The Oki Islands belong to Shimane Prefecture and are located in the Sea of Japan, about 50–60 km from the Shimane Peninsula. This archipelago consists of three islands known as the "Dōzen" group: Chiburijima, Nishinoshima, and Nakinoshima, as well as the largest island, Dōgo, and around 200 smaller uninhabited islands. You can reach the Oki Islands by ferry from Sakai Port in Tottori Prefecture or Nanamoi Port on the Shimane Peninsula in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, or by high-speed boat in about 1 hour. Additionally, flights from Osaka to Dōgo are available (Oki World Geopark Airport).
Historically, during the time of Emperor Shōmu (around 724 AD), the islands were designated as a place of exile, and many notable figures were exiled to Oki. For example, after the Jōkyū Disturbance, Emperor Go-Toba was exiled to Oki with a small retinue and spent 19 years there before passing away at the age of 60. Additionally, Emperor Go-Daigo was also exiled to Oki during the Kamakura period. One notable site is the "Kokubunji" temple in Ikeda, Saigo Town on Dōgo, which has a monument commemorating the exile. There is also a monument called "Kuroki Goshō-ato" on Nishinoshima's Beppu.
The Oki Islands were formed by volcanic activity and were designated as part of the Daisen-Oki National Park in 1963. In 2013, they were also recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. There are many scenic spots created by dramatic coastal erosion, including the Shirashima Coast on Dōgo, the Chibu Red Cliff on Chiburijima, and the Kuniga Coast on Nishinoshima. The dramatic Kuniga Coast’s Moten Cliff is an impressive sea cliff formed by coastal erosion of the Sea of Japan. From a boat, the view of this towering cliff is awe-inspiring. From the land, climbing the cliff and looking down at the sea reveals a vast expanse of deep water beneath, making the boats appear small. Additionally, there is a natural wonder known as the "Tsūtenkyō" (Heaven’s Bridge), which was formed by the relentless waves of the Sea of Japan.