How to Plan Your Stay and What to Prepare & Pack for Tokyo Islands
- What to do before heading out to Tokyo Islands
- What to Pack and bring with you to the Izu Islands
- How to spend your time on the large ferry
Below you will find a guide on what to prepare and pack for a trip to Tokyo Islands (officially known as the Izu islands). Follow these tips and you’re all set to go!
What to do before heading out to Tokyo Islands
If you’re wondering how best to prepare for your first trip to Tokyo Islands, here is a list of things we recommend you do.
1. Reserve transportation from the mainland to Tokyo Islands
It’s best to make a reservation in advance. Especially Golden week(from the end of April to the first week of May), July to September and new years days in particular can get very busy, so we recommend purchasing tickets as early as possible. Seats on the ship can be reserved starting two months before the embarkation date.
Reservations can be made at Tokyo Islands.
2. Book your accommodation
There aren’t many large scale hotels on Tokyo Islands. More common are minshuku, a sort of Japanese bed and breakfast, but reservations are a must as capacity is limited. For weekends and/or high seasons, it’s sometimes necessary to book as early as 2 months prior to your stay, so book early!
Reservations for accommodation on Izu Islands can be made here.
3. Rent a car if necessary
Public transportation is limited on Tokyo Islands, so renting a car is the best way to get around the islands. For those traveling from overseas, it's better to bring your international driver’s license! Each island has different transportation recommendations. Please check the island where you're planning to go to and find the best means of transportation.
Oshima island: Bus, scooter, taxi, bicycle or E-bike
Toshima- Electronic bike is available but No rental cars, buses or taxies
Niijima- Bicycle, bus and taxies ( Japanese Only)
Shikinejima- Bicycle, E-bike and Taxi(Japanese Only)
Kozushima- Bicycle, scooter, taxi and bus
Miyakejima-Bicycle, E-bike, taxi and bus(Japanese Only)
Mikurashima-No buses, taxies or rental cars
Hachijojima- Bus, scooter, taxi, bicycle and E-bike
Aogashima- No buses or taxies. Only rental cars are available(Japanese Only)
What to Pack and bring with you to the Izu Islands
What you should bring
Cash
Even though, some restaurants, shops or accommodations started to adapt to cashless payment, it's still better to bring Japanese currency. Many places do not offer cashless payment yet or there might be minimum amount to use with credit card or Online payment services.
Breakfast (for those taking the large ferry)
Those taking the large ferry to the island will arrive early in the morning. On most islands none of the shops and restaurants are open yet at this hour, so it’s best to bring your own breakfast. If you take a large ferry from Takeshiba port, you'll find a convenience store at the right before the port. So you can stock up on some food there.
The closest convenience store from Takeshiba port: Family Mart
Motion sickness pills (the large ferry can sway quite a bit sometimes)
If you're prone to get sea sick, you better bring some motion sickness pills. The jet ferry normally is a smooth ride, but it doesn’t hurt to bring some just in case. You can buy motion sickness pills at the closest convenience store from Takehsiba port, Family Mart. Also it’s easy to get sea sick on an empty stomach. So if you plan on going dolphin watching at Toshima, Miyakejima or Mikurashima, we recommend having a small bite even if you normally don’t like to have breakfast.
The closest convenience store from Takeshiba port: Family Mart
Swim suit (Even you don't swim in the ocean, there are some public hot spring baths on some of the islands)
You definitely need a swim suit in summer. Also if you plan on dolphin watching or scuba diving, take at least 2 swim suits. If you booked a full day course and don’t like putting on wet swimsuits, it’s worth taking an extra pair to change into. Even if you don’t plan on doing any water sports, it’s good to have one for the public hot spring baths.
Beach sandals
You can pick up a pair of ‘Gyo-san’ sandals sold at stores across the islands. They’re comfortable and slip proof.
Sunglasses, hat and sunblock
The islands can be particularly sunny at times, so it is advisable to bring sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.
Shampoo and other toiletries
Some hotels will carry them, but if you plan on going to the beach they come in handy.
Towels
Some hotels will carry them, but they come in handy at the beach.
Clothes
Please don't forget to bring enough clothes. There are not many shops selling clothes on the Izu Islands.
Camera, battery and/or chargers
Many people forget chargers of their phones and it's hard to find them since there are no electronic stores on the islands.
For those planning on hiking on the Izu Islands
Hiking boots or at least comfortable shoes to walk around with
There're some muddy paths, so it’s best to bring a pair of good shoes. Also you need socks, long pants, long sleeve top and a backpack.
Insect repellent
Mosquitoes on the island are surprisingly large. If you don't want to get bitten, take insect repellent with you.
Picnic mats
It is not a necessity, but it is useful to have. It's not not just for hiking but useful for sitting on the ferry as well.
Instant coffee, soup and a water bottle
If you're addicted to coffee, please bring instant coffee. You can ask for hot water at an accommodation. Coffee on the mountain is exceptional.
International Driver license
If you can drive, it's better to bring your international driver's license. On the larger islands such as Oshima, Miyakejima or Hachijojima, it's better to use a car to go around. There are other means of transportation but a car may be easiest way to travel around on the remote islands.
For those planning on dolphin watching
Rash guard
You can rent rash guard. However if you bring your own, it's better.
Mask, snorkel, fins and/or Anti-fog spray
You can rent them at shops. however if you bring your own, it's better.
Waterproof bag
For stowing sunglasses, water, and other goods while on the boat.
Thermos
For sipping warm drinks on the boat in cold weather.
How to spend your time on the large ferry
To make sure you are in good shape to get on with activities as soon as you arrive on the island, it’s important to spend time on the outbound boat wisely. In other words, getting enough sleep in an unfamiliar environment!
If you spent a night sleeping in the second class Japanese style rooms, wrapped up in a rental blanket. Make sure to pack a sweater, leggings and socks as even in the summer, it can get quite cold at night when out in the sea. You can rent a blanket on the boat for 100yen. If it's in winter, better to rent several blankets.
What you need on the large ferry
Ear plugs
To cut out the noise of the engine as well as surroundings.
Sleeping mask
Especially if you can only sleep in the dark.
Face mask
To prevent your mouth from drying.
Aroma oil
Pack your favourite smell's oil and infuse your own towel which you then place near the pillow, helping you sleep better if you're not good a good sleeper on boats.
Small flash light
It's useful, such as when you want to take something out of your bag in the middle of the night.
Wi-Fi may be intermittent
In case you can’t sleep, you should make sure to have a book or film on your laptop or smartphone. If you have a tendency to get seasick, be sure to take motion sickness pills before you board. Sparkling water can help prevent seasickness too, so it might be worth a try. Also good to have a paper bag nearby just to be safe. Even if you have never gotten seasick, if it’s your first time on a large-sized boat or dolphin watching, our recommendation would be to take a motion sickness pill just in case.
And that’s it. We hope you enjoy your stay at Tokyo Islands!