A 3-Day Island Hopping Adventure in Hachijojima and Miyakejima

Located just 287 km from central Tokyo, this tropical escape is more accessible than you might imagine. Beyond a simple retreat, these volcanic islands showcase nature’s raw power and remarkable resilience in a breathtaking display.

Starting December 13, 2024, a three-day island-hopping journey explored Hachijojima, dubbed the "Island of Eternal Spring," and Miyakejima, where Earth’s dramatic life cycles vividly unfold. This video captures the adventure, showcasing stunning landscapes, unique experiences, and key tips for planning your island-hopping trip.

Watch the Video for a Glimpse of the 3-Day Island-Hopping Tour

Ready to embark on an island-hopping adventure? Here’s the itinerary

In this video, a business jet was chartered to fly directly from South Korea to Hachijojima. However, for most travelers, daily flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport or an overnight ferry from Tokyo Takeshiba Terminal provide the main access to the island. For those looking to maximize their time in Tokyo during the day and travel overnight, the ferry is a great option. This itinerary, however, focuses on island hopping by air, using the regularly scheduled flights that operate three times a day.

Day 1: Flight from Haneda Airport to Hachijojima

Traveling from Tokyo to Hachijojima is fast and convenient, with three daily flights departing Haneda Airport: one in the early morning (around 7 AM), one at midday (approximately 12 PM), and another in the late afternoon (around 4 PM), based on the schedule as of March 2025.

The journey takes just 55 minutes, offering a smooth and comfortable flight before touching down on this stunning remote island, a tropical escape just a short hop from the city.

Transportation

Upon arriving in Hachijojima, you can explore the island in various ways: rental cars, buses, or electric bicycles. Renting a car offers the greatest convenience, though note that driving in Japan requires an international driver’s permit.

If renting a car isn’t feasible, no worries—there are other options. You can stow your luggage in airport lockers or inquire with your accommodation about holding your bags before check-in. Additionally, some hotels and guesthouses provide pick-up services, so arranging this in advance can ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival.

A visit to the Kihachijo workshop

Visit the Meyu Workshop to discover Kihachijo, one of Japan’s three celebrated silks. There, you’ll learn about the traditional craft of making Kihachijo, exploring its weaving techniques and the use of local plant-based dyes harvested from the island. You can also purchase beautifully crafted items made from this distinctive silk.

Meyu Workshop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o79c9C2gLxiYsXDP7

Kihachijo Weaving Experience (Reservation Required)

After exploring the art of Kihachijo silk, why not try your hand at it? At Hachijo Mingei Yamashita, you can weave your own Kihachijo piece, crafting a coaster-sized souvenir to bring home. It’s an engaging, hands-on way to connect with this time-honored craft.

Hachijo Mingei Yamashita: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wea9xHP9Wa8CjEa58

Enjoy a Foot Bath with an Ocean View

After a tiring day of travel, a café is a solid option, but how about something unique instead? Treat yourself to a soothing foot bath, soaking your feet in warm water while taking in a beautiful horizon view. In winter, keep an eye out—you might even spot whales migrating past!

Foot Bath Kirameki: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zdPhqTWdGtreonBc7

A Tavern Offering Creative Island Dishes

For an authentic taste of Hachijojima, be sure to visit Ryōzanbaku. This popular spot books up fast, so reservations are a must. Savor local specialties like island sushi (Shima zushi) and tempura featuring fresh Ashitaba, paired with drinks such as locally distilled shochu. It’s an ideal setting for a memorable island dining experience.

Ryozanbaku: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q6x2okLe9eQqEhuz9

Day 2: Helicopter Island Hopping Adventure to Miyakejima!

Ferries or planes are the usual options for island travel, but in the Tokyo Islands, there’s a more thrilling alternative—helicopter rides. Surprisingly affordable compared to typical helicopter tours, this stands out as one of the city’s most underrated travel experiences.

Flying over the Pacific, you’ll enjoy a close-up view of the volcanic islands, rugged coastlines, and vast blue ocean. Unlike ferries or planes, a helicopter provides an exclusive, front-row perspective of the islands’ untouched beauty, creating a truly unforgettable journey.

In the video, they elevated the experience by chartering a helicopter for a direct flight from Hachijojima to Miyakejima. While private charters are available, the standard route links Hachijojima to Miyakejima with a stop at Mikurajima, offering a scenic and efficient island-hopping option.

