2025.04.10

Volcanic Island Protected by the Gods - Izu Oshima - (1)

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Floating in the endless sea, Izu Oshima is a mysterious island that has been shaped by volcanic eruptions since time immemorial. Located in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it has a wide variety of natural environments. In particular, Mt. Mihara Oshima is an active volcano that is still active, and it is a place where visitors can feel the magnificent power of nature. But it's not just a volcanic island. It has been an object of worship since ancient times, and many myths and legends live on in this area. By unraveling the stories of these gods, we can gain a deeper understanding of the island's special charm. In this article, we will explore the unique culture and history of Izu Oshima, as well as how people have coexisted with the gods despite being influenced by volcanic activity.

Article Contents

A volcanic island protected by the gods - Izu Oshima -

A volcanic island protected by the gods - Izu Oshima -

The Izu Islands in Tokyo Bay. Izu Oshima, the largest of these, is an island that belongs to Tokyo but has developed a unique ecosystem and culture that is different from the mainland.

Centered on Mt. Mihara, an active volcano, visitors are fascinated by the spectacular scenery woven by nature, the beliefs and history of the islanders, and the abundant seafood and blessings of the earth.

In this article, we'll dive deeper into the charms of Izu Oshima and provide an in-depth look at its geography, history, culture, nature, and connection with the gods.

1. Geographical features of Izu Oshima and islands created by volcanoes

1.1 The Leader of the Izu Islands, Their Spread and Topography

Izu Oshima boasts an area of about 90 square kilometers and is one of the representative islands of the Izu Islands. Its topography was largely formed by the activity of Mt. Mihara, an active volcano located in the center. The shape of the island is almost circular, and the coastline is varied, showing a diverse landscape of cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky reefs. The central part of the island is at a high altitude, and the rugged terrain spreads around Mt. Mihara. On the other hand, relatively flat land spreads along the coast, and settlements and farmland are formed.

1.2 Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area and opening the door to the island

Izu Oshima is located about 120 km south of Tokyo, about 60 km from Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture, and about 30 km from the east side of the Izu Peninsula. Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area is very convenient, and it is gaining popularity as a resort area that can be easily visited.

If you take a high-speed jet boat from Tokyo (Takeshiba Wharf) to Tokai Kisen, you can get there in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The boat is comfortable and you can enjoy the boat trip with beautiful scenery.

If you take a New Central Airlines flight from Chofu Airfield, you can get there in just about 25 minutes. It is recommended for those who want to get to the island in a short time.

Depending on the day, the arrival port and ship will arrive at either Okada Port on the north side of the island or Motomachi Port on the south side. We recommend that you check in advance.

Shinagawa Number ・ Although it is in Tokyo, the license plate of the car running on the island is the Shinagawa number. This also symbolizes that Izu Oshima is part of Tokyo.

1.3 Climate ・ Temperate oceanic climate

Izu Oshima belongs to a warm oceanic climate and is relatively comfortable throughout the year. Cool summers, mild winters, and a lot of precipitation nurture lush nature.

2. History and Culture of Izu Oshima/

Coexistence with volcanoes, depth of faith

2.1 Living with Volcanoes: History, Awe, and Wisdom of Disaster Prevention

Izu Oshima has a history of walking with Mt. Mihara, an active volcano. From about 20,000 years ago to the present, it is believed that large-scale eruptions have been repeated every 100 to 200 years. Since ancient times, the islanders have been in awe of Mt. Mihara and have called it "Gojinka" and the volcano "Gojinka-sama". The history of eruptions has imparted the wisdom of disaster prevention to the islanders and has had a significant impact on their lifestyles and culture.

2.2 The 1986 eruption and the evacuation of all islanders

In 1986, a large-scale eruption of Mt. Mihara occurred, causing an unprecedented situation in which all the islanders were evacuated from the island. However, the islanders worked together, overcame difficulties and began on the road to recovery.

2.3 Miracles and testimonies of faith at Mihara Shrine

During the eruption in 1986, the Mihara Shrine at the top of the mountain was spared from damage, and it has been passed down as one of the Seven Wonders of Oshima. This event is still talked about today as a symbol of the depth of faith of the islanders.

2.4 Motomachi Port Ferry Terminal, Entrance to the Island, Disaster Prevention Base

Motomachi Port Ferry Terminal is located in the center of Oshima Town and is the gateway to the island. The terminal is equipped with a tourist information center, shops, restaurants, etc., making it a convenient facility for tourists. It is also designed to function as an evacuation facility in the unlikely event that Mt. Mihara erupts, and also serves as a disaster prevention base.

