Day 1
Departure on Tokai Kisen
Even before embarking on this journey to Toshima, I was filled with anticipation for it. It's the smallest municipality in Tokyo, with a population of less than 300 people across the entire island. I've heard
that there are no restaurants or convenience stores on the island. However, the scenery is exceptionally beautiful. On this trip, I took a large passenger ship. There is only one large passenger ship service per day between Tokyo and
Toshima. The passenger ship offers four different types of cabins: deluxe cabins, first-class cabins, second-class seats, and
second-class Japanese style rooms.
Camellia
Toshima is called the "Island of Flowers" by Japanese people. It is incredibly beautiful. There are many kinds of
beautiful flowers on the island. But the most distinctive one is still the camellia.
Toshima's camellia oil
It is well known that 80% of the land on Toshima is planted with camellia trees. While blooming camellias are beautiful, their camellia oil is what is worth the most. It is widely known that the camellia oil from Toshima is of the highest quality in all of Japan.
Visiting a camellia oil factory
During this trip, I had the privilege of visiting the camellia oil factory on the island. The factory was not large, and
its production process was very simple and environmentally friendly. I could see the entire oil production process, even the air was filled with a faint scent of camellia oil. Very often the most basic things are perhaps the best. Just like Toshima's camellia oil.
Toshima is very small
Toshima is very small. You can walk around the island in just one day. Toshima environment is really good. If you're lucky, here you may have the opportunity to encounter dolphins up close. Here, there are no taxis or buses, so you'll have to rely on walking to get around.
Minamigayama Park
Toshima Minamigayama Park, also known as the "southern mountain" of Toshima. It is a green park covering an area of about 1,500 square meters. From here, you can view the entire Izu Islands.
On clear days, you can also see clearly the faraway islands.
On clear days, you can also clearly see the faraway islands such as Oshima, Niijima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Mikurajima,
and Hachijojima. You can lie on the green lawn of Minamigayama Park and feel the warmth of the sun and the sea breeze. You can enjoy the
beautiful coastal scenery and witness stunning sunset from here as well.
Azusawakeinochi Shrine
Azusawakeinochi Shrine is located in the west side of Toshima village. Keep walking towards Minamigayama Park, and you will find it after walking for about 2 hours. The shrine was built in 1760 and is currently the oldest building on Toshima.
