Tokyo Islands Travel Guide: 19 Tips Before Visiting the Izu Islands
Your complete Izu Islands travel guide — everything to know before you visit Tokyo’s secret islands.
Think you know Tokyo? Think again. Just a short ferry or flight from the city lies a side of Japan most visitors never see:
volcanic islands, dramatic coastlines, natural hot springs, crystal-clear waters, and small island communities with cultures unlike anywhere else in Japan.
The Izu Islands (a.k.a. the Tokyo Islands) are one of Japan’s best-kept secrets — but getting there isn’t as simple as booking a train. Ferry schedules change, weather affects transport, and every island has its own quirks, customs, and travel tips that first-time visitors often learn the hard way.
In this guide, the island-travel experts behind Tokyo Islands and Tokyo Islands Explorer walk through the essentials:
how to get there, how the islands differ, the common mistakes to avoid, and how to make the most of your trip — whether it’s a weekend escape from Tokyo or a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure. These tips will save you time, money, and stress.
🌋 Featured Islands
Oshima · Toshima · Niijima · Shikinejima · Kozushima · Miyakejima · Mikurajima · Hachijojima · Aogashima
🔎 Island guides & info: https://tokyoislands.jp
🚢 Book ferries, stays & island packages: https://explorer.tokyoislands.jp
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyo_secret_islands/
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0:00 Travel Tips for Your Trip to the Izu Islands
0:24 Ferries & Hotels Fill Up Fast—Book Early
0:49 Pack Essentials—Limited Shopping on the Islands
1:05 Buses Are Infrequent—Plan Your Routes
1:30 Explore the Islands by Bike
1:36 Driving? Bring an International License (IDP)
1:49 Reserve Meals in Advance
2:05 Try a Meal-Included Plan on Some Islands
2:20 It’s a National Park—Pack Out Your Trash
2:42 Some Islands Require a Local Guide
3:15 Menus Are in Japanese—Use a Translator App
3:29 Have Allergies? Tell Restaurants Ahead
3:42 Weak Signal on Some Islands—Bring Wi-Fi or a SIM
4:15 Bring Cash—Cards Aren’t Always Accepted
4:35 Book Hotels or Campsites Early
5:02 Soak in Swimsuit-Friendly Hot Springs
5:59 Restaurants Close Early—Plan Dinner Ahead
6:28 Scuba Dive Year-Round on Most Islands
7:23 Keep Swimwear to the Beach, Not Town
7:37 No Japanese? No Problem—Use a Translation App
8:00 Weekdays Are Easier to Book Than Weekends
8:16 Save Time—Bundle Your Ferry, Hotel & Activity Bookings
#IzuIslands #TokyoIslands #JapanTravel #HiddenJapan #TravelGuide #ThingsToDoInTokyo
1 Comment
0:00 Travel Tips for Your Trip to the Izu Islands
0:24 Ferries & Hotels Fill Up Fast—Book Early
0:49 Pack Essentials—Limited Shopping on the Islands
1:05 Buses Are Infrequent—Plan Your Routes
1:30 Explore the Islands by Bike
1:36 Driving? Bring an International License (IDP)
1:49 Reserve Meals in Advance
2:05 Try a Meal-Included Plan on Some Islands
2:20 It's a National Park—Pack Out Your Trash
2:42 Some Islands Require a Local Guide
3:15 Menus Are in Japanese—Use a Translator App
3:29 Have Allergies? Tell Restaurants Ahead
3:42 Weak Signal on Some Islands—Bring Wi-Fi or a SIM
4:15 Bring Cash—Cards Aren't Always Accepted
4:35 Book Hotels or Campsites Early
5:02 Soak in Swimsuit-Friendly Hot Springs
5:59 Restaurants Close Early—Plan Dinner Ahead
6:28 Scuba Dive Year-Round on Most Islands
7:23 Keep Swimwear to the Beach, Not Town
7:37 No Japanese? No Problem—Use a Translation App
8:00 Weekdays Are Easier to Book Than Weekends
8:16 Save Time—Bundle Your Ferry, Hotel & Activity Bookings