The defining themes of Ōshima include volcanic landscapes, camellia culture and port history. For planning, the geographical context matters: the crater trail is in the municipality it belongs to; other nature and cultural themes are part of the wider island area.
Crater Trail and Volcanic Landscapes
Mount Mihara is an active volcano in the center of Izu Ōshima. Islanders revere it as “御神火様” and regard it as a symbol of the island. In the municipality it belongs to, the “おはち巡りコース” trail loops around the crater. The walk from the Mount Mihara summit entrance to the crater takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
In the wider island area, Ura-Sabaku lies on the northeastern side of Mount Mihara and is covered with volcanic ash and scoria. The two volcanic features are distinct: the crater is the focus of the trail, while Ura-Sabaku is a landscape covered in ash and scoria.
Camellias and Garden Culture
In the municipality that Ōshima belongs to, the camellia garden at Tokyo Metropolitan Oshima Park includes about 450 cultivated varieties comprising 3,700 plants, as well as around 5,000 wild Yabutsubaki camellias. In the wider regional area, Tsubaki Flower Garden offers seasonal flowers, including camellias and hydrangeas. Its camellia collection includes approximately 500 species or more.
The figures refer to different categories: the camellia garden at Tokyo Metropolitan Oshima Park counts cultivated varieties and plants, while Tsubaki Flower Garden counts species. This distinction helps put the two gardens’ profiles in context, without directly comparing the figures.
Habu Port and Regional Cuisine
In the wider regional area, Habu Port tells a story that links a natural event with the construction of the port. A tsunami caused by the 1703 Genroku earthquake connected a crater lake to the sea. After the harbor basin was opened, the port opened in 1800. From the Meiji through the Shōwa period, many writers and artists visited Habu Port for sightseeing, leisure and writing, leaving works connected with the port. Historic buildings in the area have been preserved to this day.
Camellias also feature in the local cuisine: for Tsubaki Fondue, you fry ashitaba and fresh seafood yourself in camellia oil native to Izu Ōshima. It brings together local ingredients and an interactive dining experience. Whether a particular establishment serves the dish may vary.
Getting Around and Activities on Izu Ōshima
Transport options on Izu Ōshima include rental bicycles, rental motorcycles, rental cars, buses and taxis. Before your trip, check which options are currently available if your plans depend on a particular mode of transport.
You can cycle or drive along a coastal road on the island, with views of the Izu Peninsula and the sunset along the way. Diving is possible year-round on Izu Ōshima, in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. Sea conditions and operators may vary, so it is advisable to check before making specific diving plans. Coastal drives and diving offer different types of activities, each subject to different planning conditions.
The Izu Ōshima Resort Golf Club is in the north of Izu Ōshima. Its hilly golf course offers sea views. The nine holes can be played as an 18-hole round by changing the tee and green positions. Course configuration and operations may change, so check the current conditions before visiting.
The Ailand Center Gojinka Onsen is also located in the municipality Ōshima belongs to. Its natural hot spring was formed by Ōshima’s volcano. The island’s attractions thus range from volcanic landscapes and outdoor activities to garden culture, port history and regional cuisine.
Discover more destinations: Shinagawa, Suginami, Bunkyō, Nakano, Inagi, Shibuya-ku, Tachikawa, Kiyose
For the broader travel overview: Tokyo.
