Tokyo Islands
When you hear the word “Tokyo”, do you picture neon lights, high-rise buildings and a city that never sleeps? Truth is, this is just one side of Japan’s capital prefecture. Technically part of Tokyo, but lightyears away from bustling city life, is a series of islands known as the Tokyo remote islands.
Each island has its own unique atmosphere - nature is beautiful, inhabitants are few and life is slow. On these islands you can find pretty sandy beaches, lush jungle, seaside onsen, dolphins, great hiking trails, waves perfect for surfing, breathtaking starry skies, rugged coastlines and volcanic landscapes.
Accommodation is simple and sparse, and transportation by boat, night ferry, plane or helicopter can be tricky, but for adventurous nature lovers with plenty of time on their hands, these islands are the perfect escape.
Oshima
As the island closest to Tokyo, Oshima is even possible to visit on a day trip. Hike a trail to enjoy the ocean views from the summit of Mount Mihara, Oshima’s active volcano, or visit Ura Sabaku, a black lava sand desert. Oshima is fun to explore by bicycle, and don’t forget to stop by one of the island’s relaxing onsen!
Shikinejima
Tiny Shikinejima is great for snorkeling and diving and offers picture-perfect beaches and stunning coastal scenery. Not to be missed are the many so-called “wild onsen” - natural pools with water straight from the hot spring source mixing with sea water for the perfect temperature and a unique bathing experience.
Toshima
Toshima is a small volcanic island with only 300 inhabitants where you can feast on local seafood such as spiny lobsters and turban shells. In winter, the island turns into a camellia paradise with the pretty pink and white flowers blooming everywhere you look. Toshima has almost no light pollution, so lie down outside and witness a sparkling blanket of glittering stars unfolding in the night sky above you.
Niijima
With good waves most of the year, Niijima is a popular spot for surfers and has even hosted the World Surf Championships. The island is home to long, sandy beaches and is famous for glass-making. Explore Niijima by bike and enjoy its unique onsen, including sand baths and hot springs overlooking the ocean.
Mikurajima
The entire island of Mikurajima is designated as a national park, and one of the highlights is joining a hike with an experienced nature guide to learn more about the island’s fascinating flora and fauna. Another thing not to be missed is the opportunity to snorkel with the wild dolphins roaming the waters around Mikurajima.
Hachijojima
One of the biggest of the Tokyo remote islands, Hachijojima is a lush, subtropical paradise for nature lovers. Hike to the summit of Hachijofuji for gorgeous views and try out one of the island’s many onsen. Head into the tree fern forest with a knowledgeable nature guide, jump into the clear ocean to snorkel with sea turtles or marvel at underwater lava formations on a dive.
Kozushima
Take a hike to the summit of Mount Tenjo which has a unique alpine flora despite only being 574 metres tall. The many beaches and shallow coves with wooden boardwalks clinging to the rocks above them offer hours of fun for those who enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and the island also has some great diving spots.
Miyakejima
The volcanoes on Miyakejima are still very much active, with the latest serious eruption as recent as 1983, but flora and fauna are still thriving, and with many rare bird species living here, the island is an ornithologist's paradise. Hike through lava fields and subtropical forest, or go diving to see the coral reefs.
Ogasawara
Dubbed “Japan’s Galapagos”, the remote Ogasawara islands are only accessible by a 24-hour ferry ride from Tokyo. With a unique ecosystem, the islands have been designated as natural UNESCO World Heritage since 2016. The waters surrounding Ogasawara are frequented by humpback whales in winter and sperm whales in summer, and dolphins can be spotted year-round.
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