Oki Islands Geopark Museum

The Oki Islands Geopark Museum opened in April 2021 on the second floor of the Geopark Visitor Center at Saigō Port in Okinoshima Town. The museum serves as an introduction to the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark, which achieved UNESCO designation in 2013. Located in the Sea of Japan about 40–80 km north of Shimane Peninsula, these remote islands hold geological significance as fragments revealing the formation of the Japanese archipelago.

The museum traces 4.6 billion years of Earth's history through the lens of the Oki Islands. The exhibition is organized into three main zones. The first explores the geological formation of the islands, which experienced volcanic activity approximately six million years ago and became separated from the mainland around 10 thousand years ago. The second zone presents the islands' unique ecosystem where northern and southern climate species coexist, displayed through dioramas and taxidermy specimens. The third zone documents human culture dating back 30 thousand years, including obsidian trade that connected diverse populations, the exile of emperors, and traditional Oki sumo wrestling.

Central to the visitor experience is an 8k video display and projection mapping over a 3D model of the islands that presents the complete geological narrative from Earth's formation to the present day. All information panels provide information in English, and guided tours are available for no additional charge. Interactive touch panels and tablets allow visitors to explore information about geoparks worldwide.

The museum is connected directly to the ferry terminal, making it highly accessible for arriving visitors. The ground floor houses a tourist information center, bicycle rentals, coin lockers, and a library corner with materials about the Oki Islands and other geoparks. Admission is 500 JPY for adults (ages 16 and up), 250 JPY for children (ages 7–15), with free entry for children aged six and under. Group discounts apply for parties of 10 people or more.

To reach the museum, visitors can take car ferries from Shichirui Port near Matsue in Shimane Prefecture or Sakaiminato Port near Yonago in Tottori Prefecture, with journey times ranging from two and a half hours to four hours depending on the destination island. High-speed hydrofoil services operate for passengers only. Oki Airport on Dogo has flights from Osaka taking 50 minutes and from Izumo Airport in 30 minutes.