As my time here winds down for real, realizing it was my last chance to visit at least one of the izu Islands. So I used some of my extended time off in June to head to Oshima.
We've been in Japan for many years, and in Shizuoka for most of those years. Yet, we've never explored the Izu Islands. There area group of islands that, oddly, or actually part of Tokyo, but are just off of Izu. Well, I say *just off of*, but some are pretty far away - like Ogasawara, which is 25 hours by boat from Tokyo.
Anyway, Oshima （大島） - Big Island - is the closest, and is actually only 45 minutes by "jetfoil" fast boat from Atami, which is remarkably close to us.
Brian couldn't get away for the few days, but I could, and I took the time to make my way for a solo excursion around Oshima.
One thing to note - Oshima is an island, and it is QUIET. At least, in the off-season. There are also NO convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which seem omnipresent just about everywhere else. This is a good thing, as it adds to the character of the island. But be forewarned - if you forget a toothbrush, or whatever, you can't just pop out and pick one up at the shop, 'cause there ain't no shops!
Going to Oshima was a spontaneous decision, but being off-season, I didn't have to worry to much about accomodation being full. I did, however, have trouble finding a resource that listed minshuku or other places to stay. I finally found this page http://www.izu-oshima.or.jp/work/yado/link.html .
Price, of course, was a prime consideration, as was general character or local flavor. I found the Moriono Ie Guest House (http://morionoie.kakurezato.com/), and they also had a motorbike rental option. They were cheap (3,000 yen for a room, 1,500 yen for 'dormitory'), located just a 20 minute walk from Moto-Machi port, and nesled happily in the woods. I called and got a little room to myself (I'm kinda too old to really enjoy dorm room bunk beds..). Anyway, the place was confortable and quiet, and I had the run of the house nobody else was staying there.
Getting to Oshima was easier than I expected. I called the phone number for the Tokaikisen ferry for a reservation (see the website http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/), and very easily got a reservation number. For those whose Japanese is limited, you will be happy to note that the woman who answered switched to English with me when she heard my accent!
Anyway, I then took the local train from here early in the morning, caught the jetfoil ferry from Atami at 9:20 a.m., and was in Moto-machi, Oshima by 10:05 a.m.
If you are just going to Oshima to hang out and to get away from the hubbub of the big city - yes, you will love it. Black sand beaches, rugged costline, quiet towns, little commercialism - it's a slice of paradise. However, I would reccommend having a way to get around. I rented a small motorcycle (a 125cc Suzuki Van Van), and had a great time explorring the island, and getting myself to various points of interest, like the Onsen Hotel for a nice bath, or the trail-head to hike around the crater at Miyahara Yama. With no way to get around, some folks may get bored.
Anyway, here are a few pics from my excursion. Click the image for a larger view...
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