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Oshima is the closest island to central Tokyo, accessible in just two hours by jet ferry from Takeshiba Pier. The largest of the Izu islands, it’s blessed with sea, mountains, and
nature, and filled with foods and drinks rooted in the islanders’ culture, including seafood, produce, and spirits.
In search of these island delights, the dietician Sayoko Tsukamoto took a solo trip to look for foods that can help keep both body and mind healthy.
Finishing up our culinary tour of Oshima with a visit to Buratto House farmer’s market. We made it to the market first thing in the morning and found it filled with just-picked vegetables delivered by the island’s farmers, including ashitaba leaves, snow peas, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, and taro. One of the farmers told us that most of the vegetables are consumed right on the island. Ms. Tsukamoto remarked, “The foods are circulated within the island. It sounds simple, but it’s not. This is a truly human way of living that is only possible in an environment like this, and I believe local production and consumption leads to better health,” expressing her gratitude for this opportunity to enjoy the island’s delights.
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Buratto House
Address: 87-1 Shinkai, Okata, Oshima-machi, Tokyo
Tel: 04992-2-9233
Hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Open every day except year-end and New Year’s holidays (open until 12:00 on Dec. 28, closed Dec. 29-Jan. 3)
No winter island trip is complete without a visit to an onsen (hot spring.) With its active volcano, Oshima has abundant hot spring sources that offer the perfect way to refresh. It’s fun to take a dip in all three of the island’s onsen. The public outdoor bath called Motomachi Hama-no-yu offers communal bathing in bathing suits, and on clear days you can look across the ocean and see the Izu Peninsula and even Mt. Fuji! The sodium, calcium, and chloride springs are said to help relieve fatigue and lessen sensitivity to the cold. Soothe yourself with the clear water and the amazing, never-ending view.
The clear and colorless hot spring is said to have started gushing when Mt. Mihara erupted in 1986.
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Motomachi Hama-no-yu
Address: 882 Tonchibata, Motomachi, Oshima-machi, Tokyo
Tel: 04992-2-2870
Hours: 13:00-19:00 (May change due to weather; closed on some days. Bathing suit required; available lockers and showers.)
price:300yen (general)
Airando Center Gojinka Onsen
Address: 1-8 Nakanohara, Motomachi, Oshima, Tokyo
Tel: 04992-2-0909
Hours: 6:30-21:00 on days when night ships arrive; opens at 9:00 on other days
Closed: Every second Thursday and Friday; different days in February, March and August
Price: 700 yen (general)
Oshima Hot Spa Hotel Miharayama Hot Spa
Address: 3-5 Kitsunba, Senzu, Oshima-machi, Tokyo
Tel: 04992-2-1673
Hours: 6:00-9:00 and 13:00-21:00 for visitors using baths only; 15:00-24:00 and 5:00-9:00 next morning for hotel guests
Open every day
Price: 800 yen (general)
We encountered fresh ingredients, delicious meals, and friendly people in Oshima. There’s lots to enjoy on this naturally-blessed island just a short trip from central Tokyo. The time you spend here will surely soothe your body and mind. In addition to Oshima, there are several other spectacular islands that are part of Tokyo. Start your journey at the closest island Oshima, and then drop by and experience the wonders of the other islands.
[STAFF] model: Sayoko Tsukamoto / photo: Noriko Yoneyama / Text：Maki Funabashi
*Information as of February 2019
