Speaking of Nishinoshima, this scenery springs to mind. Here, we’re going to introduce the scenic spots on Kuniga Coast.
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Nishinoshima is the second largest island of the Oki Islands. Located in the Sea of Japan, Nishinoshima is approximately 65km off the coast of Shimane Peninsula in Shimane Prefecture. Nishinoshima is one of the four inhabited islands in Oki, and the town on Nishinoshima Island is called Nishinoshima Town. Formed by volcanic activity about 5.5 million years ago, Nishinoshima is the home to Oki’s must-see sightseeing spots, Matengai Cliff and Tsutenkyo Arch, fresh seafood such as Oki rock oysters, traditional cultures such as Kagura Shinto dance and Dengaku dance. Nishinoshima is a charming island filled with nature, culture, rich food and warmth of people.
Kuniga Coast
With its Matengai Cliff and Tsutenkyo Arch, this landscape is representative of the Oki UNESCO Global Geopark.
It was created by a combination of volcanic activity approximately 6.3 to 5.3 million years ago and erosion caused by the wind and waves of the Sea of Japan.
It stretches for about 10km in the northwest of Nishinoshima.
Matengai Cliff
Matengai Cliff in Japan, with an astounding height of 257 meters!
Looking down makes my legs tremble...
Horses grazing leisurely on Matengai Cliff
The entire Kuniga Coast is used as pasture for cattle and horses.
At Matengai Cliff you can also admire the horses and cattle munching on the grass with gusto.
The animals living freely on the vast land look relaxed and happy.
On the way to Matengai Cliff
You can encounter cute animals on the way to Matengai Cliff.
They often block the roads, but please keep an eye on them.
A magnificent panorama seen from the train window!
Tsutenkyo Arch
There are many caves formed by erosion on the Kuniga Coast.
Tsutenkyo Arch was originally one of the caves, but it is thought that erosion has left only the arched portion remaining.
A mysterious hole seen on Tsutenkyo Arch
Near Tsutenkyo Arch there is a distinctive hole caused by erosion, a type of hole that is often seen near windy coastlines.
Please come and see for yourself.
Akao Observatory
From Akao Observatory you can see both Matengai Cliff and Tsutenkyo Arch at the same time.
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