Getting from the Kansai area(Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe) to the Tokyo Izu Islands

Many travelers often arrive at airports near Tokyo, such as Narita or Haneda. However, the second-largest airport in Japan is the Kansai International Airport, located in Osaka Prefecture. In 2022, the airport had over 22 million users in total. If you arrive at Kansai Airport and plan to visit the Izu Islands in Tokyo, here are some tips on how to get there from Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, or any other cities on the west side of Japan.

Where is the Kansai area?

The Kansai region（関西) is a geographical area in the southern-central part of Japan's mainland, Honshu. It includes several prefectures, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama and Shiga. The region is known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant cities. Osaka is often considered the economic and cultural hub of the Kansai area. Renowned for its historical significance, Kyoto is a city that draws travelers not just from Japan but from across the globe.

First a word of caution

The routes described below may stretch over more than one day of traveling. This is because public transportation times vary depending on the season. Please be sure to check in advance if you can make the connections or if you will have to stay overnight on the way. Also, with respect to prices, these were calculated according to data available in November 2023.

Okay then, let's take a look at how you can get to the Izu Islands from the Kansai area!

2 ways to go to the Izu Islands from the Kansai area

If you are traveling from the Kansai area to the Izu Islands, there are basically two options: using the Shinkansen (bullet train), local transportation, and ships; or opting for planes, local transportation, and ships/planes (There're buses but we won't talk about it for this time). The choice between the two methods depends on the island you want to get to, travel time, and cost.

Traveling by Shinkansen from the Kansai area

For those who have purchased the JAPAN RAIL PASS or are eager to experience the Shinkansen, this is a great opportunity to travel by bullet train. If you wish to use the Shinkansen (bullet train) from the Kansai area to the Izu Islands, you can further break it down it into three options: heading to Atami, via Atami to Shimoda or Tokyo station.

There are three locations within the Kansai region where you can board a Shinkansen train. Shin-Kobe Station, Shin-Osaka Station, and Kyoto Station.

TIP: If you want to travel by Shinkansen from Osaka or Kobe, be mindful of the stations. In Osaka, there are two main stations: Osaka Station and Shin-Osaka Station. It's important to note that the Shinkansen stops at Shin-Osaka Station, NOT at Osaka Station. Similarly, in Kobe, there are two central stations: Kobe Station and Shin-Kobe Station. The Shinkansen stops at Shin-Kobe Station, NOT at Kobe Station.

For all of the Izu Islands: Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Kansai to Tokyo Station and then take a boat from Takeshiba Port to the islands

If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass but wish to take the Shinkansen, take the Shinkansen Nozomi to Tokyo. Of course, if you do have a Japan Rail Pass, you can still go to Tokyo, but you will not be able to use the Nozomi bullet train (the fastest of all Shinkansen trains). The shortest way to get to some of the Izu Islands without going to Tokyo will be detailed next:

1 Take the Shinkansen Nozomi to Tokyo Station：It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes from Shin-Kobe Station, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station, 2 hours and 10 minutes from Kyoto Station.

2 Go to JR Hamamatsu-cho Station from Tokyo Station: Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, go from the Shinkansen terminal to the train terminal and take the Yamanote or Keihin Tohoku Line to Hamamatsucho Station. It takes only 6 minutes by train.

3 Walk from Hamamatsucho Station to Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal(Takeshiba port): It takes about 10 minutes on foot.

4 Take a jet or large ship to the Izu Islands: Takeshiba port in Tokyo is the largest port connecting all the Izu Islands. You can directly go to Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, Kozushima, Miyakejima, Mikurashima, and Hachijojima from Takeshiba port. Additionally, you can reach Aogashima via Hachijojima. The nearest island (Izu Oshima) takes 1 hour and 45 minutes by jet ferry, but it takes 6 hours on one of the larger ships. The pricing for each type of ship is different as well, please check details for access from Takeshiba airport to each of the Izu islands here: https://tokyoislands.jp/post/page/access

OSHIMA and KOZUSHIMA: From Kansai area to Atami station with Shinkansen and then on to the islands

The most economical way to get to Oshima or Kozushima using the Japan Rail Pass is via Atami.

1 Take the Shinkansen, either Hikari or Kodama to JR Atami Station: To Atami station, it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes from Shin-Kobe Station, 2 hours and 16 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station, 1 hour and 56 minutes from Kyoto Station. Be sure to take the Hikari or Kodama train, as the Nozomi train will pass Atami Station and head for Tokyo.

2 Catch the bus to Atami port from Atami Station: Upon arriving at Atami Station, you can catch a bus to Atami Port, so be sure to take this one. The bus ride takes approximately 15 minutes. There is a bus called Tokai Bus that runs up to 3 times buses per hour, except during noon. If there is no bus available at a convenient time, consider taking a taxi. You will arrive at Atami Port in about 10 minutes.

