Many visitors to Tokyo only wander through the concrete jungle, unaware that just two hours south by ferry from Tokyo Bay lies an entirely different Japan: black volcanic sand beaches, hot springs bubbling up from beneath the earth, and quiet fishing villages where everyday life is the greatest attraction. This is the charm of the Izu Islands.
Tokyo's surroundings encompass over 100 islands, with the Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands being the most popular island-hopping destinations. According to the latest tourism data, approximately 300,000 tourists visited these islands in 2024, drawn by the volcanic landscapes and marine ecosystems. To experience a different side of Tokyo, start with island hopping!
- Hachijojima: Volcanic hot springs and tropical plant landscapes, See recommended itineraries
- Miyakejima: Volcanic wonders and cycling around the island, See recommended itineraries
- Chichijima (Ogasawara Islands): Whale and dolphin spotting hotspot, See recommended itineraries
More Tokyo Suburban Islands
The Unique Appeal of Tokyo Island Hopping
Tokyo's island hopping differs from Okinawa or the Seto Inland Sea—this is an active volcanic belt with raw and dramatic geological landscapes. The seven Izu Islands (Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Mikurajima, and Hachijojima) and the more distant Ogasawara Islands constitute Tokyo's island territory, offering urban travelers the shortest escape from the hustle and bustle. These islands retain the simple atmosphere of the Showa era, with fishing and hot springs remaining the economic backbone, largely untouched by overdevelopment.
In recent years, with changes in the diplomatic environment, Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan have dropped by over 40%, bringing instead a relatively peaceful atmosphere to these islands—allowing visitors to experience local life more deeply without queuing at attractions!
Recommended Island Deep-Dive Guide
1. Izu Oshima (Izu Oshima)—Entry-Level Choice for Volcanoes and Hot Springs
If it's your first island-hopping adventure, Oshima is the perfect starting point. The island is famous for Mount Mihara, an active volcano whose 1986 eruption remains a landmark event in the area. The island has multiple hot spring facilities scattered across villages, with hot spring ryokans concentrated along the southern coast, priced at approximately ¥8,000–¥15,000 per person per night (including two meals). The Mount Mihara hiking trail reaches 764 meters in elevation, taking about 90 minutes to summit, with the black sulfur terrain around the crater making a lasting impression.
Address: 〒100-0393 Tokyo Metropolis, Oshima Town
Round trip: Take the hydrofoil from Tokyo Takeshiba Ferry Terminal (~105 minutes) or the regular ferry (~3 hours); sailing daily (weather permitting).
2. Niijima (Niijima)—Surfers' Paradise and Glass Beach
Niijima is known for its 2-kilometer-long Maehama Beach, where white fine sand and crystal-clear waters attract surfers. Even more unique is the "Glass Beach"—empty glass bottles polished by waves into transparent glass beads, scattered across the shore like shining gems—an poetic example of industrial heritage transformed into a natural landscape.
The island has many guesthouses and simple inns with more affordable rates (¥5,000–¥10,000 per person per night). The local specialty is Kurotofu (black tofu), and several small eateries serve simple yet fresh seafood set meals (¥1,200–¥2,000).
Address: 〒100-0212 Tokyo Metropolis, Niijima Village
Round trip: Take the hydrofoil from Takeshiba Ferry Terminal (~50 minutes) or regular ferry (~2 hours); daily sailings.
3. Kozushima (Kozushima)—Hidden Fishing Village Hot Spring Culture
Compared to the more famous Oshima and Niijima, Kozushima maintains a purer, simpler character. The island's residents make their living from fishing, and the harbor regularly shows scenes of daily life as fishing boats unload their catches. The.Ura Hot Spring and Maehama Hot Spring are rare open-air hot spring examples where you can bathe while gazing at the sea—particularly mesmerizing at sunset.
Accommodation options are limited but sincere, with small ryokans and guesthouses priced at approximately ¥6,500–¥12,000 per person per night. The island has no convenience stores, so dining depends mainly on what your accommodation provides or the few eateries on the island. Bringing your own snacks is recommended.
Address: 〒100-0601 Tokyo Metropolis, Kozushima Village
Round trip: Take the regular ferry from Takeshiba Ferry Terminal (~6 hours, with stops at other islands) or transfer via Niijima on the hydrofoil (~25 minutes).