3. Feel the breath of Izu Oshima's nature and earth

3.1 The dynamism of Mt. Mihara, one of the world's three most fluid volcanoes

Located in the center of Izu Oshima, Mt. Mihara is known as one of the world's three largest floating volcanoes. It is an active volcano that rises from the seabed, and its eruptive activity has had a significant impact on the topography and ecosystem of the island. At the summit of the mountain is a caldera with a diameter of about 10 square kilometers, in which volcanic activity continues to this day. The geology is mainly composed of basalt, which creates a unique landscape.

3.2 Certified as a Japan Geopark, experience the breath of the earth

Due to its unique topography and geology, Izu Oshima was selected as one of the 100 best geological sites in Japan in 2007, and in 2010 it became the first Japan geopark in the Kanto region to be certified. Geopark is a combination of "Geo" and "Park" and means "park of the earth" and refers to a place where you can learn about the earth (geo) and enjoy it in its entirety. Izu Oshima is highly regarded as a place where you can experience the dynamism of the earth through its volcanic history and unique ecosystem.

3.3 Strata large cut surfaces and stripes that engrave the memory of the earth

One of the representative landscapes of Izu Oshima is the "large cut surface of geological formations". This is a stunning striped formation that stretches for more than 600 meters, layering beautiful layers that look like Baumkuchen. This stratum was formed by the accumulation of volcanic ash ejected by repeated large eruptions over the past 20,000 years, and traces of about 100 eruptions can be seen. As a valuable geological formation that tells the history of the earth, it is visited by many researchers and tourists.

4. Izu Oshima's specialties, the blessings of the earth, and seafood

4.1 Ashitaba: Island vegetables full of vitality

Izu Oshima is also famous as the production area of Ashitaba. Tomorrow's leaves are known for their strong vitality and abundant nutritional value, as they are said to grow new leaves tomorrow even if they are picked today. As a volcanic island, Izu Oshima is warm and rainy throughout the year, making it the perfect environment for growing Asaba. In addition, the soil mixed with volcanic ash from Mt. Mihara has good drainage and is suitable for growing plants. Asaba is used in various forms such as tea, health food, and cooking, and is popular as a specialty of the island.

4.2 Camellia (Tsubaki), the color of the island, the source of beauty

In fact, as many as 3 million camellias grow wild on Izu Oshima. From the second half of January to the second half of March, the entire island is decorated with camellia flowers, and the "Camellia Festival" is held every year. Camellia flowers are not only beautiful, but also camellia oil obtained from the seeds is used as a valuable resource. Camellia oil is excellent at moisturizing hair and skin and is a popular beauty oil.

4.3 Tortoiseshell sushi and island-specific taste

One of Izu Oshima's specialties is tortoiseshell sushi. This is a spicy sushi made by soaking fresh white fish caught in the waters near the Izu Islands in chili soy sauce. The name comes from the fact that the pickled white fish shines "tortoiseshell color". White fish such as sea bream, tuna, bonito, etc. are used, and the spicy soy sauce of green chili peppers and the sweetness of fresh fish create an exquisite harmony. When you visit the island, be sure to taste it.

5. Oshima protected by the gods, the light of faith, reverence for nature

5.1 Izumitsu's cut-through, a mysterious space created by nature

Izu Oshima has many beautiful landscapes created by the power of nature. One of them is "Izumizu no Kiritoshi". This is a road that has been carved out of the bedrock by eroding rainwater over a long period of time, and it is like a tunnel. Surrounded by lush trees, it has a mysterious atmosphere.

5.2 The history of shrines, beliefs and nature worship, and the hearts of the islanders

Izu Oshima is an island with an active volcano, Mt. Mihara, and has a strong reverence for nature since ancient times, and many shrines have been built. These shrines are a place of remembrance for those who pray for the safety and prosperity of the island.

Mihara Shrine - Located on the summit of Mt. Mihara, the shrine is particularly revered because it miraculously survived the eruption. It enshrines the god of fire, and prayers are offered to calm the eruption.
Other shrines and various shrines scattered throughout the island that protect each area, and you can experience their history and culture. These shrines are deeply rooted in the lives of the islanders and play a role in deepening the bonds of the local community through festivals, events, and more.

Summary: Izu Oshima, the one and only charm

Izu Oshima is a fascinating island with a unique topography shaped by volcanic activity, rich nature, and people's beliefs.
It is easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, making it ideal for day trips and weekend trips.
There are many ways to enjoy the island, such as refreshing yourself in nature, experiencing the history and culture of the island, and tasting delicious specialties. Please visit Izu Oshima, a volcanic island protected by the gods, and experience its unique charm.

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