tokyo islands

Shikinejima Island






Shikinejima is only three hours from Tokyo, by high-speed ferry, but it couldn't be more different from this growing metropolis. The tiny island of steep coves and sandy beaches is very poorly developed, with few roads and only a traffic light. It has no traffic, and is ideal for exploration on foot or by bicycle. While the beaches offer the traditional relaxation of the islands, the forest tracks and the most natural hot springs offer you a strong dose of island adventure.

Ideas and Suggestions

• Swim and sunbathe on Tomari Beach
• Find a tidal pool to bathe
• Look at the stars from the Kambiki Observatory
• Explore the island by bike

How to get

From Takeshiba Pier: On the high-speed jet ferry it takes about three hours, or the large passenger ship leaves at night and takes about 10 hours.

From Chofu Airport: Fly to Niijima Island (35 min) and take a 15-minute ferry ride to Shikinejima.

Niijima Island

A major Japanese surf destination and island getaway just hours from Tokyo

Long sandy beaches, towering white cliffs and plenty of waves, Niijima is a scenic surf paradise and popular holiday spot within easy reach of Tokyo. A convenient ferry service also connects it with Shikinejima Island, just 15 minutes away. Swim, surf, sunbathe, cycle or admire the local art—Niijima is an island with plenty of options.

Tips

• Niijima's long, sandy surfing beaches
• The local glass art and intriguing statues dotted across the island
• Relaxing hot springs and sand baths

How to Get There

From Tokyo Takeshiba Pier: By high-speed jet ferry takes about two and a half hours. Or the large passenger ships depart at night and it takes about eight to nine hours.
From Tokyo Chofu Airport: Flight time: 35 minutes.

Surf's up

Niijima is a popular destination on the Japanese surfing map with good waves most of the year. The beaches are long and sandy and all face different directions so whichever way the wind is blowing, you always stand a good chance of catching some waves. Habushiura Beach, on the island's east coast, is the longest and among the best for surfing. At Habushiura and elsewhere on the island, there are surf shops where you can rent boards and take lessons.

Art and culture on the island

Niijima is known for its glass works and intriguing Moyai carvings. The sculptures carved from a special kind of local stone are scattered across the island. Although similar in appearance to the statues on Easter Island in the South Pacific, the term “moyai” means “to come together” in the local dialect, and it is a fitting tribute to the artworks crafted by members of the community. You may like to rent a bicycle and cycle around to see how many you can spot.

Take some time to relax

Like most of the volcanic Tokyo islands, Niijima also has hot springs. The most noticeable of them is the Yunohama open-air bath perched on a cliff top overlooking the port. With several columns and a decorative stone roof, the bath looks peculiarly like a Roman relic you might expect to find in Europe. Use of the Yunohama bath is free of charge.

Head slightly further south and you will find Mamashita Onsen, a private well-maintained facility with indoor and outdoor baths, a sauna, sand baths and a rest area with massage chairs. Entrance is just a minimal fee, but the sand baths cost extra.

Chichijima Island

Explore sunken warships and search for sea turtles

Discover pristine beaches, wild nature, fascinating wildlife, and incredible views 1,000 km south of downtown Tokyo, on Chichijima Island. Meet a new perspective of the capital of Japan; The island is small enough to explore in a day or two, and varied enough to keep you occupied for a longer stay.

Ideas and Suggestions

•   Dive through the remains of Hinko-maru, a sunken warship
•   Admire the stunning views of Ogamiyama Park
•    Go from island to island, to Minamijima

How to get

You can only reach this remote island on the ferry of the Ogasawara-maru shipping company from Tokyo's Takeshiba pier.

The journey takes 24 hours and leaves Tokyo once every three days during the hot months, and every six days the cold months.

Dive for the remains of a Japanese warship

From the shore of Sakaiura Beach you will see the remains of Hinko-maru, a Japanese cargo ship that was torpedoed and sunk during World War II. If you feel adventurous and have diving equipment, get in the clear waters to inspect the remains very close, and greet the new marine tenants who now call the ship home.

Minamijima Island

You can reach the island of Minamijima, located southwest of the coast of the island of Chichijima, by pleasure boat or sea kayak. The submerged karst topography creates beautiful places to dive, and the Ogi-ike lagoon is equally fascinating. Because the area is a nature reserve, it is essential to be accompanied by an authorized tour guide.

Minami-jima occupies a special place among the popular beaches of Japan. Only a few travelers could see this magical corner of the world. The beach is located on the tropical island that is famous for its unique nature. One of the main attractions of the island is a small lagoon with a romantic sandy beach separated by the elegant stone arch.

Minami-Jima Beach, Japan The wild beach has no infrastructure. The place attracts lovers of spectacular natural places and divers. The coastal waters are inhabited by a large number of fish species, as well as shellfish, turtles and other representatives of the underwater world. It is important to keep in mind that the island of Minami-jima is uninhabited, so it can only be reached by boat from the nearby island of Ogasawara.

Several years ago, a charming island was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The place never ceases to amaze with its natural beauty and the diversity of wildlife. A few years ago, the world's largest squid, weighing 170 kg, was captured near the island of Minami-jima. Travelers go to the picturesque place to take a break from civilization and see one of the most picturesque beaches on the planet. It seems that nature itself has created that magic. It is important to keep in mind that the exotic beach is very quiet, shallow and warm, so you can rest comfortably even with babies. Next - Varadero Beach Next - Varadero Beach

Hachijōjima Island

Aogashima (青 ヶ 島村) is a villa located in the sub-prefecture of Hachijō, Tokyo, Japan. This villa covers the island of Aogashima, and has an area of 5.98 km² and a population of 198 inhabitants, being the least populated municipality in the country.It is located 358.4 km south of the mainland of Tokyo. It is part of the Izu Islands and the closest island to it is Hachijōjima, 71.4 km away.The island was discovered by Japan in 1785. In 1940 it was promoted to villa. Due to its small population, there is only one school, the Aogashima Primary and Secondary School.