Native name: 島後 Dōgo | |
|---|---|
 Coastline of Dōgo Island | |
 | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Sea of Japan |
| Coordinates | 36°14′N133°17′E / 36.233°N 133.283°E /36.233; 133.283 |
| Archipelago | Oki Islands |
| Area | 241.58 km2 (93.27 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 211 km (131.1 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 607.7 m (1993.8 ft) |
| Highest point | Mount Daimanji |
| Administration | |
Japan | |
| Prefectures | Shimane Prefecture |
| District | Oki District |
| Town | Okinoshima |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 14,849 (2013) |
| Ethnic groups | Japanese |
Dōgo (島後) is one of theOki Islands in theSea of Japan.[1]
The island, 241.58 km² in area, has a population of approximately 14,849 people. The island is administered by the town ofOkinoshima inShimane Prefecture. Much of the island is within the borders ofDaisen-Oki National Park.
Dōgo Island is the largest of the Oki Islands. It is located approximately 80 kilometres (43 nmi) north ofHonshu coast. The island is of volcanic origin, and is roughly circular, with an approximate diameter of 20 kilometres (12 mi), with its highest point at the summit of Mount Daimanji at 608 metres (1,995 ft) above sea level.[2]
The climate of Dōgo Island is classified as ahumid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classificationCfa) with very warm summers and cool winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year.
The Oki Islands have been inhabited since theJapanese Paleolithic era, and numerous artifacts from theJōmon,Yayoi andKofun periods have been found by archaeologists. Dōgo Island is mentioned in theNara period chroniclesKojiki andNihon Shoki, and Dōgo Island was the location of the capital of ancientOki Province.[3]
Dōgo Island was used as a place of exile from the Nara period, but is well known as the place of exile for ex-Emperor Go-Toba, who died onNakanoshima in 1239, and forEmperor Go-Daigo, who was exiled toNishinoshima from 1331-1333[4] The island becametenryo territory directly under the control of theTokugawa shogunate in theEdo period.
After theMeiji restoration, the Oki Islands became part ofTottori Prefecture in 1871, but were transferred toShimane Prefecture in 1881.[5]
In 1892,Lafcadio Hearn visited Dōgo Island, spending a month there, and writing about his experiences inGlimpses of Unfamiliar Japan. Dōgo Island was visited by the American naturalistCharles Henry Gilbert in 1906.[6]
A lighthouse was erected on Cape Saigō in the southeast of the island in 1921. This lighthouse remained the only lighthouse in the Oki Islands until the 1950s.[7]
On October 1, 2004, the town ofSaigō merged with three neighboring villages to unify the island under the administration of the new town of Okinoshima.
Dōgo Island is connected by regular ferry service from Saigo Port to points on mainland Japan.Oki Airport connects the island withOsaka (Itami) Airport, andIzumo by air.
The economy of the island is based on agriculture andcommercial fishing. Seasonal tourism also plays a role in the local economy.
