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Shikinejima for Onsen and Beach Resorts | Part 2

On the west side of Shikinejima Island, there are walking trails that you can complete within two or three hours. The quality of the trails is good, suitable for all ages.

We started walking from a trail near the Nakanoura beach, heading for the Kanbiki Lookout. The area is covered with many black pine trees at the hill top. As Shikinejima is a rocky island having little soil, those pine trees cannot grow enough to be large trees, so you feel like walking through a Bonsai forest


Kanbiki Lookout

Going down the hill of Kanbiki Lookout, we saw a map board showing hiking trails. This is a starting point of the bush trails. A washroom is here, you might want to use it, as there is no other washrooms on the trails.

Wild Onsen Facilities

The highlight of the Shikinejima trip is the Onsen (Hot springs). There are 3 Onsen spots along the rocky seashore, where you can enjoy bathing, for free. The three Onsen are named; Jinata Onsen, Ashitsuki Onsen, and Matsugashita Miyabino-yu Onsen They are “totally” open-air Onsen pools, where you should wear your swimsuits. Jinata and Ashitsuki Onsen are untamed, adventurous type of hot springs, not like other more managed Onsen in Japan. (Some sections of the pools have very hot water, so be cautious). Matsugashita Miyabino-yu Onsen has moderate hot water and is good for people who want bathing in a relaxing atmosphere. 

The waters are mahogany-colored, iron sulfide is present and also keeps your body warm; the warm feeling even lasts after getting out of bath. As a person who experienced several Onsen in Japan, I can say it was one of the best ones. Especially Matsugashita Miyabino-yu, also enjoyable and perfect at night. Imagine yourself bathing in Onsen, listening to the sound of gentle waves of the ocean, under the star-filled night sky, while enjoying a cold Japanese beer.

When taking an Onsen bath, change rooms are near Ashitsuki and Matsugashita Miyabino-yu. While those change rooms are small, it is recommendable to put on swimsuits under clothes at your Pension (accommodations) for quick preparation. Don’t forget to bring your bath towel! These Onsen are within a few minutes of walking from most Pensions.

In the Onsen area, they also offer an Onsen facility to take a bath in traditional Japanese style (without swimsuits). Hot showers are available and the fee is only 200 Yen.


Matsugashita Miyabino-yu Hot Spring

Arrives at Shikinejima Island
A view near an Onsen area along the seashore. Rocks, pines trees and white sand….it reminds me of bonsai art here... 

Next Page

Shikinejima - Part 1
Tokyo Islands -  Part 2
Tokyo Islands -  Part 3

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