Guided Tour of Mt. Mihara & Ura-Sabaku Desert in Izu Oshima

Overview

Explore the otherworldly Izu Oshima Island on this guided tour. Located south of Tokyo, this island owes its unique geography to volcanic activity. Trek around Mt. Mihara's crater and discover the island's other natural wonders!

Highlights

Key Information

Description

Mention Tokyo and most people will think of a futuristic metropolis, but Japan’s capital has more to offer than just the well-known city center! South of the city is a chain of islands that are part of Tokyo Metropolis’ jurisdiction, including the Izu Islands. Most of these islands are just a few hours away from Tokyo by ferry or plane. The largest of the Izu Islands, Izu Oshima, is the most easily accessible from Tokyo. Volcanic activity is responsible for Izu Oshima’s hot springs and unique geographical features, such as cliffs with striped formations that resemble baumkuchen cakes. Due to its unique landscape, this laid-back island was designated as geopark in 2010. On this guided trekking tour, you’ll discover the many natural wonders that await you here. If you’re looking to see this otherworldly island’s attractions in a day, this tour is for you! Pick-up is offered on this tour, which means that you can join in right as soon as you land at either of Izu Oshima’s two ports. You'll begin with a trek around the crater of Mt. Mihara, the island's best-known mountain. Your trek starts at the Mihara-sanchoguchi parking lot, considered the gateway to the mountain. A volcano that’s been mentioned in iconic pop-culture franchises such as Godzilla and The Ring, Mt. Mihara is a popular spot for hiking, trekking, and sightseeing. Your next destination is Ura-Sabaku Desert, another example of the island’s distinctive geography. Covered in black, pebble-sized volcanic rocks called 'scoria' — hardened lava sediment, Ura-Sabaku is said to resemble the jagged, barren landscape of the moon or Mars. Don’t forget to take some social media-worthy photos here! After marveling at Ura-Sabaku, you’ll visit two more attractions: Geo Rock Garden, where you can see even more volcanic rocks and rock formations. You’ll also see a mysterious forest. Here, verdant trees form a tunnel-like trail and stand so close together that it’s as if sunlight shines through them. Finally, your tour will come to an end at Oshima Onsen Hotel — also known as Miharayama Onsen Hotel — at the foot of Mt. Mihara. If you like, take a relaxing soak in this hot-spring hotel’s open-air bath — which offers stunning panoramic views of Mt. Mihara — before heading back to your accommodation, either on your own or via our free drop-off service. No matter when you visit Izu Oshima, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring, scenic views. For a quick getaway from Tokyo without technically leaving the metropolis, visit this Tokyo island for a change of pace!