The Tokyo Islands: A Volcanic World Just Beyond Tokyo
- Where Are the Tokyo Islands?
- Why You've Probably Never Heard of the Izu Islands
- What's Unique About the Tokyo Islands?
Every Island Has Its Own Personality. - Things You Can Only Experience on the Izu Islands
- Which Island Is Right for You?
- How to Get There
- Ready to Explore Tokyo's Secret Islands?
How far will your Tokyo adventure take you?
Maybe you're planning a day trip to Hakone. Or perhaps Kamakura is already on your list. But what if we told you Tokyo has islands? Just a short journey from the city, you'll discover a completely different side of Japan—volcanic mountains, crystal-clear waters, unique island culture, local cuisine, natural hot springs, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. Although they are part of Tokyo, time flows differently here. Life moves at the rhythm of the islands, surrounded by nature and the ocean.
And the best part? They're closer than you might think. Depending on the island, you can fly there in as little as 30 minutes or take a ferry from central Tokyo in as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes. In fact, some Tokyo Islands are even closer than Okinawa, giving you the chance to experience an island escape without traveling all the way south. So if you're looking for a new adventure during your stay in Tokyo, the Tokyo Islands might be the place you never knew existed.
Where Are the Tokyo Islands?
Tokyo has islands.
The Tokyo Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, south of central Tokyo. Although they are officially part of Tokyo, they offer a completely different world from the city—with volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, unique island culture, distinctive local cuisine, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Surprisingly, the Tokyo Islands are much closer than you might think. The nearest island is just a 30-minute flight from Tokyo, or as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes by ferry.
You can also choose to travel by overnight ferry, turning the journey into part of the adventure. Watch the stars overhead, wake up to a spectacular sunrise at sea, and cruise past volcanic islands as you make your way across the Pacific—an unforgettable voyage before your island escape even begins.
With direct ferries departing from Takeshiba Ferry Terminal in central Tokyo and flights available from Tokyo, an unforgettable island adventure is closer than you imagine.
Why You've Probably Never Heard of the Izu Islands
If you've never heard of the Tokyo Islands, you're not alone.
I'm Fujico, a Tokyo-born travel writer who has been introducing the Tokyo Islands to international visitors for over a decade. Yet even I didn't visit them until 12 years ago. In fact, I only knew they existed because they occasionally appeared on Tokyo's weather forecast.
So why haven't you heard of them?
Because when people think of Tokyo, nature is probably the last thing that comes to mind.
Most travelers head to the mountains or other parts of Japan in search of the outdoors, never realizing that some of Japan's most spectacular natural landscapes are actually part of Tokyo.
Remote volcanic islands, sea turtles, lava trails, dramatic coastlines, and small island communities—most of them reachable by direct ferry from central Tokyo.
Just a ferry ride, and you're in a completely different world.
What's Unique About the Tokyo Islands?
Every Island Has Its Own Personality.
The Tokyo Islands, officially known as the Izu Islands, are made up of nine inhabited islands, and no two are alike. Each has its own landscapes, local culture, cuisine, outdoor adventures, and even its own shade of blue. Find the one that speaks to you—or go island hopping and discover just how different each one can be.
Here are the nine inhabited Tokyo Islands:
Oshima – Volcano hikes, black-sand beaches, and exceptional shore diving.
Toshima – Camellia forests, star-filled skies, and a peaceful yet vibrant island community.
Niijima – White-sand beaches, surfing, seaside hot springs, and unique Kōga Stone art.
Shikinejima – A laid-back island with crystal-clear coves and natural hot springs overlooking the ocean.
Kozushima – Known for mountain hiking, crystal-clear waters, and some of Japan's best stargazing.
Miyakejima – A volcanic island offering dramatic landscapes, birdwatching, and unforgettable swimming with wild dolphins.
Mikurajima – One of Japan's best places to encounter wild dolphins, surrounded by ancient forests of giant trees.
Hachijojima – A lush subtropical island with waterfalls, hiking trails, diving, and a rich island culture.
Aogashima – A remote volcanic island nestled inside a massive caldera, home to one of Japan's most extraordinary landscapes.
Things You Can Only Experience on the Izu Islands
The Tokyo Islands offer experiences you won't find anywhere else in Japan.
