Location of the Oki Islands
Located in the Sea of Japan 40–80 km north of Shimane Peninsula, the Oki Islands are a collection of many uninhabited islands and four inhabited islands: Dōgo Island, Nishinoshima Island, Nakanoshima Island and Chiburijima Island.
Okinoshima Town is on the largest island (Dōgo Island) and lies slightly away from the other three inhabited islands.
Nishinoshima Town, Ama Town and Chibu Village, lying respectively on Nishinoshima Island, Nakanoshima Island and Chiburijima Island, lie closer to each other and are collectively known as the Dōzen Islands.
Things to Know about the Access to the Oki Islands
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Number of Gateways 4
- Shimane, Shichirui Port
- Tottori, Sakaiminato Port
- Osaka, Itami Airport
- Shimane, Izumo Airport
*There are connecting buses bound for the ports.
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Number of Transportation Methods 3
- 2 flights per day (*1 from Osaka Itami Airport, 1 from Izumo Airport)
- 3 ferries
- 1 fast ferry
*Timetable changes depending on the season.
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Number of Entrances 5
Dōgo
- Oki Airport
- Okinoshima Town, Saigō Port
Dōzen
- Nishinoshima Town, Beppu Port
- Ama Town, Hishiura Port
- Chibu Village, Kurii Port
Access from the Main Island (Honshu) to the Oki Islands
By Plane
There is only one airport in the Oki Islands and it is located in Okinoshima Town (Dōgo Island). You can take non-stop flights operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) from Izumo Airport (Shimane Prefecture) and Itami Airport (Osaka) to Okinoshima Town.
There are connecting buses operating between the airport and Saigō Port, from which ferries bound for the other islands depart.
Please note that the bus will be delayed in case of a flight delay.
*You can also catch a flight, operated by All Nippon Airlines (ANA), to Yonago Airport in Tottori Prefecture. See below for details.
Osaka Itami Airport - [Okinoshima Town] Saigō Port
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Itami Airport *Depart at 12:15 pm from March 1 to March 29, and at 12:25 pm from August 1 to August 31. Depart at 1:45 pm
JAL 2331 Approx. 50min *One flight per day
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Oki Global Geopark Airport (Dōgo Island, Okinoshima Town) *Depart at 1:05 pm from March 1 to March 29, and at 1:15 pm from August 1 to August 31. Depart at 2:35 pm
Connecting bus approx. 10min
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Saigō Port (Dōgo Island, Okinoshima Town) *Arrive at around 1:15 pm from March 1 to March 29, and at around 1:25 pm from August 1 to August 31. Arrive at Around 2:45 pm
Matsue Station - [Dōgo Island] Saigō Port
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Matsue Station *Departure from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station: 7:20 am Depart at 7:30 am
Connecting bus approx. 35min
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Izumo Airport Arrive at 8:05 am Depart at 9:00 am
JAL 3433 approx. 30min *One flight per day
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Oki Global Geopark Airport (Dōgo Island, Okinoshima Town) Depart at 9:30 am
Connecting bus approx. 10min
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Saigō Port (Dōgo Island, Okinoshima Town) Arrive at Around 9:40
About the access between Oki Global Geopark Airport and Saigō Port
- The connecting bus operates based on the flight schedule and plane arrival times.
The bus departs from the bus stop in front of the airport after all luggage has arrived. You can pay only in cash.
Fee: JPY 520 per adult, JPY 260 per child -
Taxi service is available at the airport on an irregular basis. Bookings are recommended especially on weekends, around holidays, and in tourism season.
- Taxi Companies (Japanese language only)
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- Oki Kanko Taxi
- 08512-2-8020
- Shima Taxi
- 08512-2-1234
- Saigo Taxi
- 08512-2-1390
- Minato Taxi
- 08512-2-1565
- Yoshida Taxi
- 08512-2-1230
- Tsuma Taxi
- 08512-6-2018
- Nakamura Taxi
- 08512-4-0216
- Goka Taxi
- 08512-5-2052
By Ferry
Ferries and fast ferry Rainbow Jet (hydrofoil) operate from Sakaiminato Port (Tottori Prefecture) and Shichirui Port (Shimane Prefecture). Please note that the timetable changes depending on the season and the fast ferry service does not operate during the winter months. Please check the latest timetable at the Oki Kisen Ferry Line websiteThis will open in a new tab. .
Connecting buses to Sakaiminato Port or Shichirui Port are available from Matsue JR Station and Sakaiminato Station. The bus timetable is provided along with the ferry timetable on the Oki Kisen Ferry Line website. There is also a bus that connects Izumo Airport and Matsue JR Station.
Please note that flights landing in Yonago Airport do not have a connecting bus bound for the ports. Make sure to check the information when making plans for your trip. Going by train or taxi might be necessary when arriving through Yonago Airport.
