Besides the iconic rock formations and 257 meter Matengai cliff, Kuniga Coast on the northwest side of the northwestern island of Nishinoshima is also famous for semi-wild horses and cows.
Nishinoshima has a human population of about 3,600, and a horse population of about 50, and a higher bovine population than 50. Having seen so many photos of the coastline and horses, this is what really brought me to Nishinoshima. While I was enjoying the hike along the coast for a while and energized by the beautiful scenery, I was just a little disappointed that I didn’t see any horses in the area. They’re free to roam, so you’re not certain to find them in the typical photogenic spots–though it’s clear they roamed there, so watch your step.
It was when I was nearing Matengai Cliff that I finally spotted a few horses and circle of cows. Yay!
If you continue hiking back around from Matengai instead of stopping there, you get you a fork in the road (one leading back to the start of the course along the coast, the other down to Urago Port). From this point you can see two coasts, and this is where the rest of the horses were hanging out. Yaaaay! So for your viewing pleasure, here are some more horse photos.
Back to sea adventures next time!
San'in Monogatari 
July 14, 2014 at 12:58 pm
That looks so pretty! I’m going to try to get here in the next couple of weeks. I was thinking it was all too hard, but you’ve (re)inspired me!
July 14, 2014 at 1:26 pm
That’s what I thought too and hadn’t been there, but it was much faster to get there than to get to other places I’ve visited in Japan! As one of my local Japanese friends told me, once you open the path there a first time, you find it much easier to imagine going back than you could have imagined going at all.
July 15, 2014 at 1:14 pm
How did you get around? We are wondering whether we should take our car over on the car ferry or just use the taxis and so on.
July 15, 2014 at 1:20 pm
If you’re just going to Nishinoshima, I had no trouble just getting around on foot or via the bus, but on Okinoshima I had my friends taking me around via car–there are a lot of sights that are easier to see that way, like the famous cedars throughout the forests! Not sure about Ama and Chibu as I didn’t make it to those. However you plan to get around, the tourism information offices are definitely worth stopping by for guides and advice, or booking activities.
Just keep in mind that if you call taxis, Docomo and AU get better service than Softbank!
July 15, 2014 at 2:01 pm
Thanks!
September 12, 2014 at 6:52 pm
oki island seems beautiful and friendly. must be real nice to be among so many horses.
September 16, 2014 at 9:15 am
I only saw two of the islands out there, but Nishinoshima was especially nice to hang out in because it’s so calm–only one traffic light on the whole island!