TAMASHIMA.tokyo - Tourist information site for the Tama area and islands of Tokyo
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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.
Alvin Lim

Alvin Lim

Alvin is one of the top bloggers in Singapore since 2007 and runs several content sites such as alvinology.com and asia361.com, delivering over 1 million page views each month. He has been to many parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Osaka and Hokuriku.

Summer

Day 1

Tourists Visitor Centre

Tourists Visitor Centre

Upon arriving on the island, the first spot to visit is really the Tourists Visitor Centre. There, you be able to get English language maps and consult with the service staff there on how to get around, prices and any other queries you might have.
Mt. MIhara

Mt. MIhara

Take a hike up Mt. MIhara, an active volcano that still emits smoke to this day. Along the way, check out the volcanic ashes, residues and landscape. The hike is not difficult and I saw young children on the trail, including parents carrying babies.
Gojinka Hot Spring

Gojinka Hot Spring

As the island features an active volcano, there are many hot springs on Oshima Island and a visit is a must for the experience.I visited the latter which also include a restaurant and a nice swimming pool.

Read more on Day 1

Day 2

Bekkou sushi

Bekkou sushi

There are a few must-try items. To top being bekkou sushi/sashimi. This is a local specialty made from seasonal fish (such as sea bream or parrotfish) marinated in an island soy sauce containing green chili.
Tsubaki-abura of Oshima

Tsubaki-abura of Oshima

There are things which you can buy back from Oshima as gifts and the top item being Tsubaki-abura, oil distilled from the seeds of camellia trees, which grows naturally in Oshima. It contains oleic acid and can be eaten or used cosmetically for the skin and hair.

Read more on Day 2