4. Hachijojima (Hachijojima)—Subtropical Exotic Imagination
As the southernmost of the seven Izu Islands, Hachijojima's climate approaches subtropical, with vegetation and temperatures noticeably different from Honshu. The island cultivates ashitaba (a healthy vegetable), which has become a famous local product. Along the coast of底negata Bay in the central settlement, there are several hot spring ryokans (¥10,000–¥18,000 per person per night), many offering traditional Japanese cuisine and fresh-caught seafood.
Yuyake Komichi (Sunset Alley) is the best-preserved street with Showa-era atmosphere, where several old eateries and shops remain in operation—walking here feels like stepping back in time.
Address: 〒100-1401 Tokyo Metropolis, Hachijo Town
Round trip: Take the regular ferry from Takeshiba Ferry Terminal (~9–10 hours), with limited hydrofoil options (seasonal).
5. Ogasawara Islands (Chichijima)—Ultimate Choice for Deep Exploration
Located approximately 240 km from Tokyo, requiring a special ferry ride of 24 hours to reach, the Ogasawara Islands remain the least-known secret due to their distance. Chichijima offers diverse activities including diving, whale watching (winter), and mountain hiking. Accommodation prices are higher here (¥12,000–¥25,000 per person per night), but the island's pristine and unique character makes it well worth it.
Warning: Ferries to and from Ogasawara operate only once per week on Fridays, requiring advance planning.
Address: 〒100-2101 Tokyo Metropolis, Ogasawara Village
Round trip: Take the Ogasawara Maru ferry from Tokyo Takeshiba Ferry Terminal, once per week, 24 hours each way; one-way fare approximately ¥6,800.
Practical Information
Transportation and Costs
The main departure point for the Izu Islands is Tokyo Takeshiba Ferry Terminal (〒105-0022 Tokyo Metropolis, Minato-ku, Kaigan 1-12-2). Services are provided by Izu Kyuko Ferry and Ogasawara Kaiun, offering hydrofoils (fast, fares ¥3,000–¥8,000) and regular ferries (budget-friendly, fares ¥1,500–¥5,000). For multi-island hopping, island pass tickets (approximately ¥12,000–¥15,000 for 7 days) are recommended to save costs.
Best Seasons
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal periods with mild weather and calm seas. Summer (July–August) is hot and humid, while winter (December–February) is prone to monsoons with higher risks of ferry delays. February–March annually brings the whale migration season to Ogasawara, attracting dedicated whale-watching tourists.
Opening Hours and Reservations
Island restaurants and ryokans generally have no unified opening hours—it's recommended to arrange through your accommodation or contact in advance. Remote islands (Kozushima, Hachijojima, Ogasawara) should be booked 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Accessibility
Larger islands (Oshima, Niijima) have wheelchair ramps and basic facilities at ports, but island transportation (uneven roads, steep slopes) poses challenges for those with mobility difficulties. Facilities on smaller islands are even more limited. Pre-consultation with your ryokan or local tourism association is recommended.
Travel Tips
1. Weather-Dependent Ferries: Ferries are often delayed or cancelled during winter and rainy seasons—build flexibility into your schedule.
2. Cash preparation: Convenience stores are rare on islands, and ATMs are even rarer—withdraw sufficient cash in Tokyo before departure.
3. Car rental considerations: Car rental services are available on each island (¥3,000–¥5,000 per day), but parking is limited and public transportation is relatively simple—exploring on foot is often more rewarding.
4. Environmental consciousness: These islands have strict ecological protection—no plant collection or littering allowed; if engaging in activities like diving, choose certified local operators.
5. Opportunities from diplomatic changes: The recent decrease in Chinese tourists has allowed these islands to remain peaceful—it's a golden window for in-depth local cultural experience—visit before tourist numbers increase significantly.
6. Food self-sufficiency considerations: Island ingredients mostly rely on shipping supplies, making fresh vegetables more expensive than on Honshu—if you have dietary restrictions or special needs, inform your ryokan in advance.
Conclusion
Tokyo's island hopping is a reverse journey from the city, taking you from skyscrapers to pristine beaches within 24 hours, allowing you to experience Japan's most pristine landscapes and hospitality. These islands exist not for photo opportunities, but to invite you to slow down—listen to the waves, soak in hot springs, chat with fishermen—in high-speed modern Japan, they are places where time stands still.
