Meet the Locals on the Volcanic Daikonjima

“Daikonjima” means radish island. Early farmers in the area chose the name deliberately to discourage outsiders from visiting the island and trying to steal its Korean ginseng crop. The black volcanic soil of the island is rich in nutrients and perfect for growing ginseng as well as other valuable crops.

Daikonjima Island is located in the middle of Lake Nakaumi in the eastern part of Shimane prefecture. It was formed by lava flows from Otsukayama shield volcano around 200,000 years ago. Farming on the island didn't begin until about the Edo-period. The ginseng produced by Daikonjima is among the highest quality in the world and is exported at a premium. The major drawback of ginseng is that it requires 5 or more years before it can be harvested. In order to generate income in the interim period, Daikonjima’s farmers grow and sell peony flowers and other fruits and vegetables, and take advantage of the fresh fish Lake Nakaumi offers up.

Highlights of Daikonjima

Daikonjima, in addition to the ginseng and peonies, offers locally grown “nijuseiki” pears, Saijo persimmons, figs, sea vegetables, ginger, coriander, Izumo soba buckwheat (used to make noodles), and many other healthy offerings.

Depending on the time of year, the waters of Lake Nakaumi, and the nearby Lake Shinji and Sea of Japan offer up a wide variety seafood. Blood clams, sea bass, blue fin crabs, fresh and salt water clams, red snapper, snow crabs, salmon and mackerel are all products of the area. Tai-meshi (steamed red snapper meat mixed with rice), suzuki no hoshoyaki (baked sea bass), and saba no shiokara (salt spiced mackerel) are just some of the savory traditional dishes to choose from.

Daikonjima and the surrounding area are also rich in traditional crafts which include Tamatsukuri-menо̄ agate works, Yakumo-zumi laquerwork, ceramics made at Shussai Kiln, artisanal Izumo washi paper, Hirosegasuri indigo textiles, and plush Hakushu cotton.

Yūshien Japanese Garden

The Yūshien Garden is an enormous traditional Japanese strolling garden with over 30,000 square meters of flower beds, ponds, waterfalls, bridges, pine and maple groves. A few strategically placed Japanese style restaurants that allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the garden over a meal or beverage. The garden was established to help local farmers promote their crops and wares, and hosts a number of unique events throughout the year. Regular season admission is ¥800 for adults, ¥700 for seniors over 70, and ¥400 for children elementary thru high school. High season, during the peony bloom, admission is ¥1000 for adults, ¥900 for seniors, and ¥500 for children. Nighttime and other special event admission is ¥900 for adults, ¥800 for seniors and ¥450 for children.

Nakamura Hajime Memorial Hall

Hajime Nakamura was a highly respected and well-published philosopher of Vedic, Buddhist and Hindu scriptures. The importance of Nakamura’s research and translation work continues to be highly influential in religious practices in throughout the world to this day. A museum celebrating his work and life is one of Daikonjima’s most significant attractions.

Eshima-Ohashi Bridge

This, the 3rd largest rigid frame bridge in the world, connects Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture with Sakai-Minato City in Tottori Prefecture via Daikonjima. Pictures of the bridge have gone viral owing to how steep the it appears to be when photographed from a distance with a telephoto lens. The bridge is open to car, bike, and foot traffic and offers great opportunities to get a unique shot.

Yūkido and Ryukeido Lava Tubes

Daikonjima owes its existence to the lava that created it 200,000 years ago. The highly fluid lava that once flowed throughout this area left behind an intricate network of lava tube caves. Two of these lava tubes, the Yūkido and Ryukeido are open to the public and feature eerie lava formations like “the Devil’s Bed,” as well as unique cave life, and clear cave spring water. Both are located within 1km of the Yushien Garden.

Castle Ruins, Temples and Shrines

Explore the 500 year old stone foundations of the Sengoku-era (Warring States) Aagoshide Castle. They are located in the quiet grounds of Zenryuji Temple, on the southern end of Daikonjima. Two shrines dedicated to octopus and fresh water “unagi” eels can also be found on nearby Eshima Island.

Otsukayama Park

Otsukayama is the summit of the volcano that birthed Daikonjima. At just 42.2 meters in elevation it is one of the lowest volcanoes in Japan. The park provides excellent 360 degree views of Daikonjima, Lake Nakaumi, and the soaring peak of Mt. Daisen. In the spring, the 60 year old plus sakura trees burst into glorious pink bloom. The relative remoteness of the area keeps crowds to a minimum. The park also has plenty of open space and a playground for families with children.

Events

Yūshien Garden Botan Matsuri (Peony Festival)

Peonies bloom from April to May (high season admission). The Yūshien hosts the Peony Festival to show off the wondrous variety of colors the flowers from Daikonjima can produce.

Yūshien Garden Autumn and Winter Illumination Events

Autumn brings fiery colors to the maple trees and other leafy plants of the Yūshien Garden, and winter brings crystalline snow covered vistas. Yūshien uses both opportunities to host illumination events which sees the garden lit up with 1,200,000 LEDs. The autumn event enhances the fierce colors of the trees, and the winter events feature numerous sculptures and paths made entirely from lights.

Experience Daikonjima

Cycling

At just over 6 square kilometers in area, Daikonjima is easily explored on a bicycle. The CocoReto guesthouse offers bicycle rentals for those who want to explore at their own pace, and cycling tours that show guests the best the island has to offer.

Farming and Cooking Experiences

CocoReto guesthouse is proud to offer unique agriculture and culinary experiences. Join local farmers and residents in peony picking; harvesting potherbs, root vegetables and seasonal fruits; and catching clams out of Lake Nakaumi. Learn how to prepare and cook the bounties of the harvest in the traditional fashion once you’ve brought them in from the fields or lake. There are different activities for every season.

Creative workshops

Cocoreto also offers a unique workshop in the traditional practice of botanzoe, the art of dyeing fabrics with dyes made from peony petals… Scarves, cushion covers for stools and more. What will your unique handmade souvenir be?

How to book

For more information and to reserve your trip visit the Cocoreto site.