Tokyo islands brimming with nature and culture
The Izu Islands are a group of 100 offshore islands in the Pacific Ocean, nine of which are inhabited: Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, Mikurajima, Hachijojima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, and Aogashima. Bursting with nature, you’ll find clear blue seas, magnificent volcanic landscapes, and tropical forest covered mountains, all waiting to be discovered.
Don't Miss
- Meeting the dynamic natural scenery, formed by the areas active volcanoes.
- Surfing the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean.
- Visiting the open air hot springs, complete with superb sea views.
Activities
Water sports
A whole host of activities is available, such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing.
Open air hot springs
Natural hot volcanic springs can be enjoyed on each island. Take in wild rocky coasts, sunsets, and starry skies.
Food & Souvenirs
Oshima Tsubaki flowers (Oshima)
About 3 million tsubaki plants grow naturally on the island. The plant has a variety of uses, and has been used for generations. It is used in cooking, medicines and cosmetics, and even for lighting. Tsubaki skin care products, hair oils, and food can all be purchased on the island.
Kusaya
Fresh fish is dipped in kusaya liquid and fermented before being dried. Famed for its unusual pungent smell.
Sightseeing Spots
Mt. Mihara (Oshima)
An active volcano. At the top, enjoy the dynamic scenery of the crater that erupted in 1986. It is also the only registered desert in Japan, 'Ura-sabaku'.
Senba Stratum Section (Oshima)
This striped terrain that can be seen along the coastline was formed from the deposition of volcanic ash and black pumice following an eruption 15,000 years ago.
Tsubaki flower gardens (Oshima)
About 3 million tsubaki grow on the island. Three tsubaki gardens have been recognized worldwide for their beauty (Oshima Park, Tsubaki Hana Garden and Oshima High School), giving you the chance to see around 1,500 different kinds of Tsubaki. The best time of year to visit is from late February to mid-March.
Jinata Onsen (Shikinejima)
A free open air bath, open 24 hours a day. The hot spring water flows into rock pools, and at high tide, the hot spring water mixes with seawater, thus reaching an optimal temperature for bathing.
Tomari Beach (Shikinejima)
This beach sits in a fan-shaped inlet and is recommended for families with small children. Dining halls and hot springs are all within walking distance of the area.
Kanbiki Observatory (Shikinejima)
If the weather is nice climb up 100 steps for views of Mt. Fuji, and the Izu Peninsula.
Habushiura Beach (Niijima)
One of the most famous surf spots in Japan. The Shiro-mama cliff is pure white, and formed the surrounding beaches.