Kozushima, a Remote Island Easily Accessible from the Heart of Tokyo
Kozushima is a remote island located 178km south of Tokyo, and it is part of the Izu Islands.
It is a gorgeous resort area, with beautiful oceans, mountains, and starry skies. Kozushima is warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
I had a lovely time camping there recently, so I’ll be introducing my experience and the island.
Visit: July 2018
Access to Kozushima
There are many ways to reach the island.
It takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes by high-speed boat to reach Kozushima from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier. Traveling by large passenger ship takes about 11 hours.
A flight from Tokyo’s Chofu Airport takes about 45 minutes.
You can also take a boat from Atami or Shimoda in Shizuoka Prefecture.
This time I wanted to keep my travel expenses as low as possible, so I went to and from Kozushima by large passenger ship.
The boat left Takeshiba Pier at 11pm, so the first day of my trip was spent travelling. The boat was set to reach Kozushima around 9am the following day.
All of the cheapest double rooms were full by the time I made my reservation, so this time I reserved this special bunk beds double room.
The cost was around 12,000 yen one way.
There are also sometimes early-bird discounts and discount coupons available online, so I’d definitely recommend booking early.
Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal
- Address
- 1-16-3 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access
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Adjacent to the Yurikamome Line’s “Takeshiba Station”
About 8 minutes on foot from JR Yamanote Line and Keihin Tohoku Line’s “Hamamatsucho Station”
I arrived at Kozushima around 9am.
Kozushima is a small island, with a circumference of around 22km.
The main options for getting around the island are the local bus, taxis, and rented bicycles.
Time to Go Snorkeling!
Trending on Social Media! Akasaki Yuhodo
Akasaki Yuhodo is a 500-meter-long wooden promenade on the north side of the island.
You can jump down into the ocean from the jumping spot set up partway across!
The waves here are gentle, so it’s a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
What a thrill!
Accommodations at Sawajiriwan Camping Ground. A Great Location and Absolutely Free!
This night I camped out in a tent at Sawajiriwan Camping Ground!
There are no reservations for the camping grounds; instead, you need to submit an application to the Kozushima Sightseeing Information Center on the day you intend to stay.
It’s free of charge! The Sightseeing Information Center is located in the “Yocchare Center,” within walking distance of the camping grounds.
Kozushima Sightseeing Information Center
- Address
- 37-2 Kozushima-mura, Tokyo
- Access
- 2 minutes on foot from Maehama Port, about 2 minutes on foot from Takowan Bay
- Hours
- 8:30am-5:30pm ※Open 8:00am-7:00pm July 19th-August 31st
I set up the tent I brought right away when I arrived.
The beautiful white beach spread out before my eyes!
There was an Onsen Resort Center within walking distance of the campsite, so I didn’t need to worry about bathing either.
This was a super convenient camping area since it was also close to the center of the island.
Sawajiriran Camping Ground
- Address
- Sawajiri, Kozushima-mura, Tokyo
- Access
- 20 minutes on foot from Kozushima Port
- Price
- Free
- Amenities
- Kitchen, toilet, shower, washroom
My ship back departed at 9:30am. It only comes once a day.
I made my way back to Takeshiba.
Kozushima is a resort area that’s surprisingly easily accessible.
I recommend visiting if you like marine sports, fishing, or mountain climbing!