3 Take a jet ferry: There are two jet ferries that travel to Oshima Island, and during the summer, there is also a jet ferry to Kozushima. It takes only 45 minutes to Oshima Island and 1 hour 35 minutes to Kozushima Island from Atami port.

These are three common mistakes:

・Check the time table: It is likely that you will only be able to make the afternoon departure schedule of the jet ferry. If you want to get to the island on the morning schedule, you may need to get there ahead of time. Be sure to find out how to get there.

・If you want to use Japan Rail Pass, or if you want to go to Atami or Shimoda, do not inadvertently use the wrong type of Shinkansen: There are four types of Shinkansen that connect Kanto and Kansai: Nozomi, Mizuho, Hikari, and Kodama. Nozomi and Mizuho are the fastest Shinkansen, but they do not stop at Atami, and if you use the Japan Rail Pass, an additional fee will be charged. If you want to go to Atami, we recommend you use the Hikari or Kodama.

・The jet ferry to Kozushima operates only during Golden Week (late April to early May holidays) or in the summer: For those who wish to travel to Kozushima via Atami outside of these periods, please use the Shimoda route, which we will explain next.

Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima and Kozushima: From the Kansai area to Shimoda station via Atami station by Shinkansen

From Shimoda, located on the southern side of the Izu Peninsula where Atami is also located, ferries to Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, and Kozushima depart every day except Wednesdays. Here you can find the timetable. Just as explained above, you will arrive to Atami station by Shinkansen from Kobe, Kyoto or Shin-Osaka station and transfer to the JR Ito Line, heading to the Izu Kyuko Shimoda station. From Izu Kyuko Shimoda Station to Shimoda Port, it takes approximately 7 minutes by taxi or about 20 minutes on foot.

The routes to each island vary each day. On Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the route from Shimoda goes to Kozushima, Shikinejima, Niijima, and Toshima before returning to Shimoda. On Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the route from Shimoda goes to Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, and Kozushima before returning to Shimoda. Therefore, the journey to your destination may take between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 4 hours in total. Please check the timetable on the website.

Going by plane from the Kansai area

If you prefer a faster means of traveling, going by plane is a good idea. There are airports within the Osaka and Kobe prefectures: Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport in Osaka, and Kobe Airport in Kobe. To get to the Izu Islands by plane from the Kansai area, one must go to Haneda Airport. Thereafter, one can travel to each island by boat. Only Hachijojima has direct flights from Haneda, so you can change planes to go there.

For all of the Izu Islands: Going by airplane from the Kansai area to Haneda Airport, travel to Takeshiba Port and head to the islands by ship

First, it takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to fly to Haneda Airport from Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) in Osaka, 1 hour and 25 minutes from Kansai International Airport in Osaka and 1 hour and 10 minutes from Kobe Airport in Kobe. Upon arriving at Haneda Airport, a monorail connects to the JR Hamamatsu-cho Station, one of the closest stations to the port for the Izu Islands at Takeshiba. It's just a 10-minute walk from Hamamatsu-cho Station to the port.

Going by airplane from the Kansai area to Hachijojima Airport via Haneda airport

Only Hachijojima is accessible by air from Haneda Airport. Therefore, it is possible to fly from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, Osaka International Airport (ITM) in Osaka and Kobe Airport (UKB) in Kobe to Haneda Airport and transfer to a flight to Hachijojima Airport.

The shortest flight from Osaka International Airport (ITM) in Osaka takes 2 hours and 50 minutes, and the shortest flight from Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka takes 4 hours and 45 minutes to reach Hachijojima. Also it takes 6 hours and 5 minutes from Kobe Airport(UKB) to Hachijojima because you have to wait 4 hours at Haneda Airport to change planes. These time difference are due to the waiting times at Haneda Airport.

The costs and travel time from the Kansai area to the Izu Islands

When going to the Izu Islands from the Kansai region, the costs can vary depending on the season. Here, we would like to provide an estimated cost to give you an idea.

By Shinkansen via Tokyo Station and then to the Izu Islands

The total cost varies greatly depending on the island you wish to visit, the type of ferry, and the type of seating. Including travel expenses from Kansai area, transportation from Tokyo Station to Takeshiba Port, and round-trip travel from Takeshiba Port to the island, the total cost will range from approximately 25,000 to 82,000 yen.

Heading to Tokyo Station from Kansai area, it costs about 13,400 yen to 14,500 yen for Shinkansen from Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe area. From Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho Station is approximately 170 yen by train. From there, walk to Takeshiba Port and take a boat.

