Sep 5, 2024

Izu Islands exploration!

Genkidesu asked about Hachijojima, a place I've visited twice. Has anybody else explored the other islands in the Izu chain? What do you recommend for a solo traveler? A couple or family?

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TonetoEdo

Living between the Tone and Edo Rivers in Higashi Katsushika area of Chiba Prefecture.

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genkidesu

on Sep 6

I haven't been to any of them yet, unfortunately, but they've been popping up on my radar a bit the last couple of years – hence the big interest in Hachijojima! I'd love to visit Izu Oshima for their camellia festival, which I've read a bit about. I think all of the islands look amazing for nature, though – I think that's definitely the big drawcard from a tourism perspective. One site I've been browsing a lot is https://tokyoislands.jp/ which has a lot of good information broken down for each of the nine islands.

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TonetoEdo

on Sep 6

@genkidesu I imagine the biggest challenge on these islands is getting around. I'm not a driver, depending on walking, buses, and rental bicycles. Izu Oshima appeals, and I'm looking into bike rentals there. Any gems you have spotted?

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BigfamJapan

on Sep 6

Unfortunately, I have no suggestions, but I am following with interest!

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genkidesu

on Sep 7

@TonetoEdo there are some options on this site: https://www.islandaccess.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/island/oshima/transportation/ They've got bus, taxi, rental car, and bicycle rental options listed! I think biking around would be a lot of fun (obviously weather dependent on that fun portion), since you often end up finding some hidden gems that you wouldn't necessarily uncover if you were driving.

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genkidesu

on Oct 14

In my research for Hachijojima I found this site which has some itinerary-style guides: https://www.hachijo.gr.jp/model-plan/ I'm finding it useful in narrowing down places to visit!

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TonetoEdo

on Oct 14

@genkidesu I covered a half-dozen Hachjojima spots here on City Cost. All of them I highly recommend! ...and I covered the spots on a travel website. A little searching will turn up Kihachijo Meyu Workshop, the Jersey Cafe, and some onsens I visited. I've got my eye on Izu Oshima for the winter break.

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Izu Islands exploration!

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