Okinoshima, Shimane


Okinoshima is a town located on Dōgo, in Oki District, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. As of June 2013, the town had an estimated population of 14,849 and a population density of 61.1 persons per km². The total area was 242.95 km².

Etymology

Okinoshima Town takes its name from Okinoshima, the traditional name for all four inhabited Oki Islands. There is no single island named Okinoshima.

History

Okinoshima Town was formed from the merger of the town of Saigō, and the villages of Fuse, Goka and Tsuma on October 1, 2004, all from Oki District.

Geography

Okinoshima occupies all of the island of Dōgo, in the Oki Islands archipelago in the Sea of Japan, along with numerous offshore uninhabited islands and rocks. For administrative purposes, the Japanese government officially considers the disputed islet of Takeshima to be a part of the town of Okinoshima.

Climate

Okinoshima has a humid subtropical climate with very warm summers and cool winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year.

Economy

The town economy is primarily based on agriculture and commercial fishing.

Transportation

Airport