Interesting museum that explains the interesting geology of the Oki Islands. Staff is friendly and very passionate about what they do, but unfortunately they don't speak English and there's not much information available in other languages than Japanese too.
Oki Nature Museum and Geopark Center
You can see special displays about the geology, insect life, birds, marine life and flora of the islands in the Nature Museum .
It's located next to Saigo Port, the gateway to the Oki Islands, specifically the Dogo Island area.
To put it simply, it's the large island in the upper right corner. While this island is often mistakenly called Oki Island, that's not its official name.
The museum is new and clean.
There are explanations about the geology, flora and fauna of the Oki Islands, and the Sea of Japan. Personally, I found the section on the depth of the Sea of Japan particularly interesting.
They also have Oki salamanders in captivity, and they've even been given names.
I was impressed by how they stared intently at me when I approached; they were so cute.
As part of the discounted ferry ticket experience, I got to try a VR experience.
I'll avoid spoilers regarding the content, but it was great to be able to experience a VR tour of a place that's now off-limits!
The exhibits are easy to understand even for beginners, and I think it's a place you should definitely visit to learn about the island's formation before starting your sightseeing.
Also, they have Oki salamanders being kept there, and they're incredibly cute. They completely make eye contact with you. I think it's worth visiting just to see the Oki salamanders.
[Hats off to the exquisite exhibits. An experience that uses all five senses to learn about the origins of Oki Islands]
Located right next to Saigo Port, this facility's minimalist, modern exterior catches the eye. Step inside and you'll be amazed by the sophisticated layout, cutting-edge technology, and realistic specimens, all of which are displayed with a sophisticated touch.
Of particular note is the historical structure of the exhibits. The design allows visitors to follow the chronological order from either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the designers' attention to detail is evident in the streamlined, easy-to-follow flow. In addition to the quality of the exhibits, the guides' commentary is incredibly humorous and engaging, bringing the depth of Oki Islands even closer to home.
The experience is far more fulfilling than the admission fee, satisfying your intellectual curiosity. It's a wonderful facility that will make you want to return, and it's a must-visit if you just want to wait for the ferry.
