Index
🌲 Yakushima: The Island of Ancient Forests
Covered in deep green moss and shrouded in mist, Yakushima is one of Japan’s most mystical destinations.
This island in Kagoshima Prefecture is home to ancient cedar trees, including the famous Jōmon Sugi, which is believed to be over 2,000 years old.
Hiking through its UNESCO-listed forests feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie.
In fact, many believe that Yakushima inspired the lush world of Princess Mononoke.
But it’s not just about the trees—look around and you’ll spot wild monkeys, deer, and waterfalls cascading into crystal-clear streams.
After a long hike, don’t miss the island’s seaside hot springs like Hirauchi Kaichū Onsen, which appear only during low tide!
Yakushima
⚒️ Sado Island: Gold Mines and Cultural Riches
Located off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, Sado Island is where history and tradition run deep.
Once a site of political exile, Sado later became a booming center of gold production during the Edo period.
Today, you can still explore the tunnels of the Sado Kinzan gold mine, a place that once supported the Tokugawa shogunate’s economy.
But Sado isn’t just about gold.
It’s also home to Japan’s unique tarai-bune—a round tub boat rowed by locals, mostly women in traditional headscarves.
Every August, the island comes alive with the Earth Celebration festival, hosted by the world-renowned taiko group Kodo, which is based here.
Sado is also a sanctuary for crested ibises, a rare and protected bird species lovingly nurtured by the islanders.
Tarai-bune—
🌋 Izu Ōshima: Volcanic Drama and Island Life
Just a short ferry ride from Tokyo, Izu Ōshima feels like a world away.
This volcanic island is dominated by Mt. Mihara, an active volcano that last erupted in 1990.
The dramatic black sands of Kozu-hama Beach and the barren lava fields create a stark, almost otherworldly landscape.
But Izu Ōshima is also full of quiet charm—coastal bike paths, cozy inns, and local dishes like bekko-don, a spicy marinated fish over rice.
Don’t forget to visit the Camellia Garden in spring when the island’s symbol flower blooms in vivid red.
The blend of geological power and relaxed island life makes Izu Ōshima a perfect short escape from city crowds.
Izu Ōshima
🧭 Why Visit Japan’s Islands?
Japan’s islands are more than scenic getaways—they’re windows into deep-rooted traditions, biodiversity, and slower living.
Each island tells a different story.
Whether it’s following mossy paths in Yakushima, rowing a tarai-bune in Sado, or watching waves crash against volcanic cliffs in Izu Ōshima,
you’ll find parts of Japan few travelers ever experience.
KeeeeN-G even swears he heard the forest whisper on Yakushima… but maybe that was the sea breeze and too much local shōchū. 🐯🍶
P.S.
I have been to the islands belonging to Izu Oshima three times. They are Kozushima, Shikinejima, and Hachijojima. To get there by sea, you can take a boat from Atami or Tokyo, or you can also fly from Chofu Airport “Tokyo”. I remember that when I went there, I was told that the weather was bad and the plane might not be able to fly (lol).
There were a lot of foreigners on the ferry, so I felt happy for some reason, thinking “Huh? Is this Japan?”.
またね “Matane”!
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