overview:
The Mishima Islands are really extreme, pro-level deep Japan travel. Basically no one visits these islands. It is not because they are not beautiful. Look for yourself! These islands are gorgeous and really unique. They all have tiny populations and almost no tourism. But they are trying to promote themselves more and more and, for some people, that sense of adventure is exactly what they seek. If that sounds like you: read on.
logistics:
There is one boat going to all three of the Mishima Village islands. It is called the ‘M-Line’. It makes its way from Kagoshima at 9:30. It arrives in Takeshima at 12:30, Iojima at 13:25, Ozato (Kuroshima) at 14:50 and Katadomari (Kuroshima) at 15:35. Then, it either turns around and goes back the same day, or stays overnight in Kuroshima and returns the next day, arriving in Kagoshima at either 20:00 or 14:05 accordingly.
The schedule is really rather irregular and difficult to make sense of but it works out something like this:
Mondays - No boats
Tuesdays and Fridays - Day trip (returns to Kagoshima at 20:00)
Wednesdays and Saturdays - Outbound trip from Kagoshima
Thursdays and Sunday - Return trip (arriving in Kagoshima at 14:05)
There are some serious irregularities to this so check the schedule in Japanese here. Or contact us to make use of our booking service.
tips:
Speak a little Japanese: These islands are really un-touristic so just a few words will really help you to ingratiate yourselves with the locals!
Be prepared: There are no restaurants and only 2 shops over 3 islands. Be ready if you are camping. If you are not camping, the hotels will take good care of you.
Be pro-active: When you arrive you may find yourself wondering ‘what do I do now?’. So ask questions. Request things like bicycles to rent etc.
Know the culture: Make sure you know things like ‘no shoes in the house’ cultural points of Japan. Or at least be ready to learn them and respect them.
recommended itinerary:
Iojima:
One or two nights:
Arrive in Iojima. Rent a bicycle and cycle around, visit the wild onsens, or even enquire about a tour of the volcano/kayak tour either for that day or the next. One night will be enough but you could stretch it to two if you get a tour (be careful because extensions may mess with your boat schedule).
Takeshima:
One night:
If you stay one night in Iojima the next day’s boat will either take you to Takeshima or Kuroshima. Let’s assume it is Takeshima. One night is enough, this is the beach part of your holiday. Go snorkelling at the beach!
kuroshima:
One or two nights:
You always arrive late in Kuroshima. I recommend booking a tour of their new community run Shochu factory. The government will pick you up and show you. Be courteous and buy at least a bottle to say thank you. The next day is a good day to rent bicycles and go hiking. But be warned the paths are not well maintained.