Izu Islands
Islands Volcanic Japanese island chain south of Tokyo
South of Tokyo, the Izu Islands form a volcanic archipelago known for onsen, coastal hikes, diving and whale watching; travelers reach them by ferry or plane for village life and marine recreation.
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The Izu Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands stretching south from the Izu Peninsula and administratively part of Tokyo Prefecture. They range from relatively accessible islands with airports and regular ferries to remote islets with tiny populations.
The islands are volcanic in origin and have been intermittently inhabited for centuries; they were historically isolated but integrated administratively into Tokyo in the 19th and 20th centuries. Several islands have experienced notable eruptions in the 20th and 21st centuries, leading to temporary evacuations and infrastructure changes.
The archipelago lies roughly south of Tokyo in the Philippine Sea, with distances to central Tokyo varying by island but commonly between about 100 and 400 kilometres; most islands are reached by ferry from the Izu Peninsula or by regional flights from Tokyo-area airports.
- Volcanic activity and transport: Many islands have active or recently active volcanoes; check local advisories and transport schedules before travel, as services can be suspended during eruptions or bad weather.
What to See #
- Izu Oshima: Izu Oshima - The largest of the Izu group, dominated by Mount Mihara, with regular ferry and air connections to Tokyo and other islands.
- Hachijōjima: Hachijōjima - One of the southern populated islands with an airport and a subtropical climate, known for beaches and hot springs.
- Aogashima: Aogashima - A small, remote volcanic island occupying a double-caldera with a tiny settlement and limited visitor access by ferry or helicopter.
How to Get to Izu Islands #
The Izu Islands are reached from the Tokyo area by ferry and by air. Regular ferry operators run services from ports on the Tokyo/Greater Tokyo coast (for example Takeshiba and other nearby terminals) and from coastal towns such as Atami to various islands; ferry crossing times vary widely by island (several hours). Larger islands (notably Ōshima and Hachijōjima) also have scheduled flights from Tokyo airports (Haneda/Chōfu) that take roughly 30-60 minutes. Plan connections from Tokyo to the chosen port or airport; island services are seasonal and vary by operator.
Tips for Visiting Izu Islands #
- Check ferry and hydrofoil schedules and weather closely before travel-connections to the Izu Islands are limited and services are frequently altered or cancelled in rough seas.
- Prefer visiting midweek or outside peak summer weekends to avoid crowded beaches and day-trip rushes; staying overnight on islands like Niijima or Kozushima gives access to quieter early-morning and evening conditions.
- Plan island-to-island logistics in advance-each island has different transport and rental options, so verify port arrival times and local taxi/vehicle availability rather than assuming frequent onward connections.
Best Time to Visit Izu Islands #
Best visited in late spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, bearing in mind late‑summer typhoon risk.
