Izu Oshima Island
Izu Oshima Island, the largest of Tokyo’s Izu Islands, offers a unique cycling experience with its volcanic landscapes, black sand beaches, and rugged coastal roads. The island is dominated by the towering Mount Mihara, an active volcano, providing dramatic views and challenging climbs for adventurous cyclists. Riders can circle the island on a 45-kilometer route, taking in scenic ocean views, lush forests, and volcanic rock formations. Along the way, visitors can stop at hot springs, explore local villages, and experience Oshima’s famous camellia flowers in bloom. With its raw natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Izu Oshima is a perfect getaway for cyclists seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Route
The route around the island on the main road is about 45 kilometers so even a somewhat entry level rider can do the whole loop in a day.
Extra Riding
Mt. Mihara
Izu Oshima Island is centered around the volcanic island of Mt. Mihara and the climb up to the peak is good. There are two routes up: Gojinka Skyline and Tokyo Prefecturial road 207. Both are good climbs and enjoyable. The author’s preference is to climb the Gojinka Skyline because the views are better but then decend the route 207 as it’s 2 lanes the entire way day and a nice grade that doesn’t require much braking.
Sunset Line
The Sunset Line is a beautiful piece of road just to the West of the Airport and can offer spectacular sunset views. Taking this detour only adds a couple kilometers
Getting there and away
Boat
Ferry
Ferries for Izu Oshima leave Tokyo’s Takeshiba Port in the late evening (10PM or 11PM) and arrive at Izu Oshima in the early morning at 5AM or 6AM. (timetable, Japanese Only). On some rare dates the ferry makes a stop in Yokohama, check dates.
Return ferries typically leave in the afternoon and arrive back in Tokyo in the evening.
If you put your bicycle in a rinko bag, the charge is 600yen, if you roll-on-roll-off, the charge is 1800yen
Jet Foil
Addtionally, there are a few jet foils to Takeshiba a day (timetable, Japanese Only). Sometimes the jet foil makes a stop in Yokosuka, check dates and time. Bicycle can be brought aboard the jet foil but only in a rinko bag and at a charge of 1200yen.
There is also a jetfoil from Atami each day and on some occaisions from Tateyama in Chiba.
Plane
Taking the plane from Chofu to Oshima is a quick and scenic way to reach the largest of the Izu Islands. The short 25-minute flight offers stunning aerial views of Tokyo’s outskirts, the shimmering Pacific Ocean, and the volcanic landscape of Izu Oshima.
Some people might find the small plane a bit on the scary side but the low flight altitudes and the great views it offeres make it worthwhile!
Bicycles in rinko bags can be taken on the plane but space is limited so make sure to call ahead and reserve space.
As, each person only gets 5kg of luggage, brining a bicycle will certianly go over. The cost is 240yen/kg (luggage details, Japanese only)
