Guided Cycling Tour of Tokyo's Oshima Island

Overview

Highlights

Key Information

Description

Reachable from central Tokyo in as fast as 30 minutes by plane or nearly two hours by high-speed jet ferry, Oshima Island — which is part of Tokyo's jurisdiction — is a haven for cyclists of all skill levels thanks to its dynamic landscape, long roads that stretch out over the horizon, very minimal vehicle traffic, and gorgeous views of the ocean.

Beginners can easily cycle through the Sunset Palm Line, a scenic coastal road that spans Motomachi Port and Nodahama Beach. Known for its sunset views, the Sunset Palm Line was even used as a venue for the 2016 Asian Cycling Championships.

Cycling is a great way to explore Oshima and to get some exercise while you're at it, so book this tour to enjoy Oshima's nature and learn about its history and local lifestyle from an experienced local guide! All plans offer breathtaking views, visits to local attractions, and an introduction to Oshima's history of salt making— as told through an original picture book that you won't find on sale anywhere.

Tours start at Toi Shoten, a bike rental shop that offers electric-powered bicycles (e-bikes) of the Daytona Pottering Bike brand — perfect for cycling uphill.

For the Standard Plan, you'll stop at Akappage, a small red hill that was formed by hardened lava called scoria. These volcanic rocks turned red over time, giving Akappage its distinctive color. This hill overlooks the sea, so you can enjoy bird's eye views of Oshima here. Then, at Nodahama Beach at the end of the Sunset Palm Line, you'll stop for photos in front of Buddy's Bell, a monument that symbolizes trust between divers and their diving partners. It's common for divers to pray or wish for safety here before a dive.

Afterward, you'll visit Buratto House, a farmer's market that's run by Oshima's local cooperative. Here, you'll find cows grazing on grassy fields, as well as farm-fresh dairy products — Oshima has a history of dairy farming, so dairy products are one of its specialties. Try its creamy, rich ice cream made from fresh Oshima milk! You can also shop for local produce, butter, eggs, and more. Or, pick up some snacks or a boxed lunch to enjoy along the way.

The last stop before returning to Toi Shoten is Shio Dome, a saltwater dome operated by a local company called Ohshima Ocean Salt. Some Oshima's earliest inhabitants settled on the island to collect salt, so salt-making is an integral part of the island's history. See how the Shio Dome creates concentrated brine water to make salt, and enjoy an engaging storytelling session about the sea and Oshima's history. Follow your guide's stories by turning the pages of a colorful, original picture book.

The Camellia Garden Plan, which is only available during Oshima's winter months (October to April), follows the Standard Plan — but with two additional stops on the itinerary: Oshima High School's camellia garden and the photogenic Izumi-hama Beach.

The beautiful camellia flower is a symbol of Oshima. It's so essential to villagers' lives and local industries, to the point that Oshima is nicknamed 'Camellia Island.' With around three million camellia trees on Oshima, the island is covered in these flowers, which are at their loveliest from January to March.

Oshima has several places for camellia viewing, one of which is Oshima High School's camellia garden, which is managed by the school's agriculture and forestry program. Here, you'll see plenty of camellia varieties, all of which are a sight to behold.

Book now to discover Oshima's stunning nature and an immersion into the local lifestyle!

About Oshima

Also known as "Izu Oshima,” Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, which are located off the coast of mainland Tokyo and are part of Tokyo’s jurisdiction. With relaxing hot springs, fascinatingly unique geographical formations due to volcanic activity, and beautiful nature such as camellia blossoms, it’s a great place to visit for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Some of Oshima’s best-known attractions are Mt. Mihara, an active volcano that’s been featured in some iconic Japanese films; Ura-Sabaku, a black desert covered in tiny, jagged volcanic rocks; and cliffs with striped formations that resemble baumkuchen cakes.

Being an island paradise, Oshima offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to get in touch with nature. Most of the best things to do on Oshima are water activities and other outdoor activities: diving, snorkeling, trekking, hiking, and more. Since Oshima's waters are relatively warm all year round, you can enjoy water activities no matter when you visit! (However, please note that snorkeling tours are only available from around May to October.)

At night, the island turns into a natural planetarium, making it ideal for stargazing. Without bright city lights, you can clearly see twinkling stars when you gaze up at the sky.

Getting to and Around Oshima

Among the Izu Islands, Oshima is the most easily accessible from Tokyo — you can get there in as little as 30 minutes by plane! Flights depart Tokyo’s Chofu Airport once to thrice a day.

Alternatively, from Tokyo Takeshiba Terminal near JR Hamamatsucho Station, take a high-speed jet ferry (about 1 hour and 45 minutes) or large passenger ship (about 6 hours). Ferry services are cheaper than flights.

Once you reach Oshima, you can get around by bus. The local bus network covers most of the island — you can save money with one- or two-day ride-all-you-can bus passes. Taxis are also available, but you must call a taxi company to arrange for a ride.

If you have an international driver’s license, the most convenient way to explore the island is by renting a car — that way, you won’t have to plan your itinerary around bus timetables! Or, why not rent a bicycle for a leisurely, eco-friendly way to see Oshima at your own pace?

For more information on transportation, please check the Oshima Tourism Association’s official website: https://rakuten-travelexp.net/oshima-transport (link in Japanese).

Miscellaneous Tips

Keep these in mind to make the most of your Oshima adventure:

• Although Oshima's climate is relatively warm, the weather can be unpredictable – strong winds and/or rain can cause the temperature to drop. Bring at least one piece of weatherproof clothing, such as a windbreaker, and don’t forget your sunblock!

• For peace of mind, we recommend booking tours and activities in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Bring a swimsuit even if you don’t plan to go swimming — you might change your mind! Also, some onsen facilities on Tokyo’s islands require swimsuits. We also recommend bringing your own towels and toiletries, in case your accommodation may not provide them.

• Especially in summer, please bring insect repellent and sunglasses for protection.

• Bring lots of cash! While shops and restaurants at Oshima Airport, Motomachi Port, and Okata Port accept credit cards, most of Oshima’s establishments and accommodations only accept cash. (An increasing number now accept e-money and other cashless payment methods, but it’s still best to bring enough cash for your stay.) If you need to withdraw money, Japan Post Bank, Mizuho Bank, and Shichitou Shinkumi Bank ATMs are available on the island.

• Mobile-phone coverage for Japan’s major providers — au, Softbank, and docomo — is generally good on Oshima, but it may be limited on the east side of the island, in mountainous terrain, and at sea. But as for Wi-Fi, please note that some accommodations may not provide it. Please check beforehand when planning your trip. When in doubt, we recommend renting a pocket Wi-Fi device.

• Most shops and restaurants close much earlier than in mainland Tokyo. In general, closing times for establishments on Oshima range from 17:00–21:00.

• There are no convenience-store chains on Oshima. Instead, you can buy groceries, alcohol, and more at locally owned shops around the island. (For medicines, however, please bring what you need.) As previously mentioned, buy what you need before sundown — these shops tend to close early!