Toshima Island of Izu Shoto Island Chain | Part 2
Attractions in Toshima Island
The biggest tourist attraction in Toshima Island is “walking”, since Toshima Island is only 7.7 km around. You can walk around the island within 2 or 3 hours. There is splendid views of the ocean, the air is clean, it is tranquil and peaceful, and time passes slowly, and, well, you can enjoy doing nothing if you like, it is very refreshing.
For a more refreshing experience, it is recommended you climb up to the top of Miyatsuka-yama, the 508m high mountain that dominates the island. Halfway up the mountain, on the side of the paved road, there are 3 starting points of trails where you can start hiking to the top. As a traditional custom on this island, climbers are asked to visit two shrines to pray and show respect before hiking to the top. Follow this order, first, Azusawakenomikoto Hongu Shrine, and second, the Ooyama-koyama Shrine. After you come down from the top, you are to pray at the third shrine, Orinobori Shrine. What if you make a mistake in the order? Nobody knows what would happen to you, another custom that makes this island mysterious.
The Mt.Miyatsuka-yama hiking trail, starting from the south of the mountain.
The trail is steep and slippery, as the area is dense bushy like a jungle. In summer, you might break a sweat, like you were in a steam bath. After walking for 30 minutes or so, you will reach the summit, surrounded with trees, with no view. Don’t worry! Just walk a little bit further to get to the wooden lookout tower, where you will experience panoramic views. The mountain air up there is so clear and cool, it gives you a great feeling of refreshment; an experience of detoxification and forest therapy at the same time.
Azusawakenomikoto Hungu Shrine. This shrine is a cultural property of Tokyo. Remember Toshim Island is a part of Tokyo….
Another therapeutic kind of attraction you may enjoy on the Toshima Island is dolphin watching. Currently, 7 or 8 dolphins, including a baby, are living around the island. “Take it easy and smile”… Their faces made us feel this and it looked like they were trying say this too.
Toshima Island Information
The information below is collected from the Internet and travel brochures. Unfortunately, most information available is only in Japanese, and limiting to most people, although prior booking is required for accommodation and activities.
Activities on Toshima Island
Hiking, Star watching, Dolphin watching, Walking and total relaxation :-) Just do nothing......
[ Dolphin Watching / Scuba Diving ]
There is one diving service shop and the owner also operates an inn called “Kanenisou”.
Toshima Diving Service (Japanese language)
http://toshimads.d.dooo.jp/
* Basically, swimming is prohibited as the ocean current flows fast around the island.
* In Toshima Island, camping is prohibited. In the first place, there is no space for camping on this island.
* It is recommended to take an insect repellent lotion if you do hike in the summer.
Food
Fresh seafood (Japanese spiny lobster and turban shells) is available and as well as other Japanese cuisine, like Sushi or Sashimi. Tempura of Ashitaba herbs are specialties of Toshima Island.
How to get there
By Boat
From Tokyo (Takeshiba Terminal) by Tokai Kisen jet boat (travel time 2 hrs. 20 min.)
A Tokai Kisen overnight passenger ship operates from Takeshiba Terminal (travel time: 9 hrs.)
From Shimoda Port at Izu persona, sea transport operated by Shinshin Kisen is also available. (Travel time: 5 hours or 1 hr. 30 min, depends on the route)
*Be sure to make a reservation prior to travel. It is essential, especially in summer as seats are booked so quickly. Reservations are accepted 2 months before your departure day.
*Remember there are cases that the transportation is cancelled due to bad weather or other unfavourable conditions. Even if the boat departs, there are cases that the boat cannot land at Toshima port depending on sea conditions. In this case, the boat passes Toshima island and travels to Niijima Island.
To get to Toshima Island when there are bad sea conditions, there is a choice that you get off the boat at Oshima Island and take a helicopter. It is only a 10 min. ride, however, it is very expensive.
Accommodations
Accommodations available in Toshima Island are 7 small Ryokan (Japanese Inns) or Minshuku (Pensions), rooms in the traditional Japanese style of accommodations. Do not expect modern facilities. Room rates of Minshuku pensions are lower than hotels in cities. Amenities like toothbrush or towels are not provided, so you need to bring your own. Pension rooms usually come with breakfast and dinner service. There are 3 restaurants in Toshima, but they are often closed. To have lunch, request a lunch box with extra charge at your accommodation.
It is recommended to make a reservation for accommodation after you booked a ticket for boat/air. If you let the staff at the accommodation know of your arrival time, he/she will pick you up at the port.
Toshima Island Related Web Sites
Tokyo Metropolitan Islands Promotion Corporation (Japanese website)
Toshima Village Office (Japanese website)
Toshima - Part 1
Toshima - Part 2
