Hotels in Oshima

Oshima: Volcanic Island 120 km South of Tokyo

Izu Oshima is the largest island in the Izu archipelago, sitting 120 km south of central Tokyo in the Philippine Sea. The island is dominated by Mount Mihara, a 758-metre active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1986, displacing the entire population temporarily. Today, hikers reach the crater rim in under two hours from Motomachi port, the island's main entry point served by high-speed ferry from Takeshiba Terminal in Tokyo (about 105 minutes) or overnight ferry (about 7 hours).

Where to Stay and What Draws Visitors

Most hotels and ryokan cluster around Motomachi on the northwest coast and Okata on the east side. Visitors arrive for two main reasons: the volcano trek and the camellia season from late January through March, when roughly 3 million camellia trees bloom across the island's hillsides. The Oshima Park botanical garden and Senzu Beach, a stretch of black volcanic sand, draw day-trippers and overnight guests alike. The island is administratively part of Tokyo Metropolis despite its remote position.

Practical Tips

• Ferries: Book Tokai Kisen ferries at least a week ahead during Golden Week and camellia season.
• Weather: Typhoon season (August–October) can cancel sailings with little notice.
• Currency: ATM access on the island is limited; carry cash from Tokyo.