Venture beyond the city to the resort area of “eternal springtime” Explore Tokyo’s remote islands

Japan is a country of islands. The nine Izu islands and the two Ogasawara islands are known as “the Islands of Tokyo.” Experiencing the natural environment and culture only found in such isolated locales is the real thrill of travel to remote islands. Crystal clear waters and stunning starry skies are just the start of differences from city life that await. Take a step outside the city into a paradise of natural riches.

Influenced by the Kuroshio Current, the warm climate has earned them the appellation of “everlasting spring." An ideal and idyllic travel destination not only in beach season, but also in colder months as well. Take a step outside the city into a paradise of natural riches.

All of the 11 islands were formed by volcanic activity.Roughly 1,000 km from central Tokyo, Chichijima and Hahajima are part of the World Natural Heritage Site known as the Ogasawara Islands. These isles, also known as the "Galapagos of the East," are home to a wealth of distinct, native flora and fauna that have evolved in unique ways.

Other than Chichijima and Hahajima, the nine other islands are collectively called the "Izu Islands." Oshima, the closest island to the central Tokyo, is less than 30 minutes away by plane from Chofu Airport. The ease of access is also an attractive point. Natural hot springs gush forth on many islands due to the influence of volcanoes. Let’s take a closer look at six islands that offer the pleasures of hot springs.
Check here for details of the Izu & Ogasawara islands

Oshima Island

Oshima is the largest of the 11 islands. Rising in the center 758 meters high is Mt. Mihara, an object of religious veneration also known as “Gojinka-sama,” the “Sacred Fire.” The mountain trail offers magnificent views that encompass tracks of lava flow and the caldera. In the southwestern part of the island, another highlight is the 24 m high, 630 m long cross-section of land showing geological strata.
There are also plenty of hot springs. “Hamanoyu” is a public, open-air hot spring in a prized location with Mt. Mihara in the background and the ocean before you. Swimsuits are worn in this unisex bath.

The island is also famously known as “Camellia Island,” home to around 3 million wild camellia trees. The Izu Oshima Camellia Festival is held across the island during the peak bloom season from the end of January to the end of March. The main venue is the 7 ha Oshima Park Camellia Garden, which is one of the largest in Japan, featuring about 1,000 species among 3,200 garden variety trees, and around 5,000 “yabu-tsubaki” camellias (the native species). A special area in the park has food stalls and live performances by local artists on the weekends.
http://izu-oshima.or.jp/ (Japanese version only)
* Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau and Tokyo Representative c/o Tourism Garden Pty Ltd.