Go Snorkeling at Oshima Island, Tokyo

Overview

Explore Oshima's underwater world on this snorkeling tour! Book a beginner-friendly guided tour for a crash course in snorkeling, or snorkel at your own pace with the non-guided option. Both plans include pick-up, drop-off, and equipment for rent.

Highlights

Key Information

Description

If you're in Tokyo, you don't have to venture too far for water sports and other marine activities! Also considered part of Tokyo are nine islands collectively known as the Izu Islands. The largest of these is Oshima, which is also the most easily accessible from central Tokyo. At 120km from Tokyo's city center, it just takes a 25-minute flight or a high-speed jet ferry ride that's about an hour and 45 minutes long to get there. The waters surrounding Oshima are crystal-clear all year round — the visibility typically reaches 12–15 meters, much higher than that of the waters close to mainland Tokyo. It can even exceed 30 meters when the Kuroshio Current's warm waters approach! Oshima's clear waters makes the island the perfect getaway for those who want some fun in the water. For an enjoyable marine sport that's not too challenging, explore Oshima's beautiful underwater world on this snorkeling tour! Snorkeling is a great way to see Oshima's fascinating underwater terrain and diverse marine life up close. The island has several snorkeling spots, many of which are tide pools. For one, Toshiki Beach in southern Oshima is one of the island's best snorkeling spots. As this natural tide pool is surrounded by hardened basalt lava (which keeps turbulent waves at bay), the waters here are tranquil — great for snorkeling! Oshima was formed by volcanic activity, so its underwater terrain is dynamic and teeming with life. As you snorkel, you'll see colorful coral reefs, countless schools of tropical fish, and other aquatic organisms such as sea anemone. Snorkeling is much easier than diving, so if you're a beginner, not to worry — book Plan 1, the guided option, for a crash course with a friendly guide before you snorkel. But if you'd rather snorkel at your own pace, go for Plan 2. Both plans conveniently include pick-up and drop-off, as well as snorkeling equipment for rent. Then, for a relaxing soak after the snorkeling tour, book the Hamanoyu ticket add-on. Hamanoyu is a mixed-gender, open-air 'onsen' (hot spring) bath with a view. Bathing here, you can see Mt. Mihara, Oshima's deep-blue waters, and the Izu Peninsula in the distance. Stay until sunset to catch breathtaking views of the setting sun — a great way to end a day well-spent! ## 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!