The beautiful blue ocean extends endlessly around the Izu Islands. Only a little under three hours from the heart of Tokyo, time flows slowly on the Tokyo islands, where you'll be
greeted by friendly people whenever you visit.
The travel enthusiasts Yukako Kawano and Haruka Komagata take an island-hopping tour of Niijima, Shikinejima, and Kozushima islands.
It's only about ten minutes by ferry from Niijima Island to Shikinejima Island, famous for its picturesque ria coastal inlet. With an area of about four square kilometers, you can ride around it by bicycle. Along with snorkeling and sea kayaking in the extremely clear sea waters, the rustic outdoor hot springs that dot the island are popular as well. Let's enjoy the food prepared with island ingredients and accept all the natural blessings!
They went for some sea kayaking in the gentle waves of Shikinejima Island. They went rowing into the blue waters with Shigekazu Shimizu, who operates the Shikinejima Sea Kayak School. He said, "If we're lucky, we'll see some sea turtles." They started by practicing paddling on the beach. They were taught, "Rowing in unison is imperative in a two-person kayak," so they called out together, "One! Two! One! Two!"
They then rowed for Kanbiki Harbor, which can only be reached by kayak. Impressed by the power of the craggy formations of the volcanic island and the ocean glittering with the sun's
rays, their shouts were interspersed with sighs of awe. Mr. Shimizu greeted them with a smile, saying, "You sure can't experience that in the city, can you? There's still plenty of
majestic nature left around here. I've lived off the island myself before, but when I came back, it felt as if time had stood still, in a good way. That's why I want you to forget
your everyday cares here."
After about 30 minutes of paddling, they arrived at Kanbiki Harbor and were greeted by waters of gradating blue and green.
Ms. Komagata said, "I
can hardly believe this is Tokyo." They didn't see any sea turtles, but they were impressed by the magnificent sights!
After retiring from the Shikinejima Post office, he opened a school for his passion, sea kayaking. He's been paddling sea kayaks for over 20 years.
Since Mr. Shimizu knows
everything about Shikinejima Island, he can take you to the best sights. "I want people to encounter the unknown."
【DATA】
Shikinejima Sea Kayak School
Phone: 04992-7-0326
Duration: About three hours
Cost: 1 person: 10,000 yen, 2 or more people: 9,000 yen each.
Checking Out Miyatora and Ikemura Shoten, Packed with the Island's Flavors
After getting some good exercise, they filled their bellies with dishes made with island ingredients. First, they grabbed a hearty bento lunch box made with local ingredients like
Nori (laver) and Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) at Family Store Miyatora, where they have over 20 varieties of bentos.
The nostalgic flavor of the deep-fried bread is highly
recommended at Ikemura Shoten, popular for its homemade freshly-baked bread.
The deep-fried bread is handmade from a recipe used by the ladies who cooked the school meals on the island. The fluffy texture and nostalgic flavor remind people of their childhood. After taking a bite, Ms. Kawano unwittingly smiled, "The slightly bitter taste of the ashitaba is awesome."
The Ashitaba rice bento filled with homemade Ashitaba rice and stewed Ashitaba is 560 yen. Enjoy Ashitaba tempura in the Nori bento for 560 yen.
【DATA】
Family Store Miyatora
Phone: 04992-7-0304
Address: 283-2 Shikinejima, Niijima-mura, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (until 8:00 p.m. in summer)
Closed: Sundays *Always open in summer
The 150-yen deep-fried bread is so popular it often sells out in the morning. It comes in three types: Kinako (soybean flour), cinnamon, and Ashitaba.
【DATA】
Ikemura Shoten
Phone: 04992-7-0016
Address: 348-1 Shikinejima, Niijima-mura, Tokyo
Hours: 07:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (until 9:00 p.m. in summer)
From the outdoor hot spring Matsugashita Miyabi-no-yu, your view of the ocean is right at eye level.
Built with the desire to easily enjoy Jinata Hot Spring, which is at the
bottom of a long set of stairs, you can expect to relieve your sore muscles and poor circulation here. Unbelievably, you can enjoy a bath here free of charge anytime 24 hours a day
(swimsuit required). It's great for warming up after a cool swim in the ocean, or to relieve your fatigue from island activities. The bath for soaking your feet also makes it easy to
enjoy.
The unbelievable luxury of the ocean view right before your very eyes makes conversation flow naturally in the hot spring. Forget about time as you relax and soak in the memories of your trip.
