Dōgojima Island
Small Shimane island with notable coastal scenery
Dōgojima, part of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, is an inhabited island accessed by ferry; visitors travel for coastal roads, fishing villages and island life.
Dōgojima at a Glance#
About Dōgojima#
Dōgojima is an island in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, and forms part of the Oki Islands archipelago in the Sea of Japan. It is the principal inhabited island of the Oki group and functions as a local centre for fishing, coastal settlement and island transport.
The island’s coast includes cliffs, sheltered bays and small fishing ports; visitors travel to Dōgojima for coastal scenery, local culture and island walks rather than large tourist attractions. Ferry connections link the island with other Oki islands and the Shimane mainland.
Historically the island has been settled for centuries and has a maritime economy based on fishing and small-scale agriculture; its modern role is as a residential and service centre for the archipelago.
Dōgojima lies off the Shimane coast in the Sea of Japan, several tens of kilometres from the Shimane mainland; travel is typically by ferry from ports on the prefectural coast.
- Island group and access: Part of the Oki Islands group in the Sea of Japan and administered by Shimane Prefecture; accessible by ferry services from the mainland.
How to Get to Dōgojima#
Dōgojima is part of the Shimane island groups and is reached by regional ferry services from mainland ports in Shimane Prefecture. Ferry timetables are seasonal and subject to weather; visitors should check local port schedules and arrange transfers in advance.
Tips for Visiting Dōgojima#
- Arrange boat transfers in advance if planning to visit the Oki Islands; services are seasonal and weather-dependent.
- If interested in local culture, ask about traditional fishing practices - islanders maintain distinct maritime skills.
- Bring insect repellent in summer - the island vegetation and freshwater pools can be buggy.
Best Time to Visit Dōgojima#
Best visited in late spring through early autumn when ferry services run reliably and the seas are calmer.
Weather & Climate near Dōgojima#
Dōgojima's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1747 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 6° | -1° | 171 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 6° | -1° | 137 mm | overcast | 73% | 3.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 1° - 10° | 3° | 114 mm | overcast | 73% | 3.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 6° - 15° | 11° | 102 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.0h |
| May | Good | 11° - 20° | 15° | 107 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| June | Good | 16° - 23° | 19° | 156 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.9 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.5h |
| July | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 190 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.2h |
| August | Very Good | 21° - 28° | 25° | 134 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.4h |
| September | Good | 17° - 24° | 21° | 210 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 129 mm | overcast | 71% | 3.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 14° | 10° | 143 mm | overcast | 71% | 3.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.1h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 9° | 2° | 154 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |