Overview
Miyakejima is a volcanic island in the Izu Islands group, part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, offering divers stunning columnar joints and underwater arches, bird-watchers the rare endemic Izu thrush (akakokko), and hikers the regenerating Volcanic Experience Trail from the 1983 eruption. The island's population of 2,460 residents welcomes tourists for fishing, diving, and nature observation, providing a quieter alternative to more developed Izu destinations.
Diving · Island · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Activities
Diving, bird-watching for the endemic Izu thrush, bouldering at Japan's largest climbing facility, and trekking the Volcanic Experience Trail are key activities.
Food
Local specialties include mackerel sandwiches, kusaya dried fish, Japanese rock lobster (autumn season), and fresh seafood. Nritano in Kamitsuki Area offers Italian cuisine with local ingredients.
Safety
Sulfur dioxide monitoring is active; alarms sound if gas levels rise. Gas masks no longer required but check current conditions before hiking Mt. Oyama.
Transport
Ferry from Tokyo's Takeshiba Terminal takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. Two island bus routes (clockwise and counter-clockwise) have highly variable intervals from minutes to 3 hours.
Weather
Humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Heavy precipitation year-round, slightly lower in winter.