Traditional culture protected
by the caldera sea.
Historically, the Oki Islands (Oki-no-kuni) are known as islands of exile, where Emperor Gotoba and Emperor Godaigo were sent in the middle ages.
Mt. Takuhi, the highest mountain in Nishinoshima, is home to Takuhi Shrine. It was a spiritual place for priests and followers, and was given the honorable title "Takuhi-Gongen" as fisherman and sailors from around Japan came to pray here.
One legend states that Emperor Gotoba, who was exiled to Oki, became lost on his voyage to Oki. The fire from the cave (now where the shrine building is) helped show the way and his life was saved.
Utagawa Hiroshige drew the shrine in his painting series 六十余州名所図会 (Famous Areas of more than 60 Provinces). The inland caldera sea was liked by sailors as it was an excellent place to wait for favorable winds.
The sacred fire of Takuhi Shrine took the role of a lighthouse. This traditional lighthouse became known throughout Japan as a guardian of sailing ships.
Nishinoshima was once an important place as a sea transportation hub between Japan and mainland Asia, as well as with areas around Japan.
Ancient Rituals
Rituals and Festivals
Many Shintō gods had been worshipped at shrines around the island since ancient times.
There are 14 shrines in Nishinoshima. Each shrine has its own unique gods and holds special annual festivals.
Take part in these colorful festivals, meet the local people and experience the important connections between the land, the sea and the people on this isolated island.
Stories of the island and the sea
Visit Nishinoshima and discover the bounty of the sea.
Discover something intriguing as you walk around the fishing villages. Marine sports and fishing are also very popular.
Yurahime Shrine - Legend of the Sea
Kami-gaeri Festival is held every year on 29 October (at night) to celebrate the return of the shrine goddess, Yurahime-no-mikoto, from the Kamiari-sai Festival in Izumo. It is said that the goddess returns to Nishinoshima on the back of a squid. Even today, there is a legend that hundreds of squid appear on the shore at Yura Bay on the night of this festival.
Many squid washed ashore here until the mid-20th century. Local people caught the squid with their bare hands.
Unique Heritage
Two very rare cultural assets still exist in Nishinoshima today.
Traditional Boat "Tomodo" (Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, Japan)
This steady, tough fishing boat built from a hollow log has been used since ancient times. It was used to collect shellfish and algae in the reef and shallow waters around the island.
This precious assest is the property of Takuhi Shrine, but is now on display at Nishinoshima Furusato-kan Museum (Beppu Port).
Makihata Stone Walls
Local farmers cultivated crops and grazed cattle over a four year cycle known as Makihata. This ultimate organic farming cannot be seen in any other parts of the world. Stone walls are the remains of the Makihata farming tradition.
This farming technique is believed to be at least 1000 years old. It was essential to supporting the lives of people on the island.
Island Food Culture
Different food and flavors can be enjoyed in each season.
Strong seasonal winds blow from the continent during the winter. People here become restless, not because of the bad weather, but because winter is the season for taking rock seaweed!
Local people go down to the rocky shores and scrape the seaweed off the rocks using simple tools.
You rarely find rock seaweed for sale in shops - it is too delicious! People want to share this taste with their families and special visitors. Maybe making friends with local people is the best way for tourists to have the chance to try this special island taste!
"Fresh from the rocky shore!" is the best way to enjoy this nutritious sea harvest.
Travel around Nishinoshima
Superb scenery, fascinating culture and history - Nishinoshima
Enjoy exploring this small, diverse island!
