Shikinejima Island is popular for its beautiful beaches and onsen (natural hot springs). The best and most picturesque beaches lie in small coves on the north shore, and 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). There are a couple of places to enjoy the free natural hot springs beside the ocean. Fishing, snorkeling, diving and sea kayaking are popular activities on Shikinejima.
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.
PrefectureTokyoSize3.9 sq kmPopulationLess than 600 peopleAccessAbout 3 hours by jet ferry, or about 9 hours by overnight ferry from Tokyo (Takesiba Passenger Terminal near Hamamatsucho)Getting aroundIt’s pretty hilly, but bicycle rental is the best way to get around