Ooshima

Author: Edutraveller
Date written: 04/18/2003 09:49:55 PM
Last edited: 2003/05/25 16:53:04
Keywords: Ooshima, Japan regional guide, Kanto region, Ooshima island, Izu shoto

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Ooshima

The flag of Ooshima. You won't see it much, but the circles represent the coastline, outer rim and inner rim of the crater, with smoke from the volcano symbolised by the inverted triangle.

Ooshima is in fact just one of a series of islands, the Izu Shoto. These islands stretch down from the Izu Peninsula below Tokyo, and are officially a part of Tokyo Metropolitan Area - hence all the road signs are marked "Tokyo". The islands of the group are (from the north - see map) Oshima (also written Ooshima), Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, Kouzushima, Miyakejima, Mikurajima, Hachijojima and Aogashima. Below the Izu Shoto are the Ogasawara Islands (Chichijimaretto and Hahajimaretto), located about 1,000 km from Tokyo.

Ooshima and the Izu Shoto are a popular destination in summer for divers, and offer some excellent reefs and marine life. There are many dive shops on the islands that offer courses and excursions.

The islands, being volcanic, are also well endowed with hot springs, and almost all hotels have their own onsen, if not a routenburo (outside hot spring bath).

Getting there

You can get to the islands by either boat (normal cruise-liner type boats that may take overnight, or faster hydrofoils that make the trip in a few hours) or by plane from Chofu or Haneda airports. Flights leave every day from Haneda for Ooshima, Miyakejima and Hachijojima. If you leave from Chofu Airport (about 30 minutes to the west of Tokyo) there are flights to Ooshima, Niijima, Kouzushima and Miyakejima.

There are also helicopter flights connecting the islands from Aogashima in the far south to Hachijojima, Mikurajima, Toshima and Ooshima in the north of the archipelago.

The option with the greatest variety of choice, however, is to go by ferry. There are boats leaving daily from Tokyo (Takeshiba), Yokohama, Atami, Ito, Inatori and Shimoda. The ferry from Takeshiba or Yokohama leaves in the evening and arrives early the next morning in Ooshima (before shops are open). For those in more of a hurry, there are aerofoils that leave from the Izu Peninsula and will get you to the islands in an hour (tickets are of course more expensive). If you want to take it slowly, the boat from Tokyo might be ideal, but it is much quicker to take a train to Atami and the ordinary ferry from there to Ooshima (about two hours).

When you are on the islands, an ideal way to get around is by bicycle. There are buses, but they are usually few and far between so you can find yourself in trouble if you miss one. Renting a bike or car is a good idea.

Always make a reservation before you go, as accommodation is limited and you may find yourself with nowhere to stay, especially in the peak season.

Things to see

There are plenty of large fish.

Ooshima is above all a summer destination, although the onsen make a pleasant break any time of year - although you will be very limited for other activities.

Ooshima: Tsubaki is a local tree that produces a very light oil - don't miss the tempura. Major sights are Mount Mihara, a good half-day walk, Ooshima Park and Camellia Museum, the Local History Museum and the Izu Ooshima Volcano Museum.

Niijima: Most well known for its surfing and beaches. There is also a glass museum, and the Yunohama Hot Spring (a replica of the Parthenon).

Shikinejima: Again, mostly just hot springs, the coastal path makes a pleasant walk (12km). Okama Bay is fairly warm, due to the hot springs that bubble up underneath it.

Kouzushima: More hot springs, good beaches and swimming. Tako bay is good for surfing, windsurfing, swimming and diving. The green Mount Tenjo is 574 metres and makes a pleasant climb. See the Julia memorial and Provincial Museum in Kouzushima Port.

Miyakejima: Mount Oyama is presently erupting on Miyakejima, so don't try visiting - most of the locals have been evacuated to other islands or to Tokyo. However, if you do get the chance to visit, see the wild birds at Tairo Pond and the large variety of fish in Chotaro Pond.

Hachijojima: A tropical paradise with palm trees and hibiscus, Hachijojima is made up of two volcanoes. The main reasons for visiting are the diving and swimming, or just relaxing in the onsen. The islanders still make traditional Kihachijo silk dyed with local plants.

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