Rich Land, History and Culture in Japan’s best-kept secret
Spectacular views, horses and cows grazing in the distance, fascinating rock formations and delicious seafood are just some of the things you can find on the Oki Islands. Although probably not many people even know where they are, these islands located in the Sea of Japan (part of Shimane Prefecture) are an incredible discovery far away from the bright lights of the big city, a perfect little retreat full of history, culture and stunning scenery.
Being some distance from the mainland, the Oki Islands have developed their own unique culture, but each individual island is also quite distinct from the others. There are home to several unique folk dances as well as their own particular styles of Kagura, the masked theatrical dance often performed at shrines in the summer but also seen here at other times of the year. Perhaps the most unusual cultural tradition of the islands is Bull Sumo (held only on Dogo) where two large, black bulls go head to head in a competition of strength on and at various dates and venues throughout the year.
The islands are also blessed with some fantastic natural scenery, including of course mountains, some of which are populated by ancient Japanese cedars (Crypotomeria), others covered in grass with horses and cattle grazing on them, a most unusual sight in Japan.
Being some distance from the mainland, the Oki Islands have developed their own unique culture, but each individual island is also quite distinct from the others. There are home to several unique folk dances as well as their own particular styles of Kagura, the masked theatrical dance often performed at shrines in the summer but also seen here at other times of the year. Perhaps the most unusual cultural tradition of the islands is Bull Sumo (held only on Dogo) where two large, black bulls go head to head in a competition of strength on and at various dates and venues throughout the year.
The islands are also blessed with some fantastic natural scenery, including of course mountains, some of which are populated by ancient Japanese cedars (Crypotomeria), others covered in grass with horses and cattle grazing on them, a most unusual sight in Japan.
