Top 7 Activities to Enjoy on Niijima, One of Tokyo's Remote Islands

Tokyo's Niijima Island

When it comes to Niijima, not only foreign tourists but also many Japanese may not be familiar with this island. But we'll introduce this beautiful island to you below!

Where Is Niijima Island Located?

Niijima is located approximately 150 kilometers from Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, with a population of about 2,000 people. This small island has crystal-blue coastlines and marine activities, most notably surfing, as the main tourist attraction.

The stars shine brightly at night, with visitors awe-struck by the island's vibrant nature. It's hard to believe that this island belongs to Tokyo.

Access to Niijima and Island Transportation

There are two ways to access Niijima from Tokyo. One is boarding a small plane from Chofu Airport, while the other is using a high-speed jetfoil from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo.

The shortest travel time for the high-speed jetfoil is 2 hours and 20 minutes. It is important to fasten your seatbelt securely during the journey. The ride's comfort level will vary depending on the weather and sea conditions. But due to the jetfoil's high speed, the swaying is not too severe, so you don't have to worry. Alternatively, the travel time is 40 minutes by small plane.

The primary transportation on the island is by rental car or bicycle. We recommend using a rental car to visit one of the main attractions, the Ishiyama Observatory, located at a high altitude.

If you prefer traveling by small plane, it is necessary to make a reservation through the operating company, New Central Airservice, on the official website.

You can check ferry reservations and the latest operation information on the Tokai Kisen's official website when planning a trip to Niijima. Be sure to check this before visiting Niijima!

Top 7 Ways to Enjoy Niijima

Now, we'll introduce our top seven ways to enjoy Niijima. You will surely fall in love with this small island by the end!

1. Visit Habushiura Beach: Selected Among the Top 100 Destinations in “New Tokyo”

Habushiura Beach is a signature tourist spot on Niijima. It was also selected among one of the "New Tokyo 100 Views" in 1982.

In particular, the white building called the Main Gate by the shore is a landmark representing the island, often appearing on Niijima's posters and other promotional materials. Many tourists stand between the buildings to take pictures.

Habushiura Beach's coastline and milky white sea are particularly noteworthy. The white sandy beach stretches for about 6.5 kilometers. While gazing at the vast ocean, you will find yourself mesmerized and losing track of time on the beach.

As the blue sea approaches the sandy beach, it turns milky white. The nearby Shiromama Fault collapsed, resulting in the white sand brought by sea currents to this area. This causes the sea to take on this coloration and create a unique landscape.

Furthermore, the ocean current at Habushiura Beach is perfect for surfing, which is why many surfers visit this area!

Habushiura Beach
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village, Namure Google Maps
Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/244/index.html

2. Enjoy the Open-Air Hot Spring at Yunohama Onsen

Near Mamashita Beach is a building resembling an ancient Greek temple, constructed using Koga stone (volcanic rock extracted from the island) at the Yunohama Open-Air Hot Spring. The structure stands out prominently, even when seen from a distance!

This open-air onsen is open 24 hours a day year-round (*). You can enjoy it anytime while wearing swimwear!

*It may not be available for use due to maintenance and other reasons.

On sunny days, you can enjoy beautiful scenery, such as the islands of Shikinejima and Kozushima, alongside the sunset from the topmost bath. Even if you don't have any swimwear, you can freely use the foot bath nearby. Be sure to experience it when you visit Niijima!

Yunohama Open-Air Hot Spring
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village Google Maps
Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/481/index.html

3. Enjoy Breathtaking Ocean and Island Views From Ishiyama Observatory

If you want to see breathtaking island views, head to the high vantage point at Ishiyama Observatory. Located in the southwest of the island, this place is indeed a "stone mountain," as its Japanese name suggests. You'll pass by the Niijima Koga stone quarry along the way.

Those with a rental car can drive directly to the observatory. Even without a vehicle, you can reach the observatory on foot via a mountain hiking trail, which takes about 90 minutes. From here, you can enjoy a stunning view overlooking the islands of Shikinejima and Kozushima.

From Ishiyama Observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Mamashita Beach, Yunohama Open-Air Hot Spring, unique rock formations, and the crystal-blue sea below. This scenery is definitely unique to Ishiyama Observatory!

Ishiyama Observatory
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village, Mukaiyama Google Maps
Website: https://niijima-info.jp/enjoy/observatory/ishiyama/

4. Experience Glass Art at Niijima Glass Art Center

Established in 1988, the Niijima Glass Art Center fosters glass art talent and promotes the industry. Niijima Glass created here is a craft using the island's specialty Koga stone.

Koga stone is a precious volcanic rock that can only be quarried on Niijima and the Italian island of Lipari. Due to the unique characteristics of Koga stone, glass crafted with it exhibits a beautiful olive color in its undyed state.

The Niijima Glass Art Center not only sells glass products but also conducts a glass engraving workshop. The workshop takes approximately 40 minutes.

After receiving an initial explanation, you will sketch a rough draft on paper. Then, you will use an oil-based pen to outline your design on a glass cup. Afterward, you will engrave the glass using an engraving tool. Once the engraving is complete, hand the cup over to the staff for finishing touches. These are the steps to create your original Niijima Glass artwork!