From Takeshiba port, there are direct boat services to eight of the nine islands of the Izu archipelago. The cost depends on the destination, time of year, type of ship, and type of seats. To Oshima, Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, and Kozushima, you can choose between jet boats or large boats. Only large boats operate to Miyakejima, Mikurajima, and Hachijojima. If you want to go to Aogashima, you need to get off at Hachijojima and then travel by boat or helicopter. For more detailed information on transportation costs from Takeshiba Passenger Boat Terminal to each island, please see this access page.

*If you use the JR RAIL PASS to Tokyo Station, you will not be charged for the Shinkansen.

By Shinkansen via Atami Station and then to the Izu Islands (Oshima or Kozushima)

The total cost amounts to approximately 26,000 - 28,000 yen including travel expenses from Kansai, transportation from Atami Station to Atami Port, and round-trip expenses between Atami and the island.

If you want to travel from Kansai using Shinkansen, it costs about 13,000 yen for the Shinkansen from Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe area to Atami station. The bus from Atami Station to Atami Port costs 230 yen, and then from Atami Port to Oshima, the one-way fare is approximately 6,000 to 7,000 yen.

If you can plan your itinerary efficiently, it takes approximately 3 hours from Kansai to Atami Port. From Atami Port to Oshima takes 45 minutes, and to Kozushima, it takes an additional 1.5 hours, so the total journey is around 4 to 5 hours.

The total cost amounts to approximately 26,400 - 28,400 yen including travel expenses from Kansai, travel from Atami Station to Izukyu Shimoda Station, and round-trip expenses between Shimoda and the island.

Travel expenses from Kansai to Atami are the same as above. The expenses from JR ATAMI station to IZUKYU SHIMODA station are about 2,100 yen for one way. Prices from Shimoda to each island vary depending on destination, season, and seat class.

For example, a second-class guest room, a large room without partitions, costs about 4,500 yen to 5,500 yen per person.

Free baggage allowance is limited to two pieces of luggage per person, the sum of the three sides (length, width, and height) must not exceed 120 cm and total weight must be 20 kg or less. Each piece of luggage over that amount will cost 500 yen or more. Please check the time table and fare table from Tokaikisen's official website before you make a reservation. Reservations for boat tickets from Shimoda Port to Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima, and Kozushima can only be made by phone or in person at the counter at this time. To make reservations by phone, call 03-5472-9999.

Purchase a boat ticket from Shimoda Port to Toshima, Niijima, Shikinejima or Kozushima: call 03-5472-9999 or go to Shimoda port directly.

Fly from Kansai to Haneda Airport and transfer to Takeshiba Port for the Izu Islands

The total cost of traveling from the Kansai area to each island can range from a minimum of 25,500 yen to 40,000 yen, including the cost of a one-way flight, a one-way monorail ride, and a round-trip boat ride.

When flying from the Kansai area to Haneda Airport in Tokyo, the costs vary depending on the airline. As of November 2023, if you're traveling from Kansai International Airport (KIX) located in Osaka Prefecture to Haneda Airport (HND) with JAL or ANA, the approximate one-way cost is 12,000 yen. Additionally, there is another airport in Osaka, called Osaka International Airport, also known as Itami Airport (ITM). The cost is almost the same as flying from KIX. Also if you want to come to Kobe in Hyogo prefecture, ANA flies to Haneda Airport (HND) from Kobe airport(UKB) and the approximate one-way cost is 21,640 yen.

Upon arriving at Haneda Airport, take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station. Alight at the station and proceed on foot to Takeshiba Port; it's approximately a 10-minute walk. From Takeshiba Port, board a ferry that directly connects to each island. The fee is 492 yen for one way.

Fly from Kansai to Hachijojima airport via Haneda airport

If you fly from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Hachijojima Airport (HAC) via Haneda Airport (HND), the round-trip cost is approximately 56,000 yen to 67,000 yen, depending on the airline and time of year.

Travel from Osaka International Airport (ITM) to Hachijojima Airport (HAC) via Haneda Airport (HND) will cost approximately 67,000 yen round-trip, depending on the airline and time of year.

Finally, traveling from Kobe Airport(UKB) to Hachijojima Airport (HAC) via Haneda Airport (HND) will cost approximately 61,670 yen round-trip, depending on the airline and time of year. Some flights do not have daily schedules, so check in advance.

Let's travel to the Izu Islands whilst enjoying sightseeing from Tokyo and Atami!

The advantages of going to the Izu Islands from the Kansai area include sightseeing in Atami and Shimoda, viewing Mt. Fuji from up close, and the advantage of going to Tokyo. Taking time and cost into consideration, we encourage you to visit the Izu Islands from the Kansai area!