TOSHIMAPERFECT GUIDE

80% of the trees on this island consist of Camellia trees, which totals more than 200 thousand. Camellia is also known as the ‘Winter Rose’. From January to March, the Japonica camellia blossoms and dyes the ground red, like a carpet. Also, 60% of camellia oil in Japan is produced on Toshima Island.

Mt. Mitsuzuka is a circular mountain with a beautiful pyramidal shape and unique to the island. The altitude is not all that high at 508 m and it takes you about 40 minutes to reach the summit from the trailhead, but be aware that the trail is steep. The climb is a good workout for the legs. In early summer, the tall day lilies bloom in a dignified manner and you can enjoy climbing the mountain while admiring the flowers.

Miyasukayama observatory

You will find Miyatsukayama Observatory on this mountain. When you head up to Mt.Miyatusuka, not at the top of the mountain, but right before arriving at the top, there is an observatory. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Oshima Island.

Minamigayama Park is a must-see when visiting Toshima. The Minamigayama Observatory is the most spectacular spot on Tishima, with a panoramic view of Niijima, Shikinejima, Kozushima, Miyakejima and Mikurashima. The islands can be seen in their most dignified and dynamic forms. It is also a great spot for picnics and stargazing, as well as for admiring different types of cherry blossom in spring.

The island’s only beach, Kakemma Beach, is also open during the summer months. The sandy beach is an artificial beach with sand brought in from Kozushima. If you want to enjoy an ocean view, it is possible to get a panoramic view from every location as it’s a small isolated island. Check the official website of Toshima Village for the dates of the sea opening.

https://www.toshimamura.org/

The first, second and third shrine on Mt. Miyatsuka

Main shrine of Azusawake-no-Mikoto Shrine, Oyama Koyama Shrine and Orinobori Shrine. These are called Ichibankakamisama (The first deity), Nibankamisama (The second deity) and Sanbankamisama (The third deity), and the islanders visit them in turn with rice and sake to make offerings on the three days of the New Year when they make their rounds on the mountains.

Azusawake no Mikoto shrine

Doyama shrine

Doyama Shrine was established during the early Meiji period (1868-1912) by combining deities that were each worshipped in private houses. During excavations in 1992, a four-sided copper Japanese mirror and copper coins were discovered. The Japanese mirrors are estimated to have been used for ritual purposes for approximately 300 years from the late 12th century or early 13th century. Many of the mirrors discovered so far are on display at the Toshima Village Museum.

Hachiman shrine

Nothing to do at night? No way, look up at the sky and see the countless stars! If you go outside of town a bit, you can see the stars even better! If there is no moon, you might see the milky way. The best place to stargaze is at Minamigayama Park. It takes 15 mins from the town by car.

Wild dolphins live around Toshima Island. There are some tours where you can swim with dolphins when snorkeling. The dolphins do not swim around Toshima all the time, so before planning to go to Toshima Island for a swimming with dolphins experience, check the current information on dolphins at the shops.

*There are rules to swimming with dolphins, so please make sure to abide by these.
*Most of the guides don’t speak any foreign languages.

List of the dolphin swim shops <https://www.toshimamura.org/tourism/watch/sea.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>here. (Japanese Only)

Wake up to birds’ singing and enjoy a wholesome breakfast. Smell the wind and trees and see the beautiful sky. It sounds like normal daily life but, do you remember when you did any of these things the last time? Leave stress behind and become one with nature. At night, you may eat dinner at the accommodation with other guests or even the owner’s family. It comes natural to them to welcome you to enjoy a meal together. Perhaps other islanders will join the “home party”. When you spend time here for a couple days, you will feel like you are a member of the Toshima Island family.

Toshima Island is a good place for fishing. There are amberjack and shimaaji (yellow jack) from spring to autumn around the island. Also during winter time, it is possible to catch Southern squid.

As mentioned before, there are not that many shops or activities. So this is the place where you don’t need to DO anything. Even if you decide to go for a restful break there are always so many things to see or to do that you might be tired by the end of your trip. However, on Toshima Island, travelers are just relaxing, talking with other islanders, eating fresh fish, drinking some good shochu made on the island, gazing at the stars at night and sleeping tight in the calm environment. The stress which you get from the city can be released on this island.

What are Toshima Island specific cuisines? The island is famous for catching lobsters and turban shells. If you order them at your accommodation in advance, you might be able to enjoy these delicacies. Also red bream and other kinds of shells are famous. Enjoy some fresh seafood!

Getting to Toshima. The most popular way is by large passenger ship which takes 9 hours from Takeshiba pier, Hamamatsucho in Tokyo.
Get on the large passenger ship leaving the pier. The boat departs at around 10:30 pm (it depends on the season) and arrives at Toshima around 6:30am-7:30am in the morning. Budget-wise however, it’s the most reasonable at around 6,630 to 8,680 yen one way.

Book a boat ticket to Toshima island on Tokai Kisen’s official English website at tokyoislands.jp.

Also from spring to fall, there is a jet ferry that goes to Toshima Island, basically once a day. It takes 2 hours and 20 minutes from Takeshiba pier. The cost will be more expensive than the large ferry, around 10,890 yen to 13,140 yen one way.

Book a boat ticket to Toshima island on Tokai Kisen’s official English website at tokyoislands.jp.

The large ships or jet ferries are sometimes canceled due to the weather or ocean conditions. However, don’t give up just yet. There is Tokyo Ai-Land Shuttle from Oshima Island which is the closest island to Toshima Island. It takes only 10 minutes to go to Toshima from Oshima. There is 1 round trip a day which costs 7,230 Yen each way. There are planes going to Oshima from Chofu airport, Tokyo. It takes 30 minutes from the airport to Oshima so in total, it takes only 40 minutes to go to Toshima when taking a flight without the waiting time.

Book your tickets for the helicopter on Oshima by Toho Air Service’ website.

The area of this island comprises only 4.12 square kilometers. So there are no bus, taxi, rental car or bicycle services. So the way to go around the island is on foot. Your accommodation might rent you a car so it is good to ask there too.

There are only a few places to eat lunch, and you also need to make a reservation in advance. The best way is to ask your accommodation to prepare lunch as an option. Or there are some markets so you can get cup noodles there. However some shops are closed during the weekend. So the best way to secure lunch is by making a reservation at your accommodation.

There are no camping sites and wild camping is not allowed since the island is a national park. Please make sure to book an accommodation before you arrive.

Especially from the middle of December to March, ships are often canceled because of strong wind. So better to book a helicopter ride just in case.

There are no pharmacies or convenience stores. So please make sure to bring everything you need to the island especially medicine for motion sickness.