 15-1. Oki-ke Family Residence 17. Oki Kokubun-ji Temple Site here. 'sea-frefies' can also be seen in early summer. On the west side entrance to Saigō This old-style fshing town fourished Shimane Prefectural Government Oki Branch Ofce 3rd Floor This is the residence of the head priest of during the 18th and 19th centuries. Nakamachi Menuki 4-57, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane-ken 685-8601. JAPAN Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine, who is believed to be a This site contains the remains of the Port there is a 50 – 100m high clif Oki Kokubun-ji Temple. Kokubun-ji that features a crater close to the The islands were a port of call during Tel:08512-3-1321 / Fax:08512-3-1322 / E-mail:[email protected] / Web:http://www.oki-geopark.jp/en/ 12. Ōzuku Conglomerate Rock 14. Oku-tsudo Coast Walking Track descendent of the regional ofcal who governed the peak of the Kitamae-bune, a the Oki Province in ancient times. It was built in the temples were built in every tip of the cape. When seen from the Along the slope to the right of revolutionary trade route that An unusual unique Oki architectural style and has three province of Japan under the sea it looks like a giant bowl cut in Oki Islands Tourism Association Ōzuku Port, you can see many allowed merchant ships to travel combination of plants entrances that were used according to rank. It is an imperial edict of Emperor Shōmu in half. This is the site of a phreatic Shimane Prefectural Government Oki Branch Ofce, Annex, 1st Floor round green-colored rocks (about from Ōsaka all the way to Hokkaidō can be seen along this Important Cultural Property of Japan. Inside, you 741. It is thought that Emperor eruption (a steam eruption) that 24 Shioguchi, Minatomachi, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane-ken 685-0015. JAPAN 20 million years old) that are more frequently. Up to 2,000 boats stopped in Oki every year track, including can see sword marks on the walls and gunshot holes in the door that record Godaigo spent some time here occurred about 5.5 million years ago from the east side of Tel:08512-2-1577 / Fax:08512-2-1406 / E-mail:[email protected] / Web:http://en.e-oki.net/ embedded in the rock layer. Due to to replenish supplies and wait for the 'right wind'. Along with species from both the confict of the Oki Rebellion that occurred in 1868. There is also a small during his period of exile in the Oki Islands (1332 - 1333). the crater. This crater can be best seen from the ferry on modern goods, culture from all over Japan spread to the the large number of rocks it is southern and northern museum of important historical artifacts that have been passed on through This site was designated as an Important Cultural Property your way in or out of Saigō Port and from the lookout at islands during this time. Historical remains and folk songs assumed that a river carried them parts of Japan, as well the generations, including the eki-rei station bells (the only remaining ones in of Japan in 1934. A restoration project and archeological Saigō-misaki Cape. from this period can still be discovered today. Take a walk Help Protect the Natural Beauty of the Oki Islands there. The rocks became green as a result of contact with as sub-alpine species, alpine species and Japan), which originated in 646, and a sō-in large property seal. These are both excavations around the area are being carried out. along the Yabi River and notice the houses that back directly water of a high temperature after the rock layer formed. continental species. listed as Important Cultural Property of Japan. Opening Hours: 8:00 - 17:00 Opening Hours: 8:30 - 17:30, March - November onto the river, a remnant of a bustling port town. The Kappa Entry: Adult 400, Child 200 Entry: Adult ￥300, Child ￥100 ￥ ￥ Yūransen Sightseeing Boat is a great way to see the town. Printed Oct.2016