Last summer in search of clean beaches and crystal clear waters we arrived on Shikinejima. Which lies south of Tokyo and east of the Izu peninsula, Shizuoka prefecture. My Boyfriend and I decided to go to Shikinejima after spending 2 unsatisfactory weekend on the beach of Sarushima, Yokosuka-chuo. One of the most annoying thing about being an Islander is the demand for crystal clear waters and some level of privacy on the beach. My boyfriend understood my need to find a beach that suited all my demands so he insisted that we visit the Izu Islands.
We boarded a midnight ferry from Takeshiba sanbashi pier, which will arrive on shikinejima the next day. After making a few routine stops we arrive in Shikinejima at 10am the next morning. We had no Idea about the Island no map but just insisted that we follow our instinct, I memorised the names of the beaches in Japanese and with our tents off we went. The first beach we arrived at was Tomari, I was really pleased since it is exactly the beach Ive been dying to see. The beach and the water was just perfect, the facilities was also amazing. We stayed there til mid afternoon when we decided to go and look for the camping ground.
We started making our way not knowing where the ground is but there are a lot of signs along the main road showing you the direction and since the Island is too small its hard to get lost. We arrive at the convenient shop and hired 2 bicycles, which cost 1200yen for the whole day or 600yen for half the day. We took the bikes and head for the only open camping ground. The camping grounds are seasonal, during low peak season theres only one that is open for public use. At that time of the year, Ohura camping ground is that one that is open. We registered at the counter and went looking for the perfect place to put up the tent. There were a few campers around, half of them are foreigners the rest are either surfers or families vacationing.
In the after we decided to just go around exploring the Island, most of the people we met are not the natives of the Island but people vacationing. Hiring a bike is a really good way to move around but seeing that there are just too many hills there are occasions where one has to get down and push the bike. A scouter is more convenient but in our case we find using a bicycle is way better than walking. The Island can be explored in just an hour or so, a complete map of the Island can be collected from the information center or the convenient shop.
After the beach we head off to the onsens (hotspring). The thing I love best about these onsens are the fact that they are free, yeah free. There are technically 3 different onsens to choose from, Ashitsuki onsen (seperated onsen 200 metres apart) and Jinata onsen. Ashitsuki onsen is more convenient to go to, however I find Jinata onsen more beautiful but the its a bit hard to go to. Located between 2 gorge, going down can be difficult for some. It is really out of the way but at night Jinata onsen is completely isolated making it a great place to take a long relaxing bath, Just be sure to bring flash light along.
The next day we decided to go to a different beach, kamanoshita. Another breath taking view, Kamanoshita is more popular among the vacationer because its like the centre of the Island and closest beach to the restaurants, convenient shops and the onsens. We spent the morning on the beach then head off in search of a trail we found on the map. In the afternoon we return to Nakanoura beach, the only disapponting thing about this beach is the state of the shower room and toilets. Was in a really bad state and does have a foul smell.
At night we decided to build a fire near our tent instead of using the common kitchen they provided. The only thing we dislike was the unfriendliness of the people camping around us. Theres just too much distrust among everybody and those who arrived there earlier than the rest try to play the- a cross between a Yakuza and mother Teresa.
On the Island they have a sports ground complete with tennis courts for those who are interested in hitting a few balls while visiting. Fishing is not prohibited on the Island and shops hire out fishing rods and whatever other equipment one might need.
Shikinejima is a very beautiful Island to visit during summer, to get there a midnight ferry leaves the Takeshiba Pier and arrives the next morning or you can take the express a bit more expensive but arrives in 2 hours. The Island is administered by the Tokyo Metropolitan government and it heavily relies on tourism and fishing.
After the beach we head off to the onsens (hotspring). The thing I love best about these onsens are the fact that they are free, yeah free. There are technically 3 different onsens to choose from, Ashitsuki onsen (seperated onsen 200 metres apart) and Jinata onsen. Ashitsuki onsen is more convenient to go to, however I find Jinata onsen more beautiful but the its a bit hard to go to. Located between 2 gorge, going down can be difficult for some. It is really out of the way but at night Jinata onsen is completely isolated making it a great place to take a long relaxing bath, Just be sure to bring flash light along.
The next day we decided to go to a different beach, kamanoshita. Another breath taking view, Kamanoshita is more popular among the vacationer because its like the centre of the Island and closest beach to the restaurants, convenient shops and the onsens. We spent the morning on the beach then head off in search of a trail we found on the map. In the afternoon we return to Nakanoura beach, the only disapponting thing about this beach is the state of the shower room and toilets. Was in a really bad state and does have a foul smell.
At night we decided to build a fire near our tent instead of using the common kitchen they provided. The only thing we dislike was the unfriendliness of the people camping around us. Theres just too much distrust among everybody and those who arrived there earlier than the rest try to play the- a cross between a Yakuza and mother Teresa.
On the Island they have a sports ground complete with tennis courts for those who are interested in hitting a few balls while visiting. Fishing is not prohibited on the Island and shops hire out fishing rods and whatever other equipment one might need.
Shikinejima is a very beautiful Island to visit during summer, to get there a midnight ferry leaves the Takeshiba Pier and arrives the next morning or you can take the express a bit more expensive but arrives in 2 hours. The Island is administered by the Tokyo Metropolitan government and it heavily relies on tourism and fishing.
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