Feel the Earth’s Pulse! Izu Oshima: A Guide to Spectacular Scenery & Deep Exploration

What Makes Izu Oshima So Appealing?

Just under 2 hours by high-speed jet ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier, ‘Izu Oshima’ is Tokyo’s closest resort island, boasting untouched, magnificent nature despite being part of the metropolis. Centered around the majestic Mt. Mihara, you can feel the Earth’s breath and discover unique flora and fauna. For travelers visiting Izu Oshima, we’ve carefully selected ‘absolutely unmissable scenic and deep must-see spots’ that go beyond superficial sightseeing.

Ura Sabaku (Back Desert)

📍 Address: Izumi Harano, Oshima-machi, Tokyo 100-0103, Japan

A prime spot to experience the overwhelming scale of Izu Oshima is ‘Ura Sabaku,’ stretching across the northeast side of Mt. Mihara. This is, in fact, the only place in Japan officially designated as a ‘desert’ on maps issued by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. While Tottori Sand Dunes are ‘dunes’ formed by wind-blown sand, Ura Sabaku is a land scorched by repeated eruptions of Mt. Mihara, covered in black volcanic rock from magma splashes (scoria).

Strong winds blow through the area year-round, making it difficult for plant seeds to take root, thus preserving this desolate, jet-black desert landscape. Stepping onto it, you’ll only hear the ‘crunch-crunch’ of scoria underfoot and the sound of the wind, creating the illusion of being lost on another planet. During the 1986 eruption, a new scoria layer of about 20-60 cm was deposited.

Common access routes include walking from the ‘Tsuki to Sabaku Line’ parking lot or enjoying a hike of just under an hour from the ‘Oshima Onsen Hotel’ side. Please note that this entire area is designated as a special protected zone of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and entry by general vehicles is strictly prohibited, so avoid attempting to enter with a rental car.

Geological Stratum Section

📍 Address: Nomashi, Oshima-machi, Tokyo 100-0104, Japan

Suddenly appearing along the island’s circumferential road from Motomachi Port towards Habu Port is the ‘Geological Stratum Section,’ a massive striped pattern reaching approximately 30 meters in height and 600 meters in length. Due to its beautiful appearance, locals affectionately call it the ‘Baumkuchen.’

This magnificent geological formation is a testament to the history of major volcanic eruptions that recurred approximately every 150-200 years over a period of about 18,000 years. It was formed by over 100 layers of accumulated volcanic ash and scoria. This stratum was actually discovered by chance in 1953 when a mountain was cut to construct a road circling the island, giving it a dramatic backstory.

The reason the strata appear to undulate significantly is not due to crustal folding, but because ejected materials uniformly accumulated along the naturally undulating topography of valleys and ridges. Even just passing by in a rental car or bus is impressive, but there are several parking spaces (evacuation areas) along the road, so stop your car and observe this grand geological record up close. Entry inside the guardrail is prohibited due to the risk of collapse.

Oshima Park Zoo

📍 Address: Izumitsu Fukuju 2-2, Oshima-machi, Tokyo 100-0103, Japan

You might think, ‘An island zoo must be small,’ but the ‘Oshima Park Zoo’ completely defies that expectation. Its biggest feature is that despite being such a well-equipped facility, admission is ‘completely free.’

The dynamic park, which utilizes the volcanic island’s lava terrain, features scattered scenic spots overlooking the sea. A must-see is the enormous ‘Flying Cage (Walk-in Bird Cage),’ one of Japan’s largest. Within this vast space, approximately 53m x 42m x 13m, ponds and forests are recreated, allowing you to walk among freely flying birds like flamingos and Japanese wood pigeons.

You can also encounter unexpected animals such as adorable red pandas, giant tortoises, and majestic two-humped camels. Additionally, the ‘Formosan Reeve’s muntjac,’ a designated invasive alien species that has become feral and causes agricultural damage on Oshima, is kept here, allowing visitors to see its cute, small deer-like appearance up close. With its relaxed atmosphere integrated with nature, it’s a recommended healing spot for travelers.

Senzu no Kiridoshi (Senzu Pass)

📍 Address: Izumitsu Fujue, Oshima-machi, Tokyo 100-0103, Japan

Located slightly off the main circumferential road of Izu Oshima, ‘Senzu no Kiridoshi’ (Senzu Pass) is a breathtaking spot that opens up to a mysterious scene, as if you’ve wandered into the world of Ghibli films like ‘Castle in the Sky’ or ‘My Neighbor Totoro.’

On both sides of the moss-covered stone steps, two giant Pasania (Shia) trees stretch their thick roots firmly into the earth and soar towards the sky. This fantastical space, bathed in dappled sunlight, is a hot topic among photographers and on social media, but it actually has an unexpected, everyday history: it was once used as a path to a nursery school located further ahead.

Today, it has become a quiet grove, cherished as a power spot where tourists can deeply feel the vitality and strength of nature. If visiting in summer, it’s recommended to bring insect repellent due to mosquitoes. Also, after rain, the mossy steps can be slippery, so wear comfortable shoes.

Miharayama Onsen (Hot Spring)

📍 Address: Izumitsu Kozumiba 3-5, Oshima-machi, Tokyo 100-0103, Japan

To conclude your Izu Oshima sightseeing, a visit to ‘Miharayama Onsen,’ flowing within the Oshima Onsen Hotel, is highly recommended. The hot spring water, gushing from underground, is characterized by its colorless transparency and soft feel on the skin.

The greatest charm of this hot spring is undoubtedly the view from its open-air bath. Soaking in the bath while gazing at an unobstructed panoramic view of the primeval forest and the majestic Mt. Mihara caldera enthroned beyond is pure bliss. It’s the perfect spot for recovering from a hike up Mt. Mihara or warming up after being chilled by strong winds.

Day-use bathing is also available, and many travelers stop by to utilize their waiting time for the bus back to the port. Although it’s an old-fashioned hot spring facility with a Showa-era nostalgic atmosphere, its location, where you can become one with nature, promises a unique and special Izu Oshima experience.

Local Tips for Enjoying Izu Oshima Tourism

Despite being part of Tokyo, Izu Oshima is an island boasting vast, awe-inspiring nature. Here are some practical tips for travelers to fully enjoy their sightseeing.

First, regarding transportation, since attractions are scattered throughout the island, using a ‘rental car’ is overwhelmingly recommended. However, please be aware that strong, island-specific winds are common, so when opening and closing car doors, hold them firmly to prevent them from being caught by the wind.

Also, consider the weather and your clothing carefully. In areas like ‘Ura Sabaku’ and ‘Mt. Mihara,’ the sea and mountain winds are exceptionally strong, and sun hats can easily be blown away. Attaching a clip to your hat or bringing a hooded windbreaker that can be easily pulled on is a practical way to manage the local conditions.

As for Izu Oshima’s unique local cuisine, ‘Bekko Sushi’ (white fish marinated in green chili soy sauce) and tempura made with the island’s special ‘Ashitaba’ (angelica keiskei) are exquisite. Indulge in the magnificent natural scenery, hot springs, and delicious island cuisine, and have the best Izu Oshima trip!