Geo Exploration in the Tokyo IslandsGeo Exploration in the Tokyo Islands

Because of the type of sediments of each island, they are all very different despite looking similar from afar, which makes island hopping all the more interesting. Many visitors travel for the incredible marine activities, but all nature and geology lovers should absolutely add the Izu Islands to their itinerary. Recently, a few relatively small expedition cruise ships such as the Coral Adventurer (5,516t) and the Heritage Adventurer (8,445t) have been calling at Oshima island and Miyakejima island.

Keep reading to learn more about the islands of Oshima and Kouzushima and Miyakejima.

Beautiful Oshima

Oshima (PHOTO: makes)

The island of Oshima is the biggest of the Izu Islands, as well as the closest to Tokyo. The high altitude of 758m of the island, with Mt Mihara, a central cone volcano with a caldera summit, means that there are many gorgeous viewpoints all over. One of them, that is well received by the cruise passengers, is the view of the sunset from Hamanoyu hot spring. You can also go on an easy hike all the way to the edge of Mt Mihara’s caldera, from which hot spring steam chimneys are escaping. Don’t forget to try the local food, such as bekko-don, a fish bowl with sashimi slices marinated in a gently spicy soy sauce. Speaking of food, locals find that a section of the road looks like a slice of Baumkuchen, because of the many layers created by dozens of volcanic eruptions. Moreover, the cruise ship’s Zodiac boats have also called at Hinodehama beach.

Refreshing Kouzushima

Kouzushima (PHOTO: makes)

Contrary to Oshima and Miyakejima, Kouzushima’s volcanic eruptions result in white lava. This means that the beaches look like an almost sparkly, silvery white, and its cliffs are a very particular shade of grey. When hopping from island to island, the contrast is fascinating. The most famous spot of Kouzushima is its Akasaki walking trail, and for good reason. You can walk along the cliffside on a wooden path bleached by the sunlight, and take in incredible views of the area. In summer, locals and travelers alike go there to jump and play in the water and cool down from the heat. Even though the color of the sea is gorgeous on each and every island of the archipelago, my personal favourite is Kouzushima’s blue-green waters.

Mysterious Miyakejima

Miyakejima (PHOTO: makes)

The island of Miyakejima is in big part covered in hardened, jet black lava, which gives it a very unique look. The beaches, cliffsides and even inland paths are all striking thanks to their deep color. The sand was made from millenia of lava rocks being smoothed and ground down by the waves, and the sound of the water receding through the pebbles is hypnotizing. There aren’t any snakes or big predators on the island, which enabled its bird population to grow and thrive, including the Izu Thrush, a Natural Monument of Japan. Their songs accompany you when you take a stroll in the forest paths, higher up the mountains or around the Tairo pond, an old caldera that slowly filled up with rain water. If you want to go higher inland, you have to go with a local guide and bring a gas mask with you. Mt Oyama, the island’s peak, has erupted repeatedly every 20 to 60 years for the past 900 years, and the latest eruption happened in 2000.

https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/izu-and-ogasawara-islands/index.html