Izu Oshima

Izu Oshima (伊豆大島) is the largest of the Izu Islands, administered by Tokyo but located about 100 km south of central Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean. The island is dominated by Mount Mihara (三原山), an active volcano that last erupted in 1986. The island is a popular weekend getaway from Tokyo, known for its volcanic landscapes, camellia flowers, and onsen.

The island's main town of Motomachi on the west coast has the ferry and helicopter terminals, restaurants, and accommodations. Izu Oshima has a warm subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The best seasons are spring (camellias bloom January–March) and autumn (mild temperatures).

By Plane

The fastest access is by plane from Tokyo's Chofu Airport (a 25-minute flight) or Haneda Airport. Oshima Airport is on the island's west coast. Flights are operated by New Central Airlines.

By Ferry

Large ferries from Takeshiba (Tokyo) reach Izu Oshima in 6–8 hours (overnight services available). The high-speed jetfoil "Seagull" from Takeshiba takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. To learn more about the port of departure, see the port website.

By Car / Road

Cars can be taken on the large ferry from Tokyo, but a car is not necessary on the island — buses, taxis, and rental cars are available. Scooters and bicycles are also popular.

Local buses circle the island, connecting Motomachi, Mount Mihara, and the coastal villages. Taxis are available at the port and airport. Rental cars and scooters offer more flexibility. Bicycles are a good option for the relatively flat coastal roads.

• Mount Mihara — The island's active volcano. A paved road leads to the 7th station, from which a 30-minute hike reaches the crater rim. The 1986 lava flows are visible. Views of the Pacific and (on clear days) Mount Fuji.

• Motomachi Port — The main town with shops, restaurants, and the island information center.

• Oshima Camellia Garden — A large garden with over 700 varieties of camellia, the island's symbol. Best visited January–March.

• Izu Oshima Park — A botanical garden with native plants, walking trails, and a small zoo.

• Miharayama Shrine — A Shinto shrine on the slopes of Mount Mihara, with views over the coast.

• Hike Mount Mihara — The summit hike is the island's premier activity. The crater rim walk takes about 1 hour.

• Onsen bathing — Izu Oshima has several hot springs, including the Oshima Onsen Kashigata-no-yu with ocean views.

• Camellia viewing — Visit the camellia garden or drive the "Camellia Line" road through blooming hillsides.

• Diving and snorkeling — The island's clear waters offer coral reefs and marine life.

• Oshima Festival — Held in August with taiko drumming, dance, and fireworks.

• Kusaya — A pungent, fermented dried fish, an Izu Islands specialty. An acquired taste.
• Shima-zushi — Island-style pressed sushi with mackerel or other local fish.
• Fresh seafood — The island port has restaurants serving sashimi, grilled fish, and kaisendon.
• Budget meals from ¥800 at shops near the port.

Motomachi has izakaya and bars serving local shochu. The island produces a camellia-flavored liqueur. Sunset views from the port are excellent with a drink. Tap water is safe though slightly mineral-rich.

• Budget: Guesthouses and minshuku from ¥5,000/night.
• Mid-range: Seaside hotels in Motomachi from ¥8,000–12,000/night.
• Upscale: Ryokan with onsen and ocean views, from ¥15,000/night.

Izu Oshima is famous for tsubaki (camellia) oil used in skincare, himono (dried fish), and kintsuba (sweet bean pastries). The port area has souvenir shops. Camellia-themed products are the most popular souvenirs.

• Toshima (ferry from Oshima) — A small volcanic island with art museums and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Niijima (ferry) — Island known for its hot springs and surfing beaches.
• Shikinejima (ferry) — Small island with natural hot springs (hinata-yu) by the sea.
• Kozushima (ferry) — Island with obsidian (volcanic glass) deposits and onsen.
• Miyakejima (ferry) — Island with an active volcano, hiking, and sea turtle nesting sites.