8:54 AM Take a bus from Oki Hospital
First thing first—make sure to drop by the vending machines next to the Oki Hospital bus stop. Even if you think you are all set with your packed lunch and water bottle, do yourself a favor and grab one more drink anyway. The outdoors on this trip is so great, you will not have a chance to restock until you return.
With that out of the way, board the Nakamura line bus bound for Igo (伊後).
Pro tip: sit on the right side to see Kabura-sugi Japanese Cedar from the window as the bus drives past.
9:25 AM Arrive at Shirashima Iriguchi Bus Stop
The bus will take you as far as this intersection, 1 km from your destination.
Take notice of the bus stop sign—a post with an attached timetable standing across the street—and follow the signage for Shirashima Coast. The road ahead has a slight elevation, providing a nice warmup for the main hike.
9:50 AM Arrive at Shirashima Car Park
Not the coast just yet—first, you arrive at the car park.
A quick look around reveals toilet facilities, Daisen-Oki National Park signboard and a glaring lack of vending machines (you have been warned). Please, keep in mind no washrooms of any kind are available beyond this point.
You might want to do a quick stretch as you check what the signboard says about the Shirashima Coast and its many points of interest. Once on the walking trail, you should soon reach this bench near a geopark signboard.
From there, you can go right, left, or down to the coast.
10:00 AM Walk to Shirashima Lookout
Let’s take the path on your right, first.
It is only a short walk to the lookout. The trail is pleasant, well-maintained and lined with hydrangeas. Unfortunately, insect pollinators are partial to these flowers, too. Be especially careful when visiting from June to September, as you may encounter a rogue bee or wasp.
You probably have already caught glimpses of Shirashima Coast from the trail. Still, the lookout commands a view that is nothing short of breathtaking, with a bonus of Nakamura Coast visible and stunning. Can’t help but wonder what forces have shaped this scenery? No worries, a geopark signboard is right there, ready to provide answers.
Walk to the Lighthouse and Torii Gate
Backtrack to the bench and continue straight ahead, past the rest area (to your left) and into the forest.
Since the trail makes a loop, it does not matter which way you go at this intersection. If you would rather follow a shorter (if steeper) route, then you might want to turn right.
Soon enough, you will reach a clearing with Shirashima lighthouse and perhaps the most picturesque torii gate in the Oki Islands. Remember to take a picture!
10:40 AM Hike to Shirashima-zaki Lookout
This is it, the hike that you stretched for.
When you are ready, backtrack to the bench and follow this signage for Shirashima-zaki Lookout.
The trail descends nearly the entire way, with only the last section leading uphill. First, you will walk under the canopy of trees. However, the forest eventually thins out and from a point about 0.5 km to your destination, you can enjoy spectacular coastal scenery. The path itself also narrows about two-thirds way down, so only one person can pass comfortably at a time.
While not technically demanding—quite the opposite—the trail can and often does get badly overgrown. Proceed with caution, beware of snakes. Long sleeves and proper footwear that covers ankles are strongly advised.
Spend time at Shirashima-zaki Lookout
Awaiting at the lookout is the view that makes this whole hike worth it.
Tempting as it may be to have your lunch there, listening to the sound of the sea, please don’t. The rest area is not roofed; you never know when a bird of prey might snatch a snack from your hand. Instead, snap pictures to your heart’s content or simply take a breather, basking in the tranquil beauty of this coast.
For the hike back, give yourself more time than you think you need. If you walk at a moderate pace, it is best to leave around 11:40 AM.
12:30 PM Take a Lunch Break
Do you remember the rest area you passed on your way to the lighthouse and torii gate? A bench there is a perfect spot for your lunch break. Make yourself comfortable, safely out of sight of airborne Oki wildlife, and of course, enjoy your meal!
But don’t forget to keep time—you still have to walk 1 km back to the bus stop. With that in mind, please set off from the car park no later than 1:05 PM.
1:34 PM Take a Bus from Shirashima Iriguchi Bus Stop
Just in case, it is best to arrive at the bus stop with a few minutes to spare. Please, wait by the post with an attached timetable to ensure the driver can easily spot you. They will stop the bus on your side of the street.
Pro-tip: sit on the left side for another chance to glimpse Kabura-sugi Japanese Cedar from your window.
End of your trip
Welcome back! Did you enjoy your hiking adventure at Shirashima Coast?
The bus arrives at Oki Hospital at 2:05 PM. If you are travelling onward to Saigō Port Area, you can take a short break here and board a bus departing at 2:17 PM or 2:25 PM. Both of them take the same route to the Pōto-mae (ポート前) bus stop, the one closest to the ferry terminal.
Author: Izabela Raczynska