Although Tokyo is a big city, it still has small islands, such as the Izu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands, as part of it. They are rich in nature and perfect for outdoor activities. We introduce you to three islands among them, which can be reached from Tokyo in four hours by high-speed boat. Why not go and find a very different aspect of the attractiveness of Tokyo there?
Oshima is the closest to the Takeshiba Pier among other islands of Tokyo and is the large island among the Izu Islands. It offers a majestic natural landscape, including Mount Mihara. It is also widely known as a land of camellias. Camellia oil is used as a moisturizer as well as in cooking.
Mount Mihara
Although it is an active volcano, no activity has been observed in the present time and it is possible to hike up to near the crater to look at the evidence of eruptions. Don’t forget to visit Urasabaku, the only desert in Japan, where black sand from volcanic rocks covers the entire area.
Look at the early morning sun and ocean, relax and refresh from your boat ride.
Miharayama Onsen
Since the onsen facility (at a hotel) is open from early morning, it is convenient to go there when you arrive at the island by overnight ferry in the morning.
Bekko-zushi
Bekko-zushi is a type of sushi unique to the Izu Islands made with white fish fillets marinated in soy sauce with local green chili pepper. This local specialty of the Izu Islands is characterized by the spiciness that goes well with the umami of fish and sweetness of sushi rice.
Oshima Park
This park has one of Japan’s largest scale camellia gardens with about 1,000 kinds of camellias blooming in February and March. It also has an admission-free zoo.
Buratto House
You can enjoy delicious ice cream made with fresh Oshima milk while looking at the ranch in a relaxing atmosphere.
As the smallest of the three islands, with an area of about 24 km square, this island has a beautiful white-sand beach, attracting many visitors, especially surfers. Rent a bicycle and go around the island!
Moyai carvings are the symbol of the island!
Habushiura Shore
Stretching as long as about 7 km, this white-sand beach is the place you can have the best view of the island. With transparent water and large waves perfect for surfing, this beach is a venue for some world-class surfing competitions.
Yunohama Open-air Bath
With an ancient Greek architectural style, this open-air onsen facility offers a great panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Unlike other Japanese onsen facilities, this place requires you to put on a bathing suit. It is open for 24 hours and free of charge.
Niijima Glass
Niijima glass is characterized by beautiful olive-green glass made from igneous, volcanic rock indigenous to the island. Niijima Glass Art Center not only exhibits a collection of glass artworks but also offers glass-making workshops.
Located at the center of the Izu Islands, this island shows beautiful towering rock cliffs of Mount Tenjo. It has abundant spring water, as there is even a myth that gods gathered here to discuss the distribution of water.
Star Gazing
With a beautiful starry sky, the whole island is just like a planetarium. You can clearly observe the Milky Way from Miura Bay Observatory at night. A guided star observation tour is offered (subject to fees, reservation required).
Mount Tenjo
Selected as one of the “100 mountains with beautiful flowers,” this mountain has various kinds of alpine plants. At the top of the mountain, a heart-shaped Fudo Pond that can be seen after rain is a popular spot.
Akasaki Promenade
A wooden walking path stretches along the natural cove of the island. You can dive into the clear water from the diving platforms and enjoy snorkeling.
