According to the data released by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan on the 28th, the current number of islands in Japan is 14,125, and among the 6,847 remote islands apart from the main five islands, 416 are inhabited. Interestingly, in one of the world's largest metropolises, Tokyo, there exists the smallest village in Japan, Aogashima Village, with a population of merely 166. Aogashima is just one of Tokyo's remote islands, where you can unravel the unique charm of these islands through this guide, allowing you to bask in the tranquil atmosphere of a resort.
The impression of island travel is often associated with lengthy journeys. However, for those residing in the Kanto region, reaching remote islands from Tokyo by plane or boat is suitable for experiencing nature and maritime activities, including Oshima and Miyakejima, which are islands that can be reached within a day by air. The greatest allure of Tokyo's remote islands lies in the ease with which you can revel in the bountiful nature and the beautiful sea that is unimaginable within Tokyo. Among these, Oshima, Niijima, Kozushima, and Miyakejima are approximately 25 to 50 minutes by plane, and day trips also allow for around 6 hours of exploration.
Ōshima
Oshima, which belongs to the Izu Islands, is the closest remote island to mainland Tokyo and can be visited on a day trip. It is a volcanic island that features a golf course, camping sites, as well as opportunities for fishing and diving.
Furthermore, the island is adorned with vast camellia gardens and hosts the famous Izu Oshima Camellia Festival from late January to late March. The island is also known for its specialty product, "Camellia Oil," made from camellia flowers. Don't miss the chance to taste delicious treats such as "Milk Pancakes" made with Oshima milk and the fragrant "Kusaya."
Visiting Oshima and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
Take a 25-minute flight from Chofu Airport (two round trips per day).
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. It takes at least 1 hour and 25 minutes by high-speed jetfoil (two to four round trips per day) or at least 6 hours by large cruise ship (overnight, one round trip per day). Alternatively, you can take a high-speed jetfoil from Atami, which takes at least 45 minutes (one round trip per day).
Please visit the "Oshima Tourist Association" for more information about the island.
Shikinejima
Shikinejima, inhabited since the Jomon period, appears flat when viewed from outside the island by boat. The island is scattered with beaches, including Tomari Beach, which appears to be a private beach, Osaki Beach, where you can swim among rocks, and Nakano Beach, known for its beautiful coral. Here, you can admire the breathtaking sea that is beyond imagination in Tokyo while enjoying beach activities and water sports.
There are also natural outdoor baths where you can enter wearing swimwear and observation decks with stunning views. At night, you can witness a sky full of stars.
Visiting Shikinejima and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
From Chofu Airport, take a 40-minute flight to Niijima. Then, take a ferry for approximately 15 minutes (3-4 round trips per day between Niijima and Shikinejima).
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. It takes at least 2 hours and 20 minutes by high-speed jetfoil (one round trip per day) or over 9 hours by large passenger ship (overnight, one round trip per day).
For information on how to explore the islands, please refer to the "Shikinejima Tourist Association."
Nii-jima
Nii-jima is about 160 kilometers from the center of Tokyo. It is a remote island renowned for its thriving surfing scene. Every year, many surfers gather at Habushiura Beach, which boasts a stretch of about 7 kilometers of white sandy beach, as well as Maehama Beach that protrudes into the sea towards Noto Island.
Of course, you can enjoy swimming, diving, fishing, as well as cycling, hiking, and taking in the beautiful views of the sea. There is also a museum showcasing the island's history and culture, as well as the famous "Moai Statue" that is worth a visit. After exploring the island to your heart's content, you can relax and unwind at the Yumemachi Onsen, a 24-hour hot spring facility, or at Maehama Onsen that offers sand baths.
Visiting Nii-jima and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
From Chofu Airport, take a 40-minute flight to Nii-jima. Then, take a ferry for approximately 15 minutes (3-4 round trips per day between Nii-jima and Shikinejima).
