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TAMASHIMA TOP

Oshima

Oshima, or Izu Oshima. The largest of the Izu Islands. The closest outlying island from Tokyo. Known for the 1986 eruption of Mount Mihara as well as Habu Port, featured in "The Dancing Girl of Izu (Izu no odoriko)" by Yasunari Kawabata. An island for swimming in the summer and flowering Camellia japonica in the winter.
PACE CHENG

PACE CHENG

Travel bloggers in Hong Kong often visit Japan and like Japan, and have many fans on Facebook. Their articles, written with effort, and beautiful photos have gained them a considerable number of followers.

Summer

Browse the news about Toshima on the first day

The first day

Renting Bicycle

Renting Bicycle

There are several bicycle rental shops near Motomachi Port Pier. The prices are not expensive and there are a variety of bicycle options to choose from. Most cyclists starting from Motomachi Port prefer the seaside single track to Nodahama. This well-organized path has some ups and downs but is not challenging.
Sunset bike path

Sunset bike path

The main point is, the scenery along the way is truly spectacular, and if you arrive before dusk on a clear day, you can witness the perfect sunset along the single track. This section of bicycle path is almost entirely designed to separate pedestrians and bicycles, and is fully paved, making riding absolutely safe and secure.
Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

The sunset scenery is truly unbeatable, earning full marks. You can even catch a distant glimpse of Mount Fuji.
Motomachi Hama hot spring bath

Motomachi Hama hot spring bath

Situated on the seaside, this hot spring's unique feature is its open-air bath with unparalleled sea views. Facing the same direction as the bicycle road, you can enjoy a bath while watching the sunset. The open-air bath is co-ed, allowing guests to wear swimsuits.
Hotel Shiraiwa

Hotel Shiraiwa

Accommodation on Izu Oshima is primarily concentrated in Motomachi, offering a range of hotels and homestay hostels at reasonable prices. The hotel I stayed at, Batu Hakuiwa, is one of the largest hot spring hotels on the island and features a spacious bath, including an open-air bath.
Hotel Shiraiwa Dinner

Hotel Shiraiwa Dinner

The dinner is OK, featuring homemade tempura using Camellia Seed Oil.
Special products of Oshima

Special products of Oshima

The island's most renowned souvenir (a must-buy) is likely the camellia flower, known under the island’s camellia product brand "Oshima Bake." I suppose everyone knows about this.

Read more on Day 1

The second day

Mihara Mountain

Mihara Mountain

When it comes to Izu Oshima, the most famous attraction is Mount Mihara. Mihara Mountain, an active volcano, is estimated to have erupted at least 100 times over the years, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1986. Currently, the volcanic activity of Mihara Mountain is extremely low, and it is diligently monitored by the Meteorological Agency to ensure safety.
Mihara Mountain 2

Mihara Mountain 2

The trailhead passes through the plain and then climbs up to the crater, taking about 30 minutes one way. Although there is a slope up the mountain, it is not steep at all, making the climb suitable for beginners.
Mihara Mountain 3

Mihara Mountain 3

You can actually see strange-shaped rocks formed by lava along the way. This volcanic rock emerged after the 1986 eruption and, from a distance, resembles Godzilla. Coincidentally, in the 1984 Godzilla movie, Godzilla was lured to Mount Mihara in the end.
Mihara Mountain Crater

Mihara Mountain Crater

While you can see the crater of Mount Mihara from the observatory, for the safety of tourists, the observatory is kept at a distance from the crater.
Nadai Utano Teahouse

Nadai Utano Teahouse

The store is renowned for its open scenery and variety of local dishes. The tempura set meal, particularly favored by tourists, includes ashitaba tempura fried in Camellia Seed Oil, making it uniquely appealing.
Tokyo Metropolitan Oshima Park Zoo

Tokyo Metropolitan Oshima Park Zoo

The Tokyo Metropolitan Oshima Park Zoo exceeded my expectations. Initially, I assumed that a zoo on a small outlying island would be modest, but it turned out to be a large and diverse facility, featuring the largest monkey mountain in Japan. And the best part? Admission is free!
Oshima Park Tsubaki Museum

Oshima Park Tsubaki Museum

Adjacent to the zoo's entrance, you'll find the Oshima Park Tsubaki Museum, also offering free admission. This exhibition hall primarily focuses on Camellia flower information and the history of the Camellia flower industry. The exhibits are intriguing and engaging.
Transportation on the island

Transportation on the island

If you're not driving, buses serve as the primary mode of transportation on the island, reaching almost all the main attractions, including routes to Bofu Port in the south. Although the frequency of this route isn't very high, with careful planning, it proves to be a reliable option.
New Central Airservice

New Central Airservice

Chofu Airport offers 6 daily scheduled flights to Oshima Airport (3 flights each way), with a flight time of just 25 minutes. It's remarkably quick, faster than traveling from central Tokyo to Yokohama in mere minutes.

Read more on Day 2