- Discover active volcanic landscapes on islands that are still part of Tokyo.
- Hike through volcanic mountains and ancient forests.
- Dive into crystal-clear waters filled with sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and diverse marine life.
- Swim with wild dolphins in the open ocean.
- Soak in natural, swimsuit-friendly hot springs overlooking the sea or surrounded by nature.
- Experience breathtaking star-filled skies away from city lights.
- Discover unique island cuisine and traditions passed down through generations.
- Experience island time and a slower pace of life, just a short journey from Tokyo.
Which Island Is Right for You?
Not sure which island to choose? Find the one that matches your travel style.
Adventure Lover
Volcanoes, hiking trails, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
→ Oshima / Miyakejima / Hachijojima
Ocean Lover
Swim in beautiful waters, relax on beaches, and enjoy stunning island coastlines.
→ Niijima / Shikinejima / Kozushima
Diving & Underwater Explorer
Discover world-class diving just off Tokyo, with volcanic underwater landscapes, vibrant marine life, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and unique natural hot springs where the ocean meets the land.
→ Oshima / Miyakejima / Hachijojima / Shikinejima
Wildlife Seeker
Encounter wild dolphins, rare birds, and unique island ecosystems.
→ Mikurajima / Miyakejima
Nature Explorer
Walk through ancient forests, volcanic landscapes, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Tokyo.
→ Hachijojima / Aogashima / Miyakejima / Kozushima / Oshima
Slow Traveler
Soak in seaside hot springs, explore peaceful villages, and experience the slower rhythm of island life.
→ Shikinejima / Toshima / Aogashima
Community & Local Life Seeker
Connect with island communities, meet welcoming locals, and experience everyday island life shaped by generations of history.
→ Toshima / Hachijojima / Aogashima / Niijima
Culture Explorer
Discover unique island traditions, local arts, festivals, and cultural heritage passed down through generations.
→ Hachijojima / Oshima / Niijima
Food Lover
Taste unique island cuisine made with local ingredients, from fresh seafood to traditional dishes found nowhere else.
→ Hachijojima / Oshima / Niijima
How to Get There
The Tokyo Islands are closer than you might think. Whether you want a quick getaway or a memorable ocean journey, there is a way to reach the islands that fits your travel style.
Want to get there quickly? (Less than 2 hours)
- Oshima – About 1 hour 45 minutes by high-speed jet ferry from Takeshiba Ferry Terminal, or about 30 minutes by plane from Chofu Airport.
- Niijima – About 35 minutes by plane from Chofu Airport.
- Miyakejima – About 50 minutes by plane from Chofu Airport.
- Kozushima – About 45 minutes by plane from Chofu Airport.
- Hachijojima – About 55 minutes by plane from Haneda Airport.
Prefer a scenic island journey?
- Take an overnight ferry from Takeshiba Ferry Terminal and wake up surrounded by ocean and volcanic landscapes.
- Ferries connect Tokyo with eight inhabited islands (except Aogashima), making the journey itself part of the adventure.
- Watch the sunrise and sunset over the Pacific Ocean, see islands appear on the horizon, and enjoy the chance to spot seabirds along the way—especially on routes to Miyakejima.
Where is Takeshiba Ferry Terminal?
Takeshiba Ferry Terminal is the main gateway to the Tokyo Islands, located in central Tokyo. This is where you can board both large passenger ferries and high-speed jet ferries bound for the islands.
Getting there is simple: from Haneda Airport, you can reach the terminal directly by Tokyo Monorail in about 20 minutes, with no transfers needed. From Hamamatsucho Station, it is just an 8-minute walk to the terminal.
From Tokyo Station, it takes only about 5 minutes by the JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station, followed by a short walk.
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Takeshiba Ferry Terminal makes it easy to begin your island adventure without leaving the city behind.
Ready to Explore Tokyo's Secret Islands?
Discover more about the Tokyo Islands, get travel tips and inspiration from Tokyo Islands, then book your complete island experience with Tokyo Islands Explorer—including ferry tickets, accommodations, and activities.
Your island adventure starts here.
Choose the island that calls to you, then book your ferry + accommodation package.