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. It takes at least 2 hours and 20 minutes by high-speed jetfoil (one round trip per day) or over 9 hours by large passenger ship (overnight, one round trip per day).
For information on how to explore the islands, please refer to the "Nii-jima Tourist Association."
Mikura-jima
The Mikura-jima, located approximately 200 kilometers south of Tokyo, is known for its wild bottlenose dolphins. When visiting the islands, be sure to participate in swimming or dolphin watching tours. Spending time with dolphins in the beautiful ocean will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The terrain of the Mikura-jima goes directly from the sea to the mountains, without sandy beaches. Therefore, it is recommended to explore the island on foot to enjoy its natural scenery. Some routes require a guide, while others do not, so be sure to confirm before starting your journey.
Visiting the Mikura-jima and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
From Chofu Airport, take a 50-minute flight to Miyakejima. Then, take a helicopter for about 10 minutes.
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. It takes at least 7 hours and 25 minutes by large passenger ship (overnight, one round trip per day).
For information on how to explore the islands, please refer to the "Mikura-jima Tourist Information Center."
Chichijima
Chichijima is a remote island that floats in the sea approximately 1,000 kilometers from the center of Tokyo, making it the central island of the Ogasawara Islands. The Ogasawara Islands do not have private airports, so the only way to reach Chichijima is by boat, which takes about 24 hours. The island enjoys a warm subtropical climate throughout the year and is home to many unique species.
There are several beautiful beaches on the island, such as Ogiura Beach and Ohmura Beach, where you can enjoy various water activities. From December to May, you can also observe humpback whales. In the evenings, you can immerse yourself in the pristine natural scenery, stargazing, and take part in nighttime forest excursions.
Visiting Chichijima and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
N/A
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. It takes approximately 24 hours by boat (4-8 times per month).
For information on transportation options on the island, please refer to the "Ogasawara Village Tourism Office."
Hahajima
Hahajima is one of the Ogasawara Islands, located approximately 50 kilometers from Chichijima, and it is the farthest island from Tokyo. On this island, untouched by human development, you can enjoy island excursions, hiking in the mountains of Mt. Chibusa, and scuba diving. If you go out by boat, you may even spot whales and dolphins. During specific seasons, you can also experience sea turtle releases.
On Hahajima, you can visit Ogasawara Beach and Ishijiro Beach, where you can enjoy clear waters and relax amidst the beautiful subtropical vegetation. Find your own way to enjoy this island.
Visiting Hahajima and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
N/A
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. It takes approximately 24 hours by boat to Chichijima (4-8 times per month), and then an additional 2 hours by boat to Hahajima.
Please refer to the "Hahajima Tourism Association" for information on how to explore the island.
Kōzu-shima
Kōzu-shima is one of the Izu Islands, known for its legend of the gods gathering at Mt. Amagi on the island to decide the distribution of water. The waters around the island are teeming with fish, making it a great spot for diving and snorkeling. One popular attraction is the "Akasaki Walking Trail," which features diving boards that allow you to plunge into the emerald green sea, making it a recommended activity for the whole family. Beachfront villas are also open during the summer season.
In addition, there are many other interesting activities such as hiking on Mt. Tenjo and stargazing. Don't forget to visit the "Water Distribution Statue" built according to the legend.
Visiting Kozushima Island and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
Take a 45-minute flight from Chofu Airport (2-3 round trips per day).
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. The fastest option is the high-speed jet foil, which takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes (1 round trip per day), or the large passenger ship (overnight) with a travel time of approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes (1 round trip per day).
For information on how to explore the island, please refer to the "Kozushima Village Office."
Miyakejima
Miyakejima Island is a volcanic island located within the Izu Islands, with Mount Oyama as its central active volcano. The island is marked with traces of volcanic eruptions and features attractions such as the "Volcano Experience Corridor," where you can walk on the lava flow from the 1983 eruption, and "Ojiiike," a place where you can feel the energy of the earth formed by a volcanic eruption over 2,000 years ago.
