island

island

Shishijima Some hiking
Autumn

Shishijima: Island of the Goat (or of the 19 Residents)

It’s early. I call on my host: couldn’t you recommend an island around here for my morning constitutional? Of course, he told me. So join my mate on his boat down there. He’ll take you to his place! On Goat Island! You’ve a deal there, I miaow readily, whiskers quivering with excitement.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if hiking to the Okusu camphor tree and wandering the abandoned villages)
Lush Rebun Island, Hokkaidos serene meadows, azure sea. Some hiking
Autumn

Rebun: The Flowered Floating Island

Frantically I put my foot down, driving along the incredible Route 106 (the last stretch of road to the north of Hokkaido) through a storm where the sky and the ocean are as one.

Some crowds
Full day for a quick visit (or overnight if you want to hike and see more of the island).
Aogashima: Japans Majestic Volcanic Island Haven Some hiking
Autumn

Aogashima: Double Volcano Island

Aogashima is a very mysterious island. Online, always the same photos taken from a helicopter, sometimes photoshopped. But what’s really hidden behind these lava walls?

Quiet
Full day minimum on Aogashima; realistically 1–2 days including weather/transport buffer (ferry/heli disruptions).
Nishinoshima (Oki Islands) Some hiking
Interview

Oki Islands: Nishinoshima

Quiet
Overnight (1 night) recommended; can be a long day trip if connections line up
Captivating rock sculptures resembling human forms in Habushiura Natural Park. Easy walk
Izu Islands

Niijima: The Island of Lava Cascades

Some crowds
Full day for the main viewpoints + sights (or 1–2 days if pairing with nearby Shikinejima)
Discover the raw beauty of Oshima Islands volcanic landscape with Mt. Miharas dramatic crater. Hard hike
Izu Islands

Oshima and its Black Desert

Oshima is the largest island in the Izu peninsula. It has an active volcano surrounded by black desert... the only desert in Japan!

Some crowds
Full day (plan 6–9 hours). The crater loop is relatively quick, but crossing/looping around the black desert can take much longer than expected and can make you miss the last boat.
Exploring the abandoned beauty of Gunkanjima, Japans haunted Battleship Island. Haunting
Japan

Gunkanjima: Photos & Stories

Abandoned in 1974, the Battleship Island (Gunkanjima) turned into the Ghost Island and soon became one of the most famous spot for urban exploration.

Difficulty
Risk
Stone arch in Japans tranquil landscape, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Easy walk
Autumn

Okinawa: From Naha To Nago

How can you spend so much time in Japan without ever touching ground in the Ryukyu archipelago? You can’t! This first part is set on the main Okinawa island.

Some crowds
Half day to 1 day (often used mainly as an arrival/base city)
Serene Beauty: Miyajimas Iconic Torii Gate in Seto Inland Sea. Easy walk
Chugoku

The Torii of Miyajima

I visited the back alleys of Miyajima, I discovered the place where fawns meet together, I took a unique walk in a temple that was even more unique, I ate a lot both grub and junk food.

Busy
Half day to full day (allow extra time if hiking up the mountain and exploring back alleys/temples).