[Shimane] Scenic Drive in Nishinoshima: Explore the Island’s Breathtaking Coastal Views

2026.10.28

Explore Nishinoshima by rental car on a scenic drive! Discover the highlights of Kuniga Coast, including Matengai Cliff and Tsūtenkyō Arch, along with a recommended route and safety tips for areas where cattle and horses graze.

• Table of Contents
• Nishinoshima by Road: A Journey Through Dramatic Cliffs and Breathtaking Coastal Scenery
• Before You Set Off
• Let the Drive Begin at Beppu Port!
• Follow the Main Roads Toward Kuniga Coast
• Drive Through Uragō and Visit Yurahime Shrine
• Next Stop, Kuniga Coast!
• Make Your Way to Matengai Cliff
• At Matengai Cliff Car Park
• Next Stop: Tsūtenkyō Arch
• Where to Go After Admiring Tsūtenkyō Arch
• Renting a Car on Nishinoshima
• Important Safety Tips for Visiting Grazing Areas
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Nishinoshima by Road: A Journey Through Dramatic Cliffs and Breathtaking Coastal Scenery

Imagine winding along a coastal road with the deep blue sea stretching out beside you, climbing toward towering cliffs, and passing through open pastures where cattle and horses graze beneath the wide island sky. On Nishinoshima, one of the inhabited islands of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, every turn brings a new view—and another reason to stop and take it all in.

The best way to discover these ever-changing landscapes at your own pace is by car. Starting from Beppu Port, the island’s main gateway, this scenic drive takes you to Matengai Cliff, one of Nishinoshima’s most iconic natural wonders, with spectacular coastal views and memorable stops along the way.

Before You Set Off

When driving from Beppu Port to Matengai Cliff, navigation apps such as Google Maps may direct you onto narrow mountain roads. For a safer and more comfortable journey, we recommend following the main-road route outlined in this article. Keep an eye on local road signs and conditions, and drive carefully as you explore the island.

Let the Drive Begin at Beppu Port!

Once you arrive on Nishinoshima by ferry, pick up the rental car you booked in advance.
 After completing the necessary paperwork and checking the vehicle, you’re ready to hit the road and start exploring the island!

Follow the Main Roads Toward Kuniga Coast

From Beppu Port, follow National Route 485 toward Kuniga Coast.

As you emerge from one of the three tunnels along the way, the scenery begins to change. Take in the different views on either side of the tunnel as you make your way toward the western side of the island!

Drive Through Uragō and Visit Yurahime Shrine

After crossing the bridge, continue straight ahead.

On your right, along the road toward Uragō, you’ll find the Nishinoshima Community Library. If you have time on your way back, stop by and take a look!

Continue along the road and pass through Hinode Tunnel. Once you reach the road running alongside Uragō Port, turn onto Shimane Prefectural Route 315, the Kuniga Coast Line.

The road has several winding sections along the way. Slow down and drive carefully, keeping an eye out for oncoming traffic and changing road conditions.

After a while, you’ll see Yurahime Shrine on your left.

With a long history, Yurahime Shrine is one of the myōjin taisha—shrines of particularly high status—listed in the “Engishiki”, an ancient Japanese record of shrines. If you have time, it’s well worth stopping to pay your respects.
Alternatively, you can head straight to the spectacular Kuniga Coast first and explore the shrine grounds at a more leisurely pace on your way back. 

Next Stop, Kuniga Coast!

This is a key point along the route you should remember.

Shortly after passing Yurahime Shrine, you’ll come to a fork in the road. 

It can be a little tricky to spot the correct way, so use the arrow in the photo as a guide and follow the road toward Kuniga Coast.

Follow the road uphill and pass through the tunnel. Beyond it, you’ll be greeted by another side of Nishinoshima, with vast, dramatic landscapes unlike anything you’ve seen so far.

There’s a cattle shed, followed by open grazing land. Cattle and horses may be nearby, so stay alert and drive with care.

Continue until you see the brown sign marked “Kuniga Coast”.

Take the right fork at the Y junction.

Make Your Way to Matengai Cliff

The sign pointing toward Matengai Cliff is relatively small, so keep an eye out for it. Follow the sign and turn right to continue toward Matengai Cliff.

From this point onward, you’ll be entering an area where cattle and horses graze freely.

At the entrance to the grazing area, you’ll find a Texas gate designed to help keep livestock from wandering out. Slow down and cross it carefully.

After passing the gate, continue along the road. Drive slowly and safely as you take in the surrounding pastures and beautiful natural scenery.

When you read the T-junction, turn left and continue uphill a little farther. You’ll soon arrive at the Matengai Cliff car park!

At Matengai Cliff Car Park

You’ve made it to the car park on Matengai Cliff! Park your car and get ready to explore on foot. Take a moment to soak in the magnificent scenery stretching out before you.

A Note About the Gate at the Car Park

A gate is installed at the car park to preventcattle and horses from entering. It helps protect not only visitors and theirvehicles, but also the animals themselves. Please make sure to close thegate every time you enter or leave the car park.

Next Stop: Tsūtenkyō Arch

After taking in the spectacular views from Matengai Cliff, return to your rental car and get ready to head to your next destination: Tsūtenkyō Arch!

Retrace your route along the same road. When you reach the T-junction after the Texas gate, turn right.

After driving a little farther, you’ll come to a spacious area where you can park your car. Leave your car here, then follow the path toward Tsūtenkyō Arch.

*The path is closed to ordinary vehicles, with access permitted only to authorized vehicles. Please park in the designated parking area and explore the area on foot.

Where to Go After Admiring Tsūtenkyō Arch

Once you’ve enjoyed the dramatic scenery around Tsūtenkyō Arch, why not make the most of your remaining time on Nishinoshima? If your schedule allows, you could visit Yurahime Shrine or take a relaxing break at a café in Uragō.

After exploring the island’s natural wonders, discover another side of Nishinoshima through its history, culture, and local cafés.

Renting a Car on Nishinoshima

There are three rental car providers on Nishinoshima. However, the number of available vehicles is limited, so we recommend booking as early as possible once your travel dates are set.

For more information, please visit the Nishinoshima Tourism Association website.

Important Safety Tips for Visiting Grazing Areas

Livestock farming is one of Nishinoshima’s key industries. Cattle and horses graze in pastures throughout the island, including parts of Kuniga Coast, famous for its spectacular scenery.

Although the cattle and horses on Nishinoshima are raised by people, they spend much of their time in wide-open pastures and may not be accustomed to human contact. The sight of cattle and horses grazing peacefully is an important part of the island’s pastoral landscape, set against its dramatic cliffs and sweeping coastal views.

To help keep both visitors and livestock safe and preserve this beautiful scenery, please follow these guidelines:

・Keep
your distance from cattle and horses. Do not approach them too closely, and always leave
plenty of space.    

・Do not
touch cattle or horses. Avoid
startling or disturbing them.    

・Do not
feed cattle or horses. Never
offer them human food or other treats.    

・Stay
away from the rear of horses.
Horses can deliver powerful kicks with their hind legs. Keep a safe distance
and never approach them from behind.    

・Keep
an eye on children.
Please supervise children to make sure they do not approach cattle or horses.    

・Drive
with care. If cattle or horses are near the road, slow down
and stay alert in case they move suddenly.    

The
pastures are home to the cattle and horses.

Please respect their space and enjoy the peaceful island landscapes they call home.

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