Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Mikurajima is a small, steep island of about 20 square kilometers, famous for wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that you can swim with on guided tours. The whole island is a national park, with sheer cliffs, giant chinquapin trees and a rare native orchid.
Quick answer
Getting there: Overnight ship from Takeshiba via Miyakejima (about 7.5 hours), or a helicopter from Hachijojima or Miyakejima
Time needed: 2 days or more
Best time: April to November for dolphins
Good for: Swimming with dolphins, guided nature hikes
Plan Your Visit to Mikurajima Island
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Overview
| Getting there | Overnight ship from Takeshiba via Miyakejima (about 7.5 hours), or a helicopter from Hachijojima or Miyakejima |
| Time needed | 2 days or more |
| Best time | April to November for dolphins |
| Good for | Swimming with dolphins, guided nature hikes |
Best Things to Do
Swimming with dolphins
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins live in the waters around the island from April to November. Boats are run by the inns or their partners, and you can also watch dolphins from land. The island’s sheer cliffs seen from a boat are worth the trip on their own.
Mt. Oyama and the forests
At 851 meters, Mt. Oyama is the second-highest mountain in the Izu Islands. Its forests have box, beech and mulberry trees and giant chinquapin trees more than five meters around.
Ebine Park
See the wild Nioi-Ebine-ran, an orchid native to the island.
Food & Drink
- Meals are usually at your inn.
Shopping
- Shops are very limited; ask your inn what is available before you go.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is limited to a few small inns, which also arrange dolphin boats, so book well ahead. Camping and cycling are not allowed. Ferries leave from Takeshiba near Hamamatsucho: see Hamamatsucho.
Search hotels in Mikurajima Island
Getting There
- By boat: the large passenger ship leaves Takeshiba Pier at night, calls at Miyakejima and reaches Mikurajima the next morning, about 7.5 hours.
- By air: fly from Haneda to Hachijojima or from Chofu to Miyakejima, then take a helicopter (about 25 minutes from Hachijojima, 10 minutes from Miyakejima).
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1Arrive on the morning ship
- Walk
- MorningDolphin swim (with your inn)
- Day 2Guided hike to the giant trees
Travel Tips
- Swimming with dolphins and hiking are only allowed with a licensed Tokyo Nature Guide.
- Facilities do not offer English support, so learn some basic Japanese phrases. See Japanese phrases for travelers.
- 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
Can I swim with dolphins on Mikurajima without a guide?
No. The whole island is a national park, and dolphin swimming and hiking are only allowed with a licensed Tokyo Nature Guide.
When is dolphin season on Mikurajima?
The dolphins live around the island from April to November.
Is English spoken on Mikurajima?
Facilities do not offer English support, so basic Japanese phrases help.
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.
