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The Izu Islands (also sometimes known as Tokyo Islands) are a chain of volcanic islands (nine are currently inhabited) which lie off the Izu Peninsular on the south east coast of Honshu. They are part of the Tokyo administrative area and also form part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The islands themselves were formed thousands of years ago by the eruptions of undersea volcanoes, and each island has a fairly distinct character. For a long time the Izu Islands have been a popular short summer getaway for those who enjoy rugged mountain scenery, excellent food, unspoilt beaches and outdoor hot springs.
Tokai Kisen runs ferry services from Tokyo to many of the islands, and there are a number of routes and vessels to choose from. One of the most popular routes is the overnight ferry from Tokyo to Izu Oshima, and then on to other islands, ending at Kozushima. This service runs almost daily throughout most of the year.
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The ferry leaves the Takeshiba Ferry Terminal in Tokyo at 10 or 11pm (check timetable), arriving at Okada Port on Izu Oshima around 5 or 6am the next morning (the ferry arrives at Motomachi on the island’s west side instead somtime). There are a number of accommodation options of varying prices (from around 5000 to 13,000 yen) for passengers, including private cabins, bunkbed rooms, tatami rooms or reclining chairs.
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Amenities on-board include a restaurant, vending machines and showers, and there is the chance to spot some of the famous landmarks of Tokyo Bay as the ship passes by.
The return service departs in the morning and arrives in Tokyo by early evening, allowing passengers to enjoy a relaxing day at sea.![]()
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Another overnight service runs almost daily from Tokyo to the islands of Miyakejima, Mikurajima and Hachijojima. It leaves Tokyo at 10.30pm and arrives at Hachijojima by 9am the following day, with the return service leaving around 9.40am to arrive in Tokyo at 8pm.
Check time table : Tokai Kisen Website (https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/en/time_price/guide/)![]()
For those who prefer to travel a little quicker there are numerous daily high-speed jet-foil ferries Tokyo to many of the Izu Islands. These services can be a little more expensive (around 7,500 yen) but much faster than the regular ferries, taking less than 2 hours to reach Izu Oshima from Tokyo. There are also high-speed ferries from Atami (Shizuoka) to Izu Oshima (45 minutes, around 5000 yen).
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All seats on all services are reserved and reservations can be made from 2 months in advance. For online reservations and more information on routes, timetables, booking and fares please visit www.tokaikisen.co.jp/en or call the customer centre (+81)-3-5472-9999.
Tokyo Takeshiba Ferry Terminal can easily be reached from Takeshiba Station on the Yurikamome Line.
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