Before your travels, take a moment to have a look at the short informational videos showing how to board the ferry and what kind of facilities are available on the ferries: Oki Kisen Ferry Line VideosThis will open in a new tab. (English subtitles available).
Prior booking is highly recommended if you wish to use the fast ferry Rainbow Jet.
You must make a reservation in advance if you plan to take a vehicle with you to the islands, and you must arrive at the port 60 minutes before the departure time to board your vehicle on the ferry. For more information, please see this article.
About the Four Oki Islands
Okinoshima Town (Saigō Port) is located on the round, large island, called Dōgo Island. Nishinoshima Town (Beppu Port), Ama Town (Hishiura Port) and Chibu Village (Kurii Port), lie respectively on Nishinoshima Island, Nakanoshima Island and Chiburijima Island, and are collectively known as the Dōzen Islands.
Transport between the Oki Islands
Transport between Dōzen Islands and Dōgo Island (Okinoshima Town, Saigō Port)
Ferries and fast ferry Rainbow Jet operate between Dōzen Islands and Dōgo Island.
Smaller inter-island ferries connect the three Dōzen Islands – a much faster and more convenient alternative to the large ferries.
*Prior booking is highly recommended if you wish to use the fast ferry Rainbow Jet or take your vehicle on the ferry.
Transport between the Dōzen Islands
When traveling between the Dōzen Islands (Chibu Village, Ama Town, Nishinoshima Town), you can use inter-island ferries. There are two types of inter-island ferries available: ‘Isokaze’ and ‘Ferry Dōzen.’ ‘Isokaze’ is a passenger-only ferry, whereas ‘Ferry Dōzen’ carries passengers and vehicles.
Fare (flat fare): JPY 300 per adult, JPY 100 per child (cash only)
A crew member will collect your fare when you board the ferry.
There are also day pass tickets which are convenient for island hopping. You can purchase the day pass tickets at the counters of the tourism associations of Nishinoshima Town, Ama Town and Chibu Village.
Transport on the islands
Okinoshima Town
Okinoshima Town is located on the largest island. The island is quite hilly so we recommend renting a car when travelling around it.
Free pick-up and drop-off service at Saigō Port is also provided by some accommodations (inquire when booking).
- Rent-a-Car
- Rent-a-Cycle
- Taxi
- Public Bus
- Sightseeing Bus
- Walking
- (possible in the port area)
About Rent-a-Cars
- Okinoshima Town Rent-a-Car Bookings
- Free pick-up and drop-off service at the port or the airport are available depending on the company. Please inquire at the time of the booking.
- To rent a car in Japan, you will need either an international driving permit or a translation of your driver’s license. Please check the rules that apply to your situation and prepare beforehand.
- Please use the above booking form or contact the tourism associations by e-mail for booking. Oki Rent-a-Lease has an English website through which you can book directly in English. You can also book directly with the other rent-a-car companies in Japanese by phone.
About Rent-a-Cycles
Rental bicycles are available at Okinoshima Tourism Association (inside Oki Islands Geopark Visitor Center, next to the ferry terminal in Saigō Port). Prior booking is highly recommended as the number of bicycles for rent are limited.
About Taxis
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Taxis are not always readily available. Prior booking is necessary.
- Taxi Companies (Japanese language only)
-
- Oki Kanko Taxi
- 08512-2-8020
- Shima Taxi
- 08512-2-1234
- Saigo Taxi
- 08512-2-1390
- Minato Taxi
- 08512-2-1565
- Yoshida Taxi
- 08512-2-1230
- Tsuma Taxi
- 08512-6-2018
- Nakamura Taxi
- 08512-4-0216
- Goka Taxi
- 08512-5-2052
- Sightseeing taxis operate with a flat-rate system and on a prearranged route. The tours will take you to the main sightseeing spots. Drivers serve as guides. Guiding is currently available in Japanese only.
An advance booking is requiredThis will open in a new tab. .
About Public Buses
The public bus service is infrequent, and depending on the route a bus change might be necessary. Make sure to check the timetable when making plans for your trip or inquire at the Okinoshima Town Tourism Association.
- Public Bus Timetable (PDF)
About Sightseeing Buses
Advance bookings are necessary. The sightseeing bus tours are operated in Japanese only.
Okinoshima Town Sightseeing Bus Bookings
*Please check with the Okinoshima Town Tourism Association for the latest information on road closures and conditions.
Nishinoshima Town
Similar to Okinoshima Town, Nishinoshima Town also features roads with many ups and downs. It is highly recommended to explore the island using rental cars or electric mountain bikes (e-bikes). Walking is an option for those who do not mind some exercise and are not in a hurry, however, we strongly recommend planning well to make sure you make it in time for your ferry or back to your accommodation before dark.
