Kozushima Shikinejima ferry

Kozushima Guide

Kozushima Ferry Port

Located in the Philippine Sea, Kozushima is a volcanic Japanese island belonging to the Tokyo prefecture, about 170 km south of Tokyo city. Kozushima isn’t the biggest belonging to the seven Izu islands, yet what it lacks in size it redeems in aesthetics; the view of the clear blue ocean from the summit of Mt. Tenjo is an incredibly striking experience. The mountain is the prominent attraction, yet the beautiful beaches, hot springs and the Akazaki Promenade provide enough for a lengthy itinerary. The port itself provides much revenue for the island, creating jobs and tourism to boost Kozushima’s economy. Many companies operating around the port offer excursions designed to tempt tourists; boat trips and diving experiences are daily activities and are fairly affordable. The entire island is primarily focused around utilising its shores, with the fishing industry booming in recent years. The main ferry route coming out of Kozushima is to Tokyo, which has a daily crossing typically lasting around three hours. There are other domestic sailings to ports around Japan, usually lasting under an hour; the relatively shorter crossings tend to provide vessels with less amenities, although there is usually food and drink available.

Shikinejima Guide

What is there to do in Tokyo?

Looking out across the beautiful landscape of Shikinejima, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re only a few miles from Tokyo. Luxurious beaches interspersed by natural hot springs decorate the shoreline – the island has become a mecca of idyllic water and stunning surroundings. It’s rare for such a beautiful island to have an attraction outside of the golden sands of the beach, but the hot springs are the jewel in Shikinejima’s crown; many travel to the island purely to bathe in the warm water whilst overlooking the endless stretch of blue sea that descends into the horizon. The temperature fluctuates greatly and can become extremely hot amidst the peak of the summer sun – for a reliably tranquil experience, head there in the evening and bask in the starry skied beauty. The hot springs may bogart the limelight, but the beaches are still an ideal way to while away a pleasant afternoon. Tomari Beach, towards the north of the island, is the most popular; the surrounding rocky mountainside and desolate coves provide an alluring setting, and the neighbouring beach of O-ura is a haven for snorkelling around the calm waters.

How do you get around Shikinejima?

The island is very small, covering 3.9 square kilometres in total, so it is possible to cover the entirety of it by foot.