A Beautiful Landscape of White Sand and Ancient Pines
Yana Pine Grove stretches across a sandy area on the western side of Tsuma Port, across the Tsuma River. The white beach and deep green pine trees create a striking contrast, while many of the Japanese black pine trees are believed to be more than 300 years old.
Approximately 1,000 pine trees grow throughout the grove, including numerous large trees with trunks more than 60 centimeters in diameter. The pine forest extends for about 400 meters in length and 40 meters in width, creating a tranquil place to walk while enjoying the sea breeze.
The gently rolling area around the grove also includes a campsite and recreational facilities, making it a popular place for both visitors and local residents to relax. In summer, visitors can enjoy walks along the shore and camping, while the evening offers beautiful views of the sun setting over the Sea of Japan.
The Legend of Yao Bikuni
Yana Pine Grove is also associated with an old Japanese legend about Yao Bikuni, a mysterious Buddhist nun said to have lived for 800 years.
According to the legend, Yao Bikuni came to the Oki Islands from the ancient province of Wakasa, in what is now Fukui Prefecture. It is said that she planted all the pine trees in this grove in a single night.
Stories about Yao Bikuni can be found in various parts of the Oki Islands. Although the pine grove is also thought to have originated from trees planted during the Kyoho era of the Edo period as a windbreak for newly developed farmland, the legend adds an intriguing sense of mystery to the landscape.
A Rare Group of Traditional Fishing Boathouses
Just beside the pine grove, approximately 20 traditional boathouses stand along the shoreline. With roofs covered in layers of cedar bark and held down by split bamboo and rounded stones collected from the beach, their distinctive appearance resembles a row of small apartments for boats.
These structures were traditionally used by local fishermen to store their small boats. Each is a simple single-story building made with natural timber, measuring approximately 5 meters wide and 8 meters deep.
The traditional construction reflects the environment of the Oki Islands. The roofs are made by layering cedar bark and securing it with split bamboo and stones. The walls are not completely enclosed, a practical design that helps the structures withstand the strong winds that blow in from the Sea of Japan.
The boathouses are also designed so that boats can be pulled directly up from the sea. This simple but ingenious construction provides a fascinating example of how fishing communities adapted their buildings and daily lives to the coastal environment.
A Valuable Landscape Recreated in 1987
The boathouses seen today were recreated in 1987, based on structures that had originally been built in the early Showa period. When construction of a farm road once required the boathouses to be relocated, local residents worked to rebuild them because they wanted to preserve this important part of their community’s heritage for future generations.
The boathouses are still used today, housing small boats used for gathering shellfish and seaweed. As a result, they are more than historic structures: they continue to reflect the traditional way of life and fishing culture of the local community.
A Scenic View That Captures the Character of the Oki Islands
Behind the boathouses, visitors can see Mount Takada, creating a beautiful composition of sea, pine forest, mountains, and fishing village. Together, these elements form one of the characteristic coastal landscapes of the Oki Islands.
At sunset, the setting sun casts a warm glow across the Sea of Japan, transforming the shoreline into an especially atmospheric scene. A leisurely walk along the paths allows visitors to listen to the waves and feel the salty sea breeze while experiencing the quiet pace of life on a remote Japanese island.
Look for Glowing Sea Fireflies
From early summer through autumn, visitors may also have the opportunity to observe sea fireflies along nearby beaches. These tiny marine organisms can emit a mysterious blue-white glow in the water after dark.
Watching their faint lights appear along the quiet shoreline can be an unforgettable experience. The glow seems almost like a field of stars scattered across the surface of the sea, offering a magical nighttime encounter with the natural world of the Oki Islands.
Local Facilities and Island Flavors Nearby
Several facilities can be found near the boathouses, including Island Park Ailand and the local direct-sales shop Shiosai. Visitors can purchase local specialties and fresh seafood while discovering some of the flavors unique to the Oki Islands.
For a simple local experience, consider sitting on the seawall, looking out over the sea, and enjoying an iwa-nori rice ball. Made with a rice ball wrapped in rock seaweed seasoned with soy sauce, this humble snack offers a taste of the islands’ traditional coastal cuisine.
A Peaceful Fishing Village Where Time Slows Down
Yana Pine Grove and Traditional Boathouses is special not only for its natural beauty, but also for the way it preserves the history, culture, and everyday life of an Oki fishing village.
The traditional scenery has been carefully maintained, allowing visitors to experience an atmosphere that feels both authentic and nostalgic. Walking along the white sandy beach, looking at the old boathouses, and feeling the sea breeze provides a peaceful opportunity to slow down and appreciate the distinctive character of island life.
For travelers exploring the Oki Islands, this is a memorable place to experience the region’s landscape and traditional coastal culture in one setting.