Visitor's Guide

The Oki Islands are a part of Daisen-Oki National Park, and are also designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The area is composed of an environment which includes endemic species and geological features of international value. In order to pass on the precious natural environment to future generations, we highly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following the rules and manners of the Oki Islands.

Protect the Nature

Please help us conserve and protect the precious nature and geological heritage of the Oki Islands!

  • ★ Cherish the environment and minimise your ecological impact when visiting the Oki Islands. Do not collect or disturb the animals, plants and rocks.
  • ★ Take your litter away with you. Prepare a garbage bag and bring it with you before heading out.
  • ★ Do not wander off the hiking tracks and designated routes.
    Such actions may destroy habitats of animals and plants.
  • ★ Please put your dog on a leash. It is prohibited by law to let your pets loose in Special Protection Zones and some of the Special Zones of the Daisen-Oki National Park. The following areas are special protection zones on the Oki Islands: Kuniga Coast (Nishinoshima Island), area near Sekiheki Red Cliff (Chibu Village), Mt. Daimanji, Shirashima Coast and Jōdogaura Coast (Okinoshima Town).
  • ★ Fishery rights are established in the waters of the Oki Islands. Do not collect abalone, sazae turban shells, sea urchins, etc. If you violate rules, you may be punished for breaking the law. Please also refrain from swimming in a wetsuit, as you could be mistaken for a poacher.
  • ★ Swimming outside beaches or designated areas is not recommended. There are no surveillance staffs at the beaches outside the swimming season. There are no surveillance staffs at beaches in Chibu Village even during the swimming season.
  • ★ Fishing is allowed in most areas on the islands. However, please avoid fishing at ports and zones where vessels enter or exit. Please make sure to dispose of the related garbage responsibly.

Respect Local Culture

Be respectful of the local culture

Numerous festivals of the Oki Islands have been passed down from ancient times, and they reflect the unique culture of the islands. A lot of the festivals have a religious background, therefore visitors should be careful when participating. Another characteristic of the festivals is that compared to urban areas, there are fewer visitors and participants are mostly local residents. A good rule of thumb is to observe the local people around you and read the atmosphere. Please keep in mind the following:

  • ★ It could become dangerous if you stay too close to the parade or other participants. Please be careful of the situation around you.
  • ★ Please refrain from cheering or making noises that interfere with the procession or rituals.
  • ★ Do not cross the procession or parade troupe.
  • ★ Do not touch the mikoshi (portable shrine), the carriers of the mikoshi and animals of the ritual.
  • ★ Do not stand behind the sacred horses, as you may get injured.
  • ★ Please refrain from using excessive flash when taking pictures
  • Shinto rituals before Mina-ichi Dance,
    Chibu Village

  • Uma-ire-shinji ritual,
    Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine,
    Okinoshima Town

  • Mikoshi (Portable Shrine)
    Procession, Yurahime Shrine Festival,
    Nishinoshima Town

Prepare for Your Outdoor Adventure

Prepare before your outdoor adventure!

While there is no need for heavy equipment when hiking in the Oki Islands, please make sure to wear adequate clothing and bring some food and drink.

Hiking and Walking

Hat

Wear a light-coloured hat. It is good to avoid dark colours as wasps and hornets are sensitive to them.

Long trousers

Cover your skin to protect yourself from potential abrasions or dangerous plants and insects.

Hiking gloves

Necessary when hiking Mt. Daimanji and Washigamine Ridge trails.

Long-sleeved shirt

Cover your skin to protect yourself from potential abrasions or dangerous plants and insects. Wasps and hornets are sensitive to dark colours so choose light-coloured clothing.

Backpack

Some trails are steep. Put your supplies in a backpack to have both hands free when hiking.

Hiking shoes and long socks

There are some steep trails in the Oki Islands so we recommend wearing light hiking shoes. Put on some long socks too, in order to protect yourself from insects or dangerous plants.

To find out more about hiking and walking trails on the Oki Islands please refer to our Pocket Guide to Outdoor Activities in the Oki Islands. Are you interested in joining a hiking tour? Check out the following pages for guided hiking tours to Mt. Takata, Shirashima Coast, and Washigamine Ridge.

Water Sports

Swimming season

The best season for marine sports is from mid-July through August.

Rash guard

Cover your skin to protect yourself from potential scrapes, sunburn and dangerous sea animals or plants.

Water shoes

Protect your feet from the rocky sea bottom, or potential threats such as marine litter or sharp shells.

Attention!

Make sure to check the weather forecast before setting out on your excursion. Do not hike or take part in water sports when a thunderstorm advisory is in effect. Please inquire about the latest information on the hiking trails and sea bathing conditions at the local tourism offices. For detailed information about weather conditions on the Oki Islands throughout the year, see this page.