The beautiful ocean surrounding the island is equally captivating, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and dolphin watching. Don't miss out on trying local specialties such as passion fruit, island lemons, and ashitaba.
Visiting Miyakejima Island and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
Take a 50-minute flight from Chofu Airport (3 round trips per day).
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port, taking a large passenger ship (overnight) with a minimum travel time of 6 hours and 30 minutes (1 round trip per day).
For transportation options on the island, please refer to the "Miyakejima Tourism Association."
Aogashima
Aogashima is located at the southernmost end of the Izu Islands and is a rare double volcanic caldera island in the world with only 166 residents. The unique landscape created by the outer rim surrounding the island and the inner rim known as "Maruyama" attracts those who appreciate spectacular views. However, due to rough sea conditions in the surrounding waters, the ship service rate is between 50% and 60%. It is recommended to take a helicopter to reach the island, as the likelihood of operation is higher, and you can enjoy an aerial view of the island.
Resembling a volcanic island, there is a constantly steaming hot spot called "Hingya" on the island. There is also a sauna bathhouse that utilizes the geothermal heat. Local specialties include "Oisho," a sweet potato shochu (spirit) brewed by the island's main brewer, and "Hingya no Shio," salt made using seawater and geothermal steam.
Visiting Aogashima Island and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
From Haneda Airport to Hachijojima, take a 55-minute flight. From Hachijojima, take a 20-minute helicopter ride or a 2-hour and 30-minute boat ride.
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. The large passenger ship (overnight) journey to Hachijojima takes only 10 hours and 20 minutes. From Hachijojima, you can take a 20-minute helicopter ride or a 2-hour and 30-minute boat ride.
For information on how to explore the island, please refer to the "Aogashima Village Office."
Hachijojima
Hachijojima Island is a volcanic island with two main volcanoes, "Nishiyama" (Hachijo-Fuji) and "Higashiyama" (Miharayama). Despite being an outlying island approximately 290 kilometers from the city center, it is easily accessible and perfect for those looking to enjoy a resort-like getaway.
The island offers many places to experience during your trip, including beaches for swimming and snorkeling, public hot spring baths, and shops where you can taste island sushi made with mustard and sweet rice served with flying fish. For those who enjoy hiking, we recommend exploring the scenic paths and trails. In the summer, there are observation events where you can spot the island's specialty, "shining mushrooms."
If you're interested in immersing yourself in the island's culture, why not try weaving the local specialty, Hachijo-ori?
Visiting Hachijojima Island and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
Take a 55-minute flight from Haneda Airport (3 round trips per day).
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. The large passenger ship (overnight) journey to Hachijojima takes only 10 hours and 20 minutes (1 round trip per day).
For information on how to explore the island, please refer to the "Hachijojima Tourism Association."
Toshima
Toshima Island is a small island with a circumference of approximately 8 kilometers. Mount Tomura stands in the center of the island, and the entire island is covered with camellia forests. While there are no beaches due to steep cliffs meeting the sea, you can still enjoy activities such as diving, fishing, swimming with dolphins, and dolphin watching.
The island preserves its pristine natural beauty, allowing you to leisurely indulge in activities such as climbing Mount Tomura, visiting shrines, and stargazing. There is no public transportation or rental cars available, so it is primarily a walking island. Forget about the hustle and bustle of the city and take some time to relax and unwind.
Visiting Toshima Island and recommended transportation routes:
■ By Plane:
Take a 25-minute flight from Chofu Airport to Oshima, then a 10-minute helicopter ride from Oshima to Toshima Island (2 round trips between Oshima and Toshima per day).
■ By Boat:
Depart from Tokyo Takeshiba Port. The high-speed jetfoil takes at least 2 hours and 25 minutes (1 round trip per day), and the large passenger ship (overnight) takes at least 7 hours and 35 minutes (1 round trip per day).
Please refer to the "Toshima Tourism Association" for information on how to explore the island.
