Overview
Izu Oshima is the largest island in the Izu Island chain, located in the Philippine Sea roughly 100 km south of central Tokyo and administered as part of Tokyo Metropolis. Despite falling under Tokyo's jurisdiction, the island feels worlds apart from the capital — volcanic landscapes, dense camellia forests, fishing villages, and rugged coastlines define the character of the place.
The island's dominant feature is Mount Mihara (Mihara-yama), an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1986 and still vents steam from its crater. Hiking to the crater rim is one of the most dramatic walks accessible from Tokyo. The surrounding lava fields and black sand beaches are a direct product of the island's volcanic geology.
Izu Oshima has a permanent population of roughly 7,000 to 8,000 residents (verify with current census data), sustained by fishing, agriculture — particularly camellia oil production — and tourism. The pace of life is unhurried, and the island rewards travelers who take time to explore on foot or by bicycle rather than rushing through on a day trip.
Before You Go
Visas
Izu Oshima is part of Japan and falls under standard Japanese entry requirements. For visa information specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Japan Immigration Services Agency website.
When to Go
- Late January–February: The island's famous Camellia Festival season. Thousands of camellia trees are in bloom across the hillsides, and the town holds related events. Crowds are manageable.
- Spring (April–May): Pleasant temperatures, green landscapes, good hiking conditions.
- Summer (July–August): Warmer and popular for swimming; expect more visitors and higher accommodation demand. Typhoon season begins.
- Autumn (October–November): Often considered the best overall period — stable weather, clear views of Mount Mihara, and fewer crowds.
- Winter (December–January): Quietest season. Ferries can be disrupted by rough weather, so build flexibility into your plans.
What to Pack
Weather can shift quickly due to the island's volcanic topography and coastal exposure. Bring layers, a windproof outer layer, and sturdy footwear if you plan to hike the volcano. The crater trail involves walking on rough lava rock.
Getting There
Izu Oshima is accessible from Tokyo (Takeshiba Pier) and Atami by high-speed jet ferry and conventional overnight ferry, operated primarily by Tokai Kisen. Journey times vary: high-speed ferries from Takeshiba can take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to around 2 hours 20 minutes depending on the route and vessel; overnight ferries take considerably longer but allow you to save on accommodation for one night. Schedules and ticket prices change seasonally — book through Tokai Kisen's official website and verify current timetables before travel.
Small aircraft connections also link Oshima Airport to Tokyo (Chofu Airport and Haneda Airport). ANA handles some routes; availability varies by season. Flight time is short (approximately 25–35 minutes from Chofu), but flights are susceptible to cancellation in poor weather — particularly relevant outside of calm seasons.
Day-trip packages from Tokyo exist, but given travel time and the island's size, at least one overnight stay is strongly recommended to do the destination justice.
Getting Around
The island has a perimeter road roughly 50 km around, making it manageable to circumnavigate by vehicle. Rental cars, scooters, and bicycles are available near the ferry terminal in Motomachi port — verify current operators and availability locally or via the island's tourist association.
A public bus network connects the main port at Motomachi with key sights including the volcano access points and Izukogen area, but services can be infrequent, especially outside peak season. Pick up a current bus timetable at the ferry terminal or tourist information office upon arrival.
Cycling around the island is a popular and practical option for fit travelers in good weather, though the volcanic topography means some gradients are significant. Electric bicycle rentals are available from some operators — confirm locally.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options on Izu Oshima are modest in scale and number. The main categories are mid-range hotels, minshuku (family-run guesthouses), and small ryokan (traditional inns). Most are concentrated around Motomachi port, with a smaller number near Okada port and other parts of the island.
Minshuku are a practical and culturally engaging choice — meals are often included, hosts can point you toward local knowledge, and the atmosphere is informal. Some offer Western-style rooms; others are traditional tatami rooms.
Demand peaks during the camellia season (January–February), Golden Week (late April–early May), and summer. Book well in advance for these periods. Outside of peak times, accommodation is generally easier to secure. Verify current options through the Oshima Town tourism office or a reputable Japanese booking platform.
Things to See & Do
Mount Mihara (Mihara-yama)
The hike to the crater rim of the active volcano is the island's most iconic activity. A trail leads from the Mihara-yama Trailhead to the outer rim, with the option to walk around the crater. The interior descent is restricted. Check current volcanic activity advisories from the Japan Meteorological Agency before hiking — restrictions can change.
Oshima Park and Camellia Grove
The island holds one of Japan's largest wild camellia forests, concentrated around Oshima Park in the north of the island. The park also has a small zoo. The camellia trees bloom roughly from late December through March, peaking in January and February.
Black Sand and Lava Coastline
The volcanic origin of the island is visible along the coast. Habu Port area and sections of the western coastline offer striking lava rock formations. Black sand beaches exist around parts of the island — swimming conditions and accessibility vary; check locally.
Geo Park and Lava Plateau
The Ura-Sabaku lava desert plateau in the center of the island is an unusual landscape — a relatively flat expanse of hardened lava with sparse vegetation. It can be walked or cycled and offers unobstructed views of Mount Mihara.
Camellia Oil Products and Local Crafts
The island has produced camellia (tsubaki) oil for centuries. Visiting a camellia oil facility or museum provides context for this long-running local industry.
Food & Drink
Izu Oshima's food culture is rooted in what the sea and the island produce. Fresh fish and seafood dominate local menus — sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood rice bowls are common in restaurants around Motomachi and the port areas.
One dish closely associated with the island is kusaya — a strongly fermented, dried fish with a pungent aroma that is considered an acquired taste even within Japan. It is a traditional island food with deep roots in the Izu Islands; adventurous eaters should try it at least once.
Island-produced camellia oil appears in some local cooking and as a condiment. Shochu (a distilled spirit) made from island ingredients is also produced locally and served in many establishments.
The number of restaurants on the island is limited relative to larger destinations. Outside of peak season, some establishments close early or may not be open every day. If staying at a guesthouse or minshuku (family-run inn), inquire about meal arrangements at booking — many offer breakfast and dinner packages that reduce uncertainty.
Practical Information
Money
Most small establishments on the island operate on a cash basis. Bring sufficient yen from the mainland, as ATM access is limited. Japan Post Bank ATMs (available at the local post office) generally accept international cards — verify current availability locally.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage on the island is reasonable in populated areas but can be patchy on trails and in remote coastal sections. Major Japanese carriers serve the island. Pocket WiFi devices or local SIM cards obtained on the mainland will function in most areas.
Medical
The island has a local hospital (Oshima Hospital — verify current name and services locally). For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to the mainland may be necessary. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is advisable.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 110
- Fire and Ambulance: 119
Ferry Disruption
Ferries and flights can be cancelled due to typhoons, rough seas, or volcanic activity advisories. Build buffer days into your return schedule if you have fixed commitments on the mainland.
Safety
Mount Mihara is an active volcano. Before hiking near the crater, check the latest volcanic activity level published by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Restrictions on access to certain zones can be imposed with little notice.
Izu Oshima sits in a typhoon-prone region. Typhoon season runs broadly from June through October, with peak activity in August and September. Monitor weather forecasts carefully during this window and be prepared for transport disruptions.
The island is generally very safe for travelers. Standard urban precautions apply in populated areas, but crime is not a notable concern. Ocean swimming carries the usual risks of any Pacific island coastline — be aware of currents and check with locals before entering the water at unfamiliar beaches.