5 Best Tokyo Islands
Best Islands of Tokyo: Izu Islands, Hachijojima and Ogasawara Islands
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Tokyo is not only a concrete jungle but also has a great nature and rich wildlife! There are several remote islands under Tokyo government administration that can be accessed easily from the city. Enjoy the beautiful nature, subtropical weather and the stunning beaches at the remotes islands of Tokyo! Check out my picks of best Tokyo islands which are perfect getaways from the city 🙂
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
1. Chichi-jima and Haha-jima of the Ogasawara Islands
The Ogasawara Islands (小笠原諸島) is a chain of subtropical/tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean, which is situated about 1000 km south of Tokyo. Chichi-jima(父島) and Haha-jima (母島) are only two inhabited islands among the island group. The islands of Ogasawara is called “The Galápagos of the Orient”, and is designated to a natural World Heritage Site since 2016.
The Ogasawara Islands can be accessed only by a cruise which takes more than a day. The islands attract visitors with their remoteness, unruined nature and the beautiful beaches and ocean with rich marine life. Snorkelling, diving, whales and dolphin watching are popular attraction on the islands.
Map: Chichi jima http://bit.ly/2LVhkrb, Haha jima http://bit.ly/2HAkN9f
Info: https://www.ogasawaramura.com/en/
Ferry: http://www.ogasawarakaiun.co.jp/english/
Hotels: http://bit.ly/2K5AExV
Related article: Ogasawara Islands: 6 Days Trip to Chichijima Island
2. Izu Oshima Island
Izu Oshima (伊豆大島) is the largest among the Izu Islands (伊豆諸島), which consists of a group of volcanic islands under the administration of Tokyo. Izu Oshima (or called Oshima) is also the nearest and the most accessible remote island of Tokyo, which is situated about 22 km south of Izu Peninsula. By speed ferry, it only takes 35 mins between Oshima and Ito City. There is also a direct ferry from Tokyo Takeshiba Port (1 hour 45 mins).
Oshima island offers a plenty of tourist attractions such as several scenic sites, flower fields, beautiful beaches and hot spring spots. The 758 m tall active volcano Mt Mihara is the top attraction of the island which is known as the shooting location of the Godzilla movie series.
Info: http://www.izu-oshima.or.jp/
Ferry: https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/en/
Hotels: http://bit.ly/30RDbCy
3. Hachijo-jima Island
Hachijo-jima (八丈島) is a volcanic island in the Philippine Sea, which is located about 287 km south of the central Tokyo. Hachijo-jima is one of the most popular islands in Japan and offers plenty of tourist attractions through the year such as stunning beaches, scenic spots, spectacular driving routes, hot springs, unspoilted nature and unique local delicacies. One of the highlights of Hachijo-jima is the 854 m tall Hachijo-Fuji mountain, which is the highest point of the Izu Islands, and offers the breathtaking panoramic view from the summit.
Hachijo-jima Island is the southernmost of the Izu Islands, yet it’s the closest island of Tokyo since it can be accessed only within 1 hour. The direct flight from Haneda Airport runs 3 times daily. Access by overnight ferry is also available from Tokyo Takeshiba Ferry Port (10 hours 20 mins).
Info: http://www.hachijo.gr.jp/
Ferry: https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/en/
Hotels: http://bit.ly/30RDbCy
Related article: Hachijojima: Best Things to Do
4. Nii-jima Island
Nii-jima (新島) is also one of the Izu Islands Group which is situated approx 163 m south of Tokyo and 36 km south of Izu Peninsula. Direct high-speed ferry is available from Tokyo Takeshiba Port or Shimoda City, and both takes around 2 hours 20 mins.
Nii-jima Island is popular among surfers and beach lovers. The blue water with pure white sand and the beautiful scenery attracts visitors. The 7 km long Habushiura Beach on the east side of the island is the best spot for surfing, and Maehama Beach on the west side is best known for the crystal clear water with gentle waves, which is suitable for swimming. There are many other tourist attractions on the island such as hiking courses, hot spring, local food, etc.
Info: http://niijima-info.jp/
Ferry: https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/en/
5. Mikura-jima Island
Dreaming of swimming with dolphins?? Mikura-jima Island (御蔵島), a.k.a. the Dolphin Island, is a top spot for watching and swimming with wild dolphins in Japan. Wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins inhabit around the island for a long time and apparently over 100 of them live there today. The eco friendly dolphin watching tour is held on the island from April to November. The wildlife and the nature on Mikura-jima are preserved, and tourists are prohibited to enter some of areas on the island without guides
The island is one of the Izu Islands and situated about 200 km south of Tokyo. It takes about 7 hours and 25 mins from Tokyo Takeshiba Ferry Port by overnight ferry.
Info: http://mikura-isle.com/
Ferry: https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/en/
Related article: Mikurajima Island: Swim with Wild Dolphins in Tokyo
Thanks for reading! Which remote islands of Tokyo do you wanna visit most?? If you want to escape from the busy and crowded city life in Tokyo, how about escaping to these subtropical/tropical Tokyo islands for beautiful nature and relaxing atmosphere!
For more unique idea about travelling in Japan, please check out these articles below, too!
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Written by
"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈
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