For those craving adventure or a new way to explore Japan’s remote islands, helicopter travel in the Izu Islands is a game-changer. It’s quick, exhilarating, and delivers unmatched views you won’t find elsewhere.

Discover the Earth's Wonders on a Volcanic Island!

Miyakejima isn’t just an island—it’s a living record of Earth’s history. Nowhere else can you witness the entire cycle of nature in one place: from the island’s volcanic birth to the first seeds taking root, forests forming, and life thriving in perfect balance.

The island's landscape is shaped by its dramatic volcanic past. Jagged lava fields stretch across the terrain, a haunting reminder of past eruptions. A school, buried in an instant by molten rock, stands frozen in time. Shrines partially consumed by mudflows tell stories of resilience, while over 280 species of wild birds—some migrating from afar, others calling the island home—find sanctuary in its untouched wilderness. Miyakejima is also home to rare climax forests, the final and most mature stage of forest evolution, showcasing nature’s incredible power to restore itself.

It’s as if 4.6 billion years of Earth’s natural history have been distilled into this single island. To uncover its secrets, we joined local guide Hitomi Kikuchi, who led us through Miyakejima’s diverse landscapes and shared the stories hidden within them. Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature lover, or simply curious, Miyakejima offers a rare glimpse into the raw beauty of our planet’s past, present, and future.

Miyakejima: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gJQcB7DHi13Q6WRv8

Back to Hachijojima: Exploring a Shōchū Distillery

After immersing yourself in the natural wonders of Miyakejima, hop on a helicopter back to Hachijojima for a deep dive into the island’s rich distilling tradition. Visit Hachijojimashuzo (Hachijojima Distillery), one of the officially designated Geographical Indication (GI) Tokyo Islands Spirits, and witness the craftsmanship behind its renowned shōchū.

Founded in 1915, the distillery specializes in authentic barley shōchū, perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness and aroma of locally grown sweet potatoes. The moment you step inside, the rich, fragrant notes of fermentation fill the air. Take this opportunity to learn about the meticulous brewing process and discover what makes this island’s shōchū so special.

Hachijojimashuzo: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UQaozniPFSmu1VbQ7

Authentic Island Home Cooking Experience

Step back in time and savor the tastes of traditional island life at Isozaki-en, a cozy eatery that recreates dishes once enjoyed by locals before modern transportation brought outside ingredients. Every meal showcases the resourcefulness and strong bond with nature that have defined the island’s culinary heritage for generations.

While Isozaki-en typically serves lunch, those looking for a more intimate dining experience can also reserve a special dinner in advance. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about island traditions, this is a rare opportunity to savor the authentic tastes of a bygone era.

Isozaki-en: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ebpqUFDaERV1p5Bw7

Day3: Make Island-Style Sushi with the Locals

End your journey by recreating the shima zushi you enjoyed on your first day. Hachijojima’s island sushi is made by marinating locally caught fish in soy sauce and other seasonings, then placing it on vinegared rice with a touch of Western mustard. A simple yet flavorful tradition, it’s the perfect way to savor the island’s unique culinary culture one last time.

At Garden-So, a charming local inn, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in an authentic island sushi-making experience. Led by the inn’s beloved hostess, Eikoba, you’ll learn the traditional techniques of preparing island sushi. Once your sushi is ready, enjoy it as part of a special lunch that also includes a variety of other island dishes, all lovingly prepared by Garden-So. There’s something incredibly satisfying about tasting a meal you've made yourself—and when it’s island sushi, it’s even more delicious!

Garden-So: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y3czNWuRPAMtinpE9

A Memorable End to an Unforgettable Journey

After the sushi-making experience, it’s time to catch a flight back to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, concluding a three-day journey packed with unique experiences exclusive to these remote islands. From pristine natural beauty to rich cultural traditions and immersive glimpses into local life, these islands deliver something truly exceptional. If you’re looking for a distinctive adventure, why not plan an island-hopping trip to Hachijojima and Miyakejima?

Booking flights: https://www.ana.co.jp/en/jp/
Ferry bookings: https://tokyoislands.jp
More info about Hachijojima: https://tokyoislands.jp/hachijojima
More info about Miyakejima: https://tokyoislands.jp/miyakejima