Free pick-up and drop-off service at Beppu Port are also provided by some accommodations (inquire when booking).
- Rent-a-Car
- Rent-a-Cycle
- Taxi
- Public Bus
- Sightseeing Bus
- Walking
- (possible in the port area)
About Rent-a-Cars
- Nishinoshima Town Rent-a-Car Bookings
- To rent a car in Japan, you will need either an international driving permit or a translation of your driver’s license. Please check the rules that apply to your situation and prepare beforehand.
About Rent-a-Cycles
About Taxis
-
Taxis are not always readily available. Prior booking is necessary.
- Taxi Companies (Japanese language only)
-
- Hara Taxi
- 08514-6-0056
- Kagamitani Taxi
- 08514-7-8321
- Sightseeing taxis operate with a flat-rate system and on a prearranged route. The tours will take you to the main sightseeing spots. Drivers serve as guides. Guiding is currently available in Japanese only.
An advance booking is required.This will open in a new tab.
About Public Buses
Major sightseeing spots, such as Kuniga Bay (Tsūtenkyō Arch), Sotohama Beach and Uragō area (Yurahime Shrine) are along the bus route. Onboard announcements (pre-recorded) in English are available.
Nishinoshima Town Public Bus TimetableThis will open in a new tab.
- The bus does not go to Takuhi Shrine and Matengai Cliff.
- The bus route to Kuniga Bay car park (close to Tsūtenkyō Arch) operates only from April to October.
About Sightseeing Buses
Advance bookings are necessary. The sightseeing bus tours are operated in Japanese only.
Nishinoshima Town Sightseeing Bus Bookings
About Walking
- Area Walking Maps (PDF)
Ama Town
Ama Town has relatively flat terrain compared to other islands. Many visitors explore the island and experience nature by renting a bicycle instead of a car. Some visitors prefer to explore on foot. From Hishiura Port, it takes approx. 40 min to reach Oki Shrine, and approx. 90 min to reach Akiya Coast.
- Rent-a-Car
- Rent-a-Cycle
- Taxi
- Public Bus
- Sightseeing Bus
- Walking
- (limited sites only)
About Rent-a-Cars
- Ama Town Rent-a-Car Bookings
- To rent a car in Japan, you will need either an international driving permit or a translation of your driver’s license. Please check the rules that apply to your situation and prepare beforehand.
About Rent-a-Cycles
About Taxis
-
Taxis are not always readily available. Prior booking is necessary.
- Taxi Companies (Japanese language only)
-
- Ishizuka Taxi
- 08514-2-0727
- Hara Kotsu
- 08514-2-0020
- Sightseeing taxis operate with a flat-rate system and on a prearranged route. The tours will take you to the main sightseeing spots. Drivers serve as guides. Guiding is currently available in Japanese only.
An advance booking is required.This will open in a new tab.
About Public Buses
The public bus service is infrequent, and depending on the route a bus change might be necessary. Make sure to check the timetable when making plans for your trip or inquire at the Okinoshima Town Tourism Association.
Chibu Village
The best way to explore the compact Chiburijima Island, given its small size and breathtaking open landscapes, is by electric mountain bicycle (e-bike). However, please be aware that this island is also quite hilly, so some might prefer to rent a car.
All accommodations in Chibu Village offer free pick-up and drop-off service at Kurii Port (inquire when booking).
On the TripThis will open in a new tab. is an official app that will guide you around Chibu Village like an audio guide around a museum. It focuses on spots that delve deeper into the island and will enrich your adventure. Japanese, English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese are available. The app is free of charge.
- Rent-a-Car
- Rent-a-Cycle
- (e-bikes only)
- Taxi
- Public Bus
- Sightseeing Bus
- Walking
- (limited sites only)
About Rent-a-Cars
- Chibu Village Rent-a-Car Bookings
-
The number of cars is small. Advance booking is highly recommended.
To rent a car in Japan, you will need either an international driving permit or a translation of your driver’s license. Please check the rules that apply to your situation and prepare beforehand.
About Rent-a-Cycles
About Taxis
- Taxis are not always readily available. Prior booking is necessary.
- Sightseeing taxis operate with a flat-rate system and on a prearranged route. The tours will take you to the main sightseeing spots. Drivers serve as guides. Guiding is currently available in Japanese only.
An advance booking is requiredThis will open in a new tab. .
About Public Buses
The public bus in Chibu Village is operated to accommodate the needs of the local residents, and it runs between the seven residential areas of the island. Tourists are welcome to use the public bus for sightseeing, but we recommend planning ahead, as the bus service is not frequent, and does not go to the main sightseeing spots, such as Mt. Akahage or Sekiheki (Red Cliff).