Japan on the Cheap – Explore Tokyo’s Izu Islands | Travel Deals Blog BestTravelDeals.net

The coast of Oshima

White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and dolphins usually aren’t the images that come to mind when people envision Tokyo. But just a few hours away from the sprawling metropolis are the Izu Islands, a group of volcanic islands off the coast of the Izu peninsula that are a part of Tokyo Prefecture. A two hour ride by speed boat or an overnight trip by ferry, the Izu islands offer nature lovers a welcome respite from the concrete jungles of urban Japan.

Japan is notoriously expensive but on the Izu Islands you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, soaks in natural hot spring baths, and much more – all on the cheap or even for free.

The only not-so-cheap part about traveling to the Izu Islands is the cost of the boat tickets but all the freebies and inexpensive activities there make it worthwhile. I have been to both Oshima and Shikinejima so I will highlight those two islands.

Oshima

Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands. It is famous for its camellia flowers, with which the locals make oil out of for cosmetic use. Oshima is a favorite amongst fisherman but other activities you can enjoy there include a visit to the Camellia oil factory, a hike to see the crater of Mt. Mihara volcano, and swimming at one of the island’s many beaches.

There are a few hot spring hotels on the island where you can spend the night but they are pretty pricey. To stretch your yen, stay in the nature lodge in Oshima Municipal Park, known as Umi-no-furusato-no-mura . With a rate of around $20 per person, per night, Oshima’s nature lodge is a great deal. All of the rooms are dormitories and there is a cafeteria where you can buy food. If you really want to be frugal, you can cook your own food on one of the outdoor grills in the tent camping area. Tent camping costs the same as the lodge accommodations so it makes more sense to stay in the lodge, unless you prefer to rough it for the same cost.

Raw seafood over rice at a local restaurant in Oshima.

View from the nature lodge in Oshima

Hiking trail in the Oshima Municipal Park

The downside to Oshima is the fact that it is so big. It is impossible to get around without renting a car or taking the public bus. The only time the buses run on a regular schedule in Oshima is during the summer and it can get pretty crowded then as people in the mainland go there for summer vacation.

Shikinejima

Shikinejima is my personal favorite. It is a bit farther away than Oshima but going there is well worth the trip. The island is small and for $10 a day, you can rent a bike to get around. Camping on Shikinejima and taking a dip in the natural hot spring baths is completely free of charge. If you want to take a shower, however, you need to pay $5 to use the local hot spring public bath house.

The beaches of Shikinejima are quite beautiful but you should bring your hiking boots because the shorelines are pretty rocky. There are also several hiking trails throughout the island that offer views of the ocean and neighboring islands. The best times to visit Shikinejima are during the spring and fall when it isn’t too hot or too crowded.