Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, about 120 kilometers from Tokyo and around two hours by high-speed ferry. An active volcano, Mt. Mihara, fills the middle of the island, with a black, moon-like desert on its slopes, and from January to early April the island is covered in camellia flowers.
Quick answer
Getting there: High-speed ferry from Takeshiba (about 2 hours) or a flight from Chofu Airport (25 minutes)
Time needed: 2 days
Best time: January to early April for camellias; the Tsubaki Festival is held in the flower season
Good for: Volcano hikes, nature, hot springs, a short island trip
Plan Your Visit to Oshima Island
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Overview
| Getting there | High-speed ferry from Takeshiba (about 2 hours) or a flight from Chofu Airport (25 minutes) |
| Time needed | 2 days |
| Best time | January to early April for camellias; the Tsubaki Festival is held in the flower season |
| Good for | Volcano hikes, nature, hot springs, a short island trip |
Best Things to Do
Mt. Mihara and the black desert
Hike up the active volcano to see hardened lava from its many eruptions. Okuyama Sabaku and Ura-Sabaku, a “black desert” on its slopes, are said to look like the surface of the moon.
Semba Exposed Cliffs
Roadside cliffs that look like a layer cake, made of volcanic layers built up over about 15,000 years.
Fudeshima Island
A rock off the rugged coast that looks like the tip of a calligraphy brush.
Camellias
From January to early April, pink camellia (tsubaki) flowers bloom across the island, best from late February to mid-March. Walk the 100-meter Camellia Tunnel in Senzu, and visit the Izu Oshima Camellia Flower Garden in the north, where you can also feed friendly rabbits. Locals hold the Izu Oshima Tsubaki Festival in the flower season.
Hot springs
Relax at Motomachi Hamanoyu or Gojinka Onsen after a day outdoors. Trekking, diving and golf are also popular.
Food & Drink
- Ashitaba, a local herb, as tempura or tsukudani (simmered in soy sauce and mirin), and in shochu.
- Kusaya, a salted, dried and fermented fish, for the adventurous.
Restaurants are mainly around the ports. Our restaurant finder covers mainland Tokyo only.
Shopping
- Camellia oil, used for cooking, skin and hair, is the classic souvenir.
- Milk rice crackers and natural sea salt made on the island.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on the island is mostly small inns, minshuku (family-run guesthouses) and some campsites, and rooms are limited, so book before you buy your ferry or flight. Ferries leave from the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal near Hamamatsucho, and night ships depart in the evening, so you may want a hotel in central Tokyo before or after your trip: see Hamamatsucho and Best hotels near Tokyo Station and Ginza.
Search hotels in Oshima Island
Getting There
- By boat: a high-speed ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Ferry Terminal runs daily and takes about two hours. Car ferries from the same port take five to seven hours.
- By plane: about 25 minutes from Chofu Airport in western Tokyo.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1High-speed ferry from Takeshiba
- Bus or rental car
- AfternoonMt. Mihara and the black desert
- EveningMotomachi Hamanoyu hot spring
- Day 2Semba Cliffs, Camellia Tunnel and Camellia Flower Garden
Travel Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for the volcano trail.
- Come in camellia season for the island at its most colorful.
- Ferries and flights can be cancelled in bad weather, so leave a spare day in your plans.
- Bring some cash, as small shops and inns may not accept cards.
- Book accommodation first, then transport, especially in summer and holidays.
Comparing islands? See all eleven side by side in Tokyo’s islands compared.
FAQ
How long does it take to get to Oshima from Tokyo?
About two hours by high-speed ferry from Takeshiba, or 25 minutes by plane from Chofu Airport.
When do the camellias bloom on Oshima?
From January to early April, at their best from late February to mid-March.
How many days do I need on Oshima?
Two days is enough to see the main sights.
Travel Essentials
Ferries to the Islands
Ships and jet ferries leave from Takeshiba Pier near Hamamatsucho.
Airport Transfers
Trains, the monorail, the Airport Limousine Bus and taxis compared.
JR Pass & Transport Passes
Whether a rail pass or a Tokyo subway ticket will save you money.
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
