Chiburijima
Island Oki Islands island with rugged coastal scenery
One of the Oki Islands off Shimane Prefecture, Chiburijima draws ferry travelers for coastal cliffs, fishing villages, fresh seafood and modest hiking routes.
Chiburijima is an inhabited island in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, forming part of the Oki Islands group. It is one of the inhabited outer islands of the prefecture and supports small fishing and local communities.
The island offers coastal scenery, village settlements and local ferry connections that link it with other Oki Islands and the Shimane main islands. Visitors use the island as a base for walking, coastal viewpoints and experiencing island village life.
Settlement on the island has long been tied to fishing and small-scale agriculture; transport and services have developed to maintain year-round habitation. The island remains sparsely populated compared with Honshu and retains a rural maritime economy.
Chiburijima sits in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, within the Oki Islands chain. Access is by ferry or regional passenger vessel from ports on the Shimane coast.
- Archipelago administration: Part of the Oki archipelago in the Sea of Japan and administered from Shimane Prefecture.
How to Get to Chiburijima #
Regular ferries and fast ferries operate between Chiburijima and ports on the main islands such as Saigo on Dōgo and Sakaiminato on Honshū; schedules vary seasonally. The island is also reachable via connecting flights to nearby Oki Airport with onward local transport.
Tips for Visiting Chiburijima #
- Check the small local ferry schedule in advance - crossings from the Oki Islands' main ports can be limited.
- Bring cash; island shops and guesthouses often accept only cash.
- Hike to the island's viewpoints at sunrise for the best light and quieter trails.
Best Time to Visit Chiburijima #
Best in summer for swimming and boat activities; spring and autumn offer pleasant hiking weather.
Weather & Climate near Chiburijima #
Chiburijima's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1634 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (180 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (198 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
