Shinojima has nine smaller associated islands - Kijima, Oisojima, Chikimijima, Nojima, Matsushima, Togamejima, Hirashima, Koisojima, and Nakatejima.

Due to modern landfill work, Koisojima and Nakatejima are now physically attached to the main Shinojima island.

On Koisojima, archaeologists found ancient pottery dating back to the early Jomon period, roughly 9000 ago.

Archaeological layers containing pottery, stone tools, accessories and other items dating to the late Jomon, roughly 4000 years ago, have been found throughout the island.

The salted sea bream are first blessed in the Obendai Dedication Ceremony on Shinojima, before being transported to Ise City by fishing boat.

With the establishment of the modern municipalities system after the start of the Meiji period, the island was organized as a village within Chita District, Aichi.

The waters around Shinojima are teeming with fish, and support strong fisheries of red snapper, oysters, fugu, and conger eel.