The Oki Islands have a rich culture that is not just confined to the island chain’s natural beauty. But with mountains, red cliffs and sea kayaking, the islands offer so much that its numerous beaches are like the icing on the cake.
Out of more than 100 islands, it’s inhabited locations are Dogo, Nishinoshima, Nakanoshima and Chiburijima. On these islands are breath-taking beaches that are just a boat or plane ride away. Here are a few beaches to visit.
Sotohama Beach
Dogo
The largest of the Oki Islands has a few highlights for those destination beach bums out there. Also known as Okinoshima, it offers incredible swimming, snorkeling, diving and sea kayaking. Popular beaches include Shiohama Beach, Dogo’s largest sandy beach, Fukuura Beach, Kasuganohama Beach, and Nakamura Beach, which is surrounded by pine trees.
Nakanoshima
On Nakanoshima, also known as Ama, Rainbow Beach is a sandy beach within walking distance of Hishiura Port. Further away from the port is the Akiya Coast, where you will find a red, volcanic outcrop with a heart-shaped hole naturally hewn in the rock. You can swim, fish and camp on Akiya Beach. Furoya Beach is another popular location frequented by the locals.
Nishinoshima
Mimiura Beach
Although famous for its breathtaking Kuniga coastline, Nishinoshima also has great beaches. Sotohama is the island’s only sandy beach, with a clear, wide bay for swimming and snorkeling.
Mimiura is another popular beach destination on the island. In spite of its pebble-strewn beach, it’s the perfect place to camp, snorkel and kayak. To get to Mimiura, you have to drive inland through some dense pine forest and then you’ll see the ocean peeking through the top of the trees.
Although not an official swimming beach, Kuniga Beach is great for snorkeling and diving.
Chiburijima
Considered the smallest of the four main Oki islands, Chiburijima or Chibu, is noted for Watatsu Beach and Nagao Beach.
(Note: An earlier version of this article is seen in Savvy Tokyo, a partner publication of GaijinPot Travel.)
