One of my friends from Europe said.

The Oki Islands encompass four inhabited and many uninhabited islands located in the Sea of Japan 40-80 km north of Shimane Peninsula. Although they are isolated islands with poor transportation, they are very famous in Japanese history.

The Oki islands used to be a location of remote islands for the exile of nobles (Sometimes even the emperor! ) and government officials. They are mentioned in many of our history textbooks.
Nowadays, the islands are famous not only for their history even for their nature, they’re designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
You can enjoy the stunning view which includes the impressive rocky cliff coastline.

Today, let’s take a quick look at the natural beauty of the area.

1. Mount Akahage (アカハゲ山, Akahage-yama)  in Chiburijima (知夫里島)  .

Chiburijima is the smallest of the 4 major islands in the Oki Islands. It is said that this observatory is the only one in the Oki Islands where you can see the four main islands.

I felt like I arrived in some faraway European Country.

2 Sekiheki (赤壁), a sea-cliff composed of red rock, in Chiburijima (知夫里島)  .

The cliffs are 200 meters at their highest point and were originally a part of a volcano.
Volcanic eruptions and subsequent erosion have created this impressive landscape on the Oki island.

3  Chichi-sugi(岩倉の乳房杉),  Japanese Cedar, in Okinoshima(隠岐の島)  .

Okinoshima is the largest of the 4 major islands in the Oki Islands. This tree is about 800 years old and it’s a sacred tree and an object of worship.

4  Dangyo-no-taki (壇鏡の滝, Dangyo Waterfalls, in Okinoshima(隠岐の島)  .

In this waterfall where you can enjoy the mysterious sight of delicate water spilling down from a circular skylight.

It looks like a mist shower！
The water from this waterfall is one of the listed “100 famous natural water sources in Japan”. it is said that there are many long-lived people on this island because of it’s high-quality water.

The post Let me introduce the Amazing scenery on the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark. appeared first on Trip Planner Japan.

It is a tropical place with beautiful coral reefs and a collection of resort hotels ranging from budget to luxury.

Naha, the largest city in Okinawa, is home to shopping streets and bars.

In addition to the main island of Okinawa, there are airports on both Miyako and Ishigaki islands, and many other remote islands.

The Kerama Islands, consisting of 20 islands of various sizes, are easily accessible by ferry from the main island of Okinawa, and the beauty of the sea attracts divers from all over the world.

Okinawa was called the Ryukyu Kingdom from 1429 to 1879, and as a result, this place boasts unique cultural features: sanctuaries called Utaki and shamans called Yuta.

Shuri Castle, where the king and his family lived, and Sefa-Utaki, the holiest site in Ryukyu mythology, are registered as World Heritage sites.

Kudaka Island is the sacred place where Amamikiyo, the god who created the Ryukyu Islands, is said to have landed.
It is a good destination to learn more about Okinawa, as many sacred places still remain and maintain their own unique culture.

Okinawa has many repeat visitors who are attracted to its spiritual culture and relaxing island time.

Okinawa was also the site of a fierce battle during World War II, in which more than 200,000 people died, and the tragic history of the war is still preserved in places such as the Peace Memorial Park.

If you like

Shopping:

Yomitan Village is known as the home of pottery and there are many kilns. There are also pottery stores along Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Naha.

Outdoor activities:

On the beautiful beaches, you can enjoy all kinds of marine sports such as scuba diving, sea kayaking, and fishing. Kayaking is also popular in the forest.

Traditional townscape:

The island of Taketomi is particularly beautiful, with many houses of traditional architecture unique to Okinawa remaining.

Gourmet food:

Okinawan specialties such as Okinawa soba noodles, chanpuru (a stir-fry dish containing vegetables (especially bitter melon), tofu, meat or fish), and rafute (Okinawan-style stewed pork broth) are popular, as well as steaks, burgers, and tacos and rice inspired by American food culture. Another drink that is unique to Okinawa is Awamori, a strong Okinawan liquor made from rice or millet.

Nightlife:

There is a live music club in Naha where you can enjoy Okinawa’s unique folk songs.

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