Izu Ōshima

Izu Ōshima is a volcanic island in the Izu archipelago administered as part of Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. The island’s most notable feature is the active volcano Mount Mihara, which dominates the landscape.

The island offers hiking on volcanic trails, coastal roads with sea views and small port settlements. The crater rim on Mount Mihara rises to about 764 metres and is a primary destination for day hikes; Motomachi is the main arrival point for ferries and boats.

The island formed through repeated volcanic eruptions; Mount Mihara has produced recorded eruptions in the 20th century, most recently causing evacuations in the 1980s. Administration falls under Oshima Town within Tokyo Metropolis and local infrastructure developed around maritime and air links to the mainland.

Izu Ōshima sits in the Philippine Sea roughly south of mainland Tokyo, at the northern end of the Izu Islands chain. The island is reachable by ferry and by short regional flights from the Tokyo area, and its terrain is dominated by volcanic slopes and a rocky coastline.

• Active volcano: Active volcano status means eruption alerts and access restrictions can be issued; check Tokyo Metropolitan or local Oshima town notices before travel.
• Viewing points: Best viewpoints are the crater rim and coastal roads on the island's east side, which offer clear views of the volcano and surrounding ocean on calm days.

What to See #

• Mount Mihara: Prominent volcanic summit on the island, rising to about 764 metres and featuring a well-defined crater rim that is accessible by marked trails.
• Motomachi Port: Motomachi, the island's main port and settlement, which is the primary ferry and passenger-boat landing for services to and from mainland Tokyo.
• Izu Ōshima Airport: Izu Ōshima Airport, a small regional airfield serving scheduled flights from the Tokyo area and providing the fastest access to the island.