A Guide to Tokyo’s Tropical Pacific Izu Islands

Many people don’t realize that Tokyo is the gateway to a stunning chain of tropical Pacific islands, some of which are over 300 kilometers from the city. Even though these islands are quite a distance away, they’re still part of Tokyo’s jurisdiction. You can reach them either by catching a flight from Chofu or Haneda Airport or by taking a boat. These islands offer a peaceful break from the bustling city life, a taste of island culture, and some truly amazing scenery.

You can visit nine inhabited islands in this archipelago: Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Mikurajima, Hachijojima, and Aogashima. Most of these islands have airports with regular flights from Tokyo. Flying is usually more expensive than taking a ferry, but it’s a lot quicker.

Oshima

The largest and closest island to Tokyo, Oshima is perfect for anyone short on time who wants to experience an island getaway. There's plenty to do here to easily fill a few days. It’s also a popular first stop for those island-hopping around the archipelago. Key attractions include the massive volcanic crater of Mount Mihara and the surrounding black desert, as well as the many hot springs heated by volcanic activity. High-speed ferries from Tokyo's Takeshiba Ferry Terminal can get you to Oshima in just two hours, while the regular ferry takes about six hours. Alternatively, you can fly from Chofu Airport, which takes just under half an hour.

Niijima

If you're after beautiful beaches and a quick escape from the capital, Niijima and its nearby neighbor Shikine-jima are perfect choices. Both islands boast stunning Pacific sands and crystal-clear waters, ideal for some relaxation. Despite their proximity to one of the world's largest cities, the islands remain pleasantly uncrowded, even during the summer. However, you might find a few beaches a bit busier at times.

Miyake-jima

Miyake-jima isn't for everyone, especially if you’re looking for a typical island paradise. This island is known for its volcanic activity, which fills the air with toxic gases. Residents are required to carry gas masks, and alarms go off if the gas levels become dangerous. The beaches here are covered in black volcanic sand, which might not be ideal for sunbathing, but they have a striking and unique beauty of their own. On a brighter note, the island and its surrounding waters are a popular spot for diving, where you might get the chance to swim with dolphins that frequent the area.

Hachijojima

One of the most popular Izu Islands, Hachijojima is definitely worth the extra travel time. This incredible Pacific island offers a wealth of experiences with its lush forests, stunning mountains, and impressive volcanoes. It's a natural paradise brimming with adventure. The island’s minimal light pollution, due to its sparse population, makes it a fantastic spot for stargazing and astrophotography. You can reach Hachijojima in just under an hour by flight from Haneda Airport, or you can take an overnight ferry from Tokyo, which takes about eleven hours.

Mikura-shima

Mikura-shima is another great spot for dolphin encounters, with around 160 of these playful creatures living around its shores. This means you'll have a high chance of seeing them. If you're interested in booking a dolphin swim tour, it's a good idea to plan ahead, as spots can fill up quickly. Mikura-shima is about seven and a half hours from Tokyo by overnight ferry. The island doesn’t have an airport, but you can fly to nearby Miyakejima and catch a short ferry from there.

Aogashima

Aogashima is like something straight out of a James Bond film—a dramatic volcanic crater rising from the Pacific Ocean. It's an incredible sight, especially when viewed from above by helicopter, which is how most visitors reach the island. Getting there isn’t the easiest task; you’ll need to first travel to Hachijojima and then either take a ferry or arrange a helicopter ride in advance. Ferries don't run daily and can sometimes be canceled, so it’s highly recommended to include a helicopter ride at least for one leg of the journey. It’s worth it for the breathtaking views of this unique island.

Kozushima

Far to the west, Kozushima is renowned for its stunning beaches, set against a backdrop of dramatic rocky cliffs. The turquoise waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving. For pristine white sands, head to Maehama Beach, which stretches a full kilometer along the coast. You can reach Kozushima by flying from Tokyo's Chofu Airport, taking a high-speed ferry that takes about four hours, or opting for the slower, more affordable ferry service, which takes twelve hours. Additionally, if you're in the Izu Peninsula, you can travel from Shimoda, which usually takes around two to three hours.

Conclusion

While the Izu Islands might not have the same level of fame as Okinawa or the Shonan coastline, each island offers its own unique scenery and activities that you won’t find further south.