The Oki Islands offer tourist attractions such as Matsushima, sightseeing events such as the Sominshoji, and local delicacies such as yakuzen cuisine.
The Oki Islands refer to the islands on the northern side of the Shimane Peninsula. Although currently positioned as a part of Shimane Prefecture, at that time they were independent as Oki Province. The four main islands are Chiburi Island, Nakanoshima, Nishinoshima, and Shimago. However, there are a total of 180 islands, both large and small.
The history of the Oki Islands is very old, and there are traces of human habitation as early as the Jomon period. There are also records of active exchanges with the mainland since that time, and stone and earthenware artifacts have been excavated.
The area is also known as a place of exile, and there are records of many historical figures who were exiled there. For example, there are records that the emperors Go-Toba and Go-Daigo, who were at the height of their glory at the time, were exiled to the island. The island has a very long history and is often mentioned in records.
Today, Oki has regular boats for sightseeing and cruises near the island are available. There are also cave tours, and visitors can enjoy the Otohime Goten, Takimi no Iwaya, and Meien no Iwaya. These are so good that they are touted as a major tourism industry in the Oki Islands and are no less than the "Grotta Azulra" of the Caribbean islands. It can be said that you should see them at least once.
Two recommended gourmet foods to enjoy in Oki are "yakimeshi chazuke" (grilled rice with green tea) and "yakuzen ryori" (medicinal herbal dishes). These are traditional dishes that have been handed down in Oki since ancient times.
Yakimeshi chazuke" usually refers to grilled rice balls. In other words, it is a style of eating grilled rice balls as if they were chazuke. In this Oki version, it is served coated with a specialty seasoning known as kojo-yu miso.
The kojo-yu miso is used without crushing the koji, giving it a unique plump texture. Of course, it also goes well with rice. You can also arrange the flavor by adding condiments in a style typical of chazuke. It is definitely worth trying when visiting Oki.
Furthermore, Oki is surrounded by the sea, and it goes without saying that you can also enjoy fresh seafood. Please be sure to taste the bounty of the sea as well.
In Oki area in Shimane Prefecture "yakionigiri" is called "yakimeshi." Thus "yakimeshi chaduke" is a chaduke made with "yakionigiri." Make a circle or triangle onigiri first, then season it with "kojouyumiso" a traditional seasoning of Oki, which is used like shoyu or miso, and slowly grill it. Once...»