HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Island Adventures on an e-bike

 

Feel the sea breeze as you zoom along the coasts of the Oki Islands

Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark

 

 

The Oki Islands, located off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, is a small, relatively unknown archipelago, waiting to be explored. Visitors often choose to rent a car, but perhaps the best way to experience the islands with their numerous, narrow, coastal roads is by cycling.

E-bikes, a type of electric-assisted bicycle, are available to rent on all four Oki Islands. Compared to standard bikes, e-bikes have a powerful electric motor, which will assist you when you ride on the islands’ hilly roads and make for a more relaxed experience.

Enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace and stop wherever you want to have a closer look at anything that catches your eye—be it a local shop, one of the numerous shrines, just-harvested seaweed drying in the sun, or maybe some wildlife, or a funky-looking rock.

The islands are full of charming views with a peaceful, rural atmosphere, completely different to that of a bustling city. Cycle to some of the local villages and take a walk around, and you might even come across some islanders who enjoy a friendly chat.

 

 

How to get there

 

About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Izumo Airport and about 30 minutes from Izumo Airport to Oki Airport.

About 45 minutes from Osaka International (Itami) Airport by plane; About 30 minutes from Izumo Airport by plane; About 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes from Shichirui Port or Sakaiminato Port by ferry; About 1 hour and 10 minutes to 2 hours from Shichirui or Sakaiminato Port via the fast ferry Rainbow Jet.

 

Oki-gun, Shimane-ken