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Daisen-Oki NP, Shimane
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The natural bridge in Akao’s panorama began as a wave-cut cave. Its back section collapsed, while erosion shaped the remaining rock into a bridge—a coastline still being sculpted by the sea.
The grasslands around Akao are part of a tradition called makihata: land was divided into 4 areas that alternated between crops and grazing. Nishinoshima traces the system back at least 400 years, to a 1607 land survey.
Across Kuniga Coast, Matengai’s 257-m cliff is made of layers of old lava, not one solid wall of rock. Erosion and collapse have carved the flows into the dramatic face seen from Akao.
The cattle and horses around Kuniga Coast do more than add to the view: their grazing helps stop shrubs from taking over. The shared pastures also support grassland plants and insects, including species that need this habitat.
Makihata cultivation faded around 1950, but a distinctive community custom remains: Nishinoshima residents can graze cattle or horses on shared pasture regardless of who owns the land.
Nishinoshima’s tourism association lists Akao Lookout among Japan’s “100 Best Sunsets.” The lookout faces the Kuniga Coast, where the sea cliffs, grazing land and open sky share the evening view.
