Niijima Island of the Izu Islands

Niijima Island is also known as Tokyo’s Surf Island attracting many surfers (international competitions have also been held on Niijima). The island is also known for its unique type of rhyolite volcanic rock that is found only on Niijima and Italy’s Lipari Island. Most of the island is covered in lush evergreen forest surrounded by a rugged coastline with white sand beaches and pastel light blue waves. The sea surrounding Niijima is blessed with a wide variety of both temperate and tropical marine species such as colorful tropical fish, hard coral, soft coral and sea turtles due to tropical water brought by the Kuroshio Current. Although it is a popular getaway from Tokyo, it is hardly crowded (apart from Golden Week and Obon, like the other islands of Izu Seven Islands). The free public campsite is beautiful and well equipped. You can also enjoy the free natural hot spring beside the ocean.

About the Tokyo/Izu Islands:
Apart from the Ogasawara Islands, the Tokyo Islands (also known as the Izu Seven Islands) are a great weekend getaway for Tokyo locals. Usually people aim for the Friday night overnight passenger ferry which arrives early on Saturday mornings, where they can enjoy nature activities for the weekend. It is usual to take the high-speed jet ferry on the return to Tokyo on Sunday afternoons, or a flight depending on the island. All these islands of Tokyo are excellent for anglers of all skill levels as the surrounding sea is very rich in fish due to the Kuroshio Current and rugged underwater topography.

PrefectureTokyoSize23.17 sq kmPopulationApproximately 2,700AccessAbout 3 hours by jet ferry, or about 9 hours by overnight ferry from Tokyo (Takeshiba Passenger Terminal near Hamamatsucho)Getting aroundBicycle rental or car rental. If you have limited time, car rental is recommended.