Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Shikinejima is a tiny, largely undeveloped volcanic island with few roads and just one traffic light. It has calm turquoise coves, forest trails and some of Japan’s most natural hot springs: rock pools on the shore where the hot water mixes with the sea as the tide comes in.
Quick answer
Getting there: High-speed jet ferry from Takeshiba (about 3 hours), or fly to Niijima and take a 15-minute ferry
Time needed: 2 days
Best time: Summer for swimming
Good for: Families, calm beaches, tide-pool hot springs, cycling, stargazing
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Overview
| Getting there | High-speed jet ferry from Takeshiba (about 3 hours), or fly to Niijima and take a 15-minute ferry |
| Time needed | 2 days |
| Best time | Summer for swimming |
| Good for | Families, calm beaches, tide-pool hot springs, cycling, stargazing |
Best Things to Do
Tomari Beach
Perhaps the most popular beach, with white sand and calm, shallow turquoise water. A beach hut sells snacks and drinks in peak summer; out of season, bring food from the island shops.
Oura Beach
A beach known for its sunsets, with a campsite nearby.
Kambiki Observatory
Great coastal views, hiking trails to much of the west side, and clear stargazing on fine evenings.
Jinata Onsen
Iron-rich hot water bubbles into rock pools on the shore. At low tide it is scalding; as the tide comes in, seawater cools it enough to bathe. Time your visit carefully.
Ashitsuki Onsen and Matsugashita Miyabiyu
Ashitsuki is milder and easier to time, with simple changing facilities; try a pool further out if one is too hot. Nearby Matsugashita Miyabiyu has two man-made pools, one a foot bath with benches.
Food & Drink
- Island stores sell food and drinks; there are few restaurants, so plan meals ahead.
Shopping
- Small island stores.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is in guesthouses, minshuku and two campsites (Kamanoshita and Oura). Rooms are limited, so book before your ferry. Ferries leave from Takeshiba near Hamamatsucho: see Hamamatsucho and Best hotels near Tokyo Station and Ginza.
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Getting There
- By boat: the high-speed jet ferry from Takeshiba Pier takes about 3 hours; large passenger ships leave at night and take about 10 hours.
- By air: fly from Chofu Airport to Niijima (30 to 40 minutes), then take the 15-minute ferry.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1Tomari Beach
- Bicycle
- EveningJinata Onsen as the tide comes in
- NightStargazing at Kambiki Observatory
- Day 2Ashitsuki Onsen and a coastal walk
Travel Tips
- Rent a bicycle; you can reach most places on foot in under an hour.
- Check the tide times before going to Jinata Onsen.
- 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 do the Shikinejima hot springs work?
Hot spring water flows into rock pools on the shore. At Jinata Onsen it is too hot at low tide and becomes comfortable as the sea comes in, so check the tide.
Is Shikinejima good for families?
Yes. Tomari Beach has calm, shallow water.
How do I get to Shikinejima?
By high-speed ferry from Takeshiba (about 3 hours), or fly to Niijima and take a 15-minute ferry.
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.
