The Izu islands are volcanic islands situated south of Tokyo and accessible by ferry, jetfoil and plane. We visited a cluster of three nearby islands, Niijima (新島), Shikinejima (式根島) and Kozushima (神津島). These islands are a perfect place for sun, sea and snorkelling as well as a good variety of hot springs to try.
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| Nakanoura Beach- Shikinejima |
How to get there?
Most people arrive on the islands from Tokyo (Takeshiba ferry terminal), however it is possible to reach the islands from Atami and also Shimoda.
Check the schedules and latest prices in below link for the ferry (Tokyo-Niijima, 8.5hr 7000 JPY 2nd Class) and jetfoil (Tokyo-Niijima, 3hr 10000 JPY) whilst planning your trip.
http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/english/
There are daily services between the islands as well, it is best to pop into the tourist information office on the islands normally situated by the ferry terminal for the latest information on timings.
Where to stay?
There are a few ryokan and other hotels on some of the islands however if you have a tent or can borrow one from a friend we enjoyed camping on each of the islands. There are free campsites on the islands we visited. Facilities were best on Niijima and Shikinejima had a lovely position by the beach.
Island hot spring
Since these islands are volcanic they are also blessed with wonderful hot springs which are quite unique in comparison to onsen you will find on the mainland.
Niijima
Best onsen on the island is located close by to the ferry port, the name of the onsen is Yunohama [Free, 24hr] (Hot spring of the beach). This an open air mixed onsen and there are several pools as well as the showpiece onsen under the greek styled temple ruins. Changing facilties are provided at the entrance.
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| Yunohama Onsen |
Shikinejima
Shikinejima has many onsen's to try, perhaps the best one is Jinata onsen which is situated right on the sea. Again this is a mixed open air onsen and appears to be completely natural apart from the path built down to access it. Some of the pools also cool down periodically as the waves from the sea crash in resulting in a refreshing hot/cold sequence.
Warning: Some of the pools are scolding hot, check before taking the plunge!
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| Jinata Onsen |
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| Jinata Onsen |
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| Ashitsuki Onsen |
Kozushima
Kozushima also has a couple of onsen's but we didn't have time to visit, we checked out the Kozushima walkway though which was good for snorkelling, diving and swimming.
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| Kozushima wooden walkway |
How to get around?
There are a few taxis on Niijima and also in Kozushima however for Niijima and Kozushima it is easiest to rent a bike and Shikinejima is small enough to walk around.
What to take?
Things to bring
- Torch!- Since some of the islands are quite remote, street lighting is not provided on all roads, it is worth bringing a torch with you as it gets very dark in the evening!
- Towel- Bring a small towel to use in the onsen's
- Swimming costume- Since the open air onsen's are mixed
- Mosquito repellent
- Snorkel set- It is possible to snorkel on some of the beaches, these can also be bought on the island
Things not to bring
- Don't bring a suitcase!- If you are thinking of renting a bike, it is not easy to transport a suitcase on a bike
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