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Kozu island
神津島
In three words: Jump into the Ocean
Recommended for: Snorkelers, Scuba-divers, Beach bums, Campers, Hikers, People wanting to explore Tokyo’s wild islands.
Size: Around 19km²
Population: Around 1,900
Accessed by boat from: Tokyo Takeshiba Port, Atami, Shimoda, other islands.
Accessed by plain from: Tokyo Chofu Airport
In Brief:
The island of Kozushima is easy to get to from Tokyo. It is quiet and beautiful. Kouzushima has amazing snorkelling, diving, beaches, mountains, camping, views and more. Probably the most famous spot on Kozushima is a bridge and diving platform where you can jump in the ocean, snorkel with big fish and repeat. Kozushima is also a great hiking destination with one of Tokyo’s top 100 views located on the mountain tops. There are hot springs and spring water cold and beautiful to taste.
Too touristy?:
Kozushima is one of the less touristy islands of Tokyo. Much less so than the Ogasawara islands. It can get more crowded on weekends and be very quiet Mon-Fri. In recent years Kozushima has had a few new businesses open up, with a beer maker and some nice restaurants increasing it’s appeal to tourists a bit. Winters are totally dead as the waves make it difficult to get to and enjoy.
Getting there:
There are a few different boats that will take you to Kozushima. They generally leave from Tokyo Takeshiba and Shimoda, though sometimes they leave from Atami too. You can also fly to Kozushima from Chofu Airport in Tokyo.
The most difficult part is working out the timetable which you can find here.
Basically there are speed boats that take between three and four hours from Tokyo. They depart in the morning and arrive at about lunch time. These are the priciest boats costing over 11,000 yen one way.
Then there are slow overnight boats which leave Tokyo late at night around 23:00 and arrive the next morning at 9:00. These are around 8,200 yen one way but will save you on a night accommodation too. Also, great views of Tokyo at night.
Last of the boats is the service from Shimoda. They tend to leave at 9:30 and do a loop of some of the Izu Islands. The loop switches direction daily. So you will arrive in Kozushima at either 11:50 or 13:50 depending on the route on the day. You can find all the info in Japanese here. This is the cheapest boat costing about 4,000 yen one way.
Finally you can fly in and out. The small Chofu Airport in Tokyo provides a service to a lot of the Tokyo islands. The price is 15,300 one way which is very reasonable. There are two flights a day which take 45 minutes. And the 19 person propeller plane is quite an experience. Find their website here.
Getting there is tough to work out and it is one of the reasons it is not as visited as it could be. Contact us and we can help you getting yourself there.
Getting around:
It is a pretty big island. It is difficult and dangerous on hot days to try and explore it properly on foot.
Bus: There is a bus that runs along the coast line only 3-4 times a day. Fine if you have no alternative but doesn’t approach the mountains.
Bicycle: Bicycles can be rented from several stores in the village. They cost 1,500-2,000 yen for 24 hours. Good for coastal exploration. But outside of that the slopes are very steep and these are gear-less city bikes.
Scooters: For 4,800 yen for 24 hours you can rent a scooter. This will get you all over the island. Two shops rent them. They are a little pricey but very helpful for mountain exploration.
Cars: One store rents cars. This could be a good idea if you have a group that wants to explore.
Taxi: Taxi’s are in operation and can help get you to those hard to reach mountains and are more flexible than buses.
The sights/things to do:
Beaches/Swimming spots:
Akazaki Diving Platforms: This is the most famous spot on Kozushima. It is a stunning cliff side wooden walk way. You can jump into the ocean from several meters up. From there you can snorkel in crystal clear waters with tropical sea-life.
Nagahama Beach - This beach is about 15 minutes cycle from the village. It is a public campsite and has lovely clear blue waters.
Maehama Beach - The beach in front of the main village. This beach has a family feel. There is beach volleyball, swimming and snorkelling and beaches to relax on while watching the sun set.
Takowan Beach - This beach on the far side of the island is where all the boats are kept and where the boats land in bad weather. A lovely beach, good for surfing, with spring water and snorkelling.
Mountain hiking:
Mount Tenjo is a 572m mountain. It is surprisingly interesting and varied for such a small mountain. On top you get sandy deserts, ponds, shrines and views. Actually the view from Mount Tenjo on Kozushima is in Tokyo’s top 100 views.
Hot Springs:
Sabusaki is Kozushima’s only hot spring. It is a large facility with sun set ocean views, outdoor and indoor baths, jet baths and a sauna. It costs 800 yen which is bit pricey but it is a great place to watch the sunset.
Spring water:
Takowan Bay: Next to Takowan Beach is a wonderful spring. The water is so delicious and is pouring out at an amazing rate. You can even jump in a freezing little bath there to help with sunburned skin!
Akazaki: Near the diving platforms there is a bridge. After the bridge is a spring. Yum yum.
Accommodation:
Camping:
There are three campsites:
Suwajiriwan Campsite - This is the closest to the port. A little patch of grass in front of the beach. Free of charge. Register at the tourist information centre before you stay. Toilets, showers and BBQ gear free to use.
Nagahama Campsite - You can camp on the beach here. It is wider and wilder. It is a little further from the port. It is again free, with toilets, showers and BBQ stuff.
Takowan Park Family Campsite: This is a spacious grassy field ideal for camping. It costs 300 per night and comes with a lovely park and all the facilities you need. It is far from the main village so buses, cars, taxis may be needed.
Hotels:
There are tons of guesthouses to choose from. Here are a couple:
Minna no Besso Familia (みんなの別荘ファミリア): A clean and English friendly, western style, mid-upper range guest house in the village. They are around 11,000 per person per night in summer with breakfast.
Joei-Maru (丈栄丸) - A Japanese traditional place in the main village with local seafood at dinners and breakfasts included. A very traditional Japanese place.
Contact us for help booking.
Food and drink:
With so many to choose from here are a few highlights:
Hyuga Brewery - This is exciting. A beer brewery on such a tiny island is rare. Their beers are great. The atmosphere is kind of young and like a bar with food which may be a bit disappointing for people looking for a pure brewery atmosphere.
Cafe & Diner AILANA - This place does great burgers for lunch at good prices. In the evenings they are a little different and after 9pm you can’t really order food anymore.
Toriton Ice Cream (トリトン) - Locally made ice cream in a huge variety of flavours at reasonable prices. A must!
Organised tours/activities:
Scuba Diving:
The oceans are clear and full of amazing life. Expect large fish being fed by the Kuroshio currents. We recommend that you use Nangoku (ナンゴク) Diving Shop for English language scuba diving. Find their website here.
Star Gazing Boat Tours:
2,700 yen for a 20:00-22:00 cruise where you can see the stars and phosphorescent life in the sea.
Hiking Tours:
There are guides hiking in the mountains but only in Japanese right now. We hope to offer this service soon.
Fishing Tours:
Fish from land or boat with experienced local fishermen. Costs between 14,000 yen and 19,000 yen for 6:00-13:00.
Contact us for help booking.
Itinerary (2 nights)
Day 1 - Arrive in the morning. Pitch your tent or check in to your hotel. Rent a scooter or bicycle and snorkel and head to the sea. Akazaki jumping platforms and Nagahama Beach. BBQ and craft beer. Yes please!
Day 2 - Scuba Diving. Go with Nangoku Dive Shop and they will take you in an English friendly environment to some of the many dive spots around the island. In the evening: hot springs and a sunset.
Day 3 - Go hiking up the mountain. Make sure you know the trails and have a map or a guide before you leave. Catch the last boat home.