Once you've finished, take your creation to the rooftop of the art center and capture a photo with the sea and mountains in the background. This, in turn, will create beautiful memories of Niijima!

Niijima Glass Art Center
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village, Mammagawa Kaigandori Google Maps
Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/477/index.html

5. Indulge in Gourmet Delights at the Stylish Cafe POOL

Located north of the central Honmura district in Niijima, near the Niijima Village Museum, is where the cafe POOL is located. This popular spot is frequented by locals and tourists. Therefore, it's common for the cafe to be fully booked.

At the entrance, you'll see chairs, tables, and umbrellas set up to create a resort-like atmosphere. It almost feels like you're overseas, adding to its already relaxing environment.

POOL offers a diverse menu with exotic touches and dishes made from locally sourced ingredients from Niijima.

The Shima Poki Don features locally sourced squid, tuna, onions, cucumbers, seaweed, and a miso soup with ashitaba kelp, which is a specialty vegetable of the Tokyo islands. This delicious dish creatively incorporates island ingredients in a modern twist!

It is also recommended to enjoy the unique flavor of guava beer, which combines sweetness and acidity, alongside your dishes.

POOL
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village, Honmura 2-9-23 Google Maps
Website: https://niijima-info.jp/member/member_restaurant/3469/

*POOL has been temporarily closed for an extended period since November 2023. For the re-opening date, please check their Official Facebook(Japanese)

6. Niijima's New Specialty Drink? Experience Niijima Cream Soda at Rest House

Located within Niijima Shinsui Park is a restaurant called Rest House, which is also loved by tourists and locals alike. They offer dishes prepared with attentive care using local ingredients from the island.

Signature dishes like Island Taco Rice, Stir-Fried Rice with Ashitaba Kelp and Roasted Seaweed, and Island Seaweed Pasta featuring local ingredients are some of the highlights on the menu!

While Rest House offers a typical drink menu found in most cafes, one unique item is the Niijima Cream Soda, which can be considered a new specialty of the island.

This drink combines light blue cream soda with ice cream, creating a sweet and tangy refreshing flavor. The color is inspired by the surrounding sea of Niijima. When you dig into the ice cream, it resembles the colors of Niijima's sandy beaches and ocean. It's a cute menu item that is also photogenic!

Rest House
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village, Setoyama 120 Google Maps
Website: https://niijima-info.jp/member/member_restaurant/3533/

7. Sacred Surfing at the Holy Site for Surfers

Surfing can be considered synonymous with Niijima. Many people come to this sacred place seeking the powerful waves of Niijima.

If you're into surfing, the island's surf shops offer equipment rentals and lessons.

There are different spots with varying levels and wave conditions, not only at the mentioned Habushiura Coast but also at Mamashita Beach near Yunohama Open-Air Hot Spring and the beach known as Secret Point.

Mamashita Beach
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village, Setoyama 113 Google Maps
Website: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/480/index.html

Secret Point
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village Google Maps
Website: https://niijima-info.jp/enjoy/surfin/surf_point/secret/

Fujiya and Hostel NABLA: Two Accommodations Offering Unique Lodging Styles on the Island

There are several guesthouses and minshuku (Japanese-style inn) on Niijima. Since the number of rooms is limited everywhere, we recommend making a reservation in advance once your travel plans are finalized.

Fujiya: A Minshuku Where Solo Travelers and Families Can Relax and Unwind

Fujiya is a minshuku that opened in 2018. Located in the central district of Niijima, it is very convenient for accessing tourist spots and shopping.

Although Fujiya was originally an inn, the interior was renovated when the current owner took over, allowing guests to enjoy the atmosphere from the Showa Era to the present day.

Since it's a minshuku, guests can also have their meals in a large communal hall. The cuisine consists of typical Japanese home-cooked dishes and is highly praised for its taste and portion size.

All guest rooms are Japanese-style, ranging from 6 to 12 tatami mat rooms, providing a spacious and comfortable environment for solo travelers and families.

Fujiya
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village, Honmura 5-2-2 Google Maps
Website: https://niijima-info.jp/member/member_stay/2799/

Hostel NABLA: Experience Island Living with Ease!

With its pure white exterior and fashionable interior, Hostel NABLA is especially popular among the guesthouses on the island.

Although Hostel NABLA opened in 2017, the building itself has a 70-year history and is now preserved as a rare Koga stone structure. Originally a movie theater, it later became a minshuku before transforming into a guesthouse.

The charms of a guesthouse lie in the opportunity for people from various places to stay in one room, fostering connections and exchanges.

To ensure privacy, each room is equipped with four beds with curtains. Amenities such as desk lights, safety boxes, and hangers are also provided for the convenience of guests. It's a great option to enjoy Niijima tourism affordably!

Hostel NABLA
Address: Tokyo, Niijima Village, Honmura 6-3-1 Google Maps
Website: https://niijima-info.jp/member/member_stay/1346/

Visit Tokyo’s Remote Island of Niijima!

Are you ever interested in experiencing a side of Tokyo that's different from the bustling city? If this describes you, we highly recommend a visit to Tokyo's remote islands!

These remote islands each have their own unique features, but Niijima stands out among them with its stunning sea, island cuisine, and attractions that surpass well-known tourist spots. We highly suggest planning a visit to this scenic place!

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