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Sightseeing on Niijima Island and Shikinejima Island

September: Niijima Islanders Festival

Also referred to as the Yubama Festival, the Niijima Islanders Festival is held annually in Niijima Island and receives support from both Niijima Village and Shikinejima Village. On the day of the festival, ferry rides between Niijima Island and Shikinejima Island are available, free of charge, and special buses are also in operation, allowing local residents and tourists easy access to the square in front of the Niijima Ferry waiting area. In the square, a stage for taiko (Japanese drum) performances by children, musical programs, and dance performances are held. Food stalls offer a variety of local delicacies and gourmet dishes. In the evening, a spectacular fireworks display attracts locals and tourists alike. The fireworks display can also be viewed from Shikinejima Island’s Nobushi Port.

Niijima Islanders Festival

April 30: Maritime Safety Prayer Festival (Niijima Island)

Each year during Golden Week (a Japanese holiday period in late April and early May), the Maritime Safety Prayer Festival is held on the beach on windless, fair-weather days. The chief and senior priests of Jusansha Shrine and island officials gather and pray for safe sea passages for the coming year. In addition to this religious ceremony, lively, cheerful events are held, such as taiko (Japanese drum) performances by members of the Fujin Children’s Group (name after the Japanese god of wind). Niijima Island volunteers participate in the first swim of the year, and sweets are distributed to festival-goers.
(C)Niijima Tourist Office

Maritime Safety Prayer Festival, Niijima Island

Ishiyama Observation Deck (Niijima Island)

In Ishiyama (also known as Mukaiyama), there are quarries of koga stone, a kind of pumice mined only in Niijima Island and on Mt. Amagi on Izu Peninsula. Koga stone has long been used as building material, because of its excellent qualities, such as fire resistance, heat insulation, lightness, and ease of processing (it can even be cut with a saw). At the quarry, you can admire the blue ocean below and the islands across the sea. Parts of the quarry are open to the public, as is Ishiyama Observation Deck, a stunning scenic point overlooking Shikinejima Island.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Niijima Port
(C)Niijima Tourist Office

Ishiyama Observatory, Niijima Island

Fujimi Pass Observation Deck (Niijima Island)

The Fujimi Pass Observation Deck is located on Mt. Miyatsukayama, which, with an altitude of 432 meters (1,417.3 feet), is the highest peak on Niijima Island. At the observation deck, you can see a small pyramid of koga stones, and enjoy one of the best views Niijima Island has to offer: a panoramic view of villages, the Izu Islands, and Mt. Fuji. You can gaze at Honson Village, Shikinejima Island, Kozushima Island, and Miyakejima Island; on a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji and Izu Peninsula. The observation deck is also a famous nightspot that attracts many visitors hoping to get a view of the starry night sky shimmering over the lights from the village.
Access: 20 minutes by car from Niijima Port
(C)Niijima Tourist Office

Fujimi Pass Observatory, Niijima Island

Shiromama Cliff (Niijima Island)

A huge cliff with exposed volcanic strata, Shiromama Cliff has been designated a National Park Special Conservation Area. “Mama” means “cliff” in the local dialect, and “shiromama” means “white cliff.” Almost 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) of strata—each stratum ranging between 30 meters (98.4 feet) and 250 meters (820.2 feet) in height—are exposed, creating superb views of the white cliffs juxtaposed against the azure sea. Due to its height and breadth, Shiromama Cliff cannot be seen in its entirety from any one point.
Access: 40 minutes on foot from Niijima Port
Note: The cliff suffers severe erosion caused by heavy rain, wind, and waves. As a result, the ground might shift and stones might fall. We ask that you enjoy the view from a distance and do not approach the cliff’s edge.
(C)Niijima Tourist Office

Shiromama Cliff, Niijima Island

Kambiki Observatory・Shikinejima island

The observatory is on Mt. Kambiki, the highest peak, at 99 meters (325 feets), on Shikinejima Island. It was also designated as one of the new 100 Landscapes of Japan. When you climb the stairs to the observation deck, the contrast between forest green and ocean blue spreads in front of you. The view is amazing and you can see Kambiki Bay well, and if it is sunny, Izu Islands and Mt.Fuji also jump to the eyes. Due to its view, Tadataka Ino, who created a Japanese map in the Edo period, stopped here. It is 40 minutes on foot from Nobuse Port.

Kanbiki Observation Deck, Shikinejima Island

Inumaki (Podocarpus macrophyllus) at Toyoji Temple・Shikinejima island

Huge trees are also famous in Shikinejima Island. The 900-year-old Podocarpus macrophyllus located at Toyoji Temple is 28 meters (98 feets) high and 5.3 meters (17.4 feets) around the trunk. In the precincts map of Meiwa 8 (1771), it was marked as a landmark of a temple and was designated as a cultural property of Tokyo ( Natural Monument ) in 1963. Podocarpus macrophyllus is an evergreen growing naturally in the warm region, and on the island it is known as“ Asnaro “. It is 25 minutes on foot from Nobuse Port.

Yew Plum Pine at Toyo Temple, Shikinejima Island

Agriculture and Fishing: Taking Advantage of the Natural Environment

Some of the well-known aquatic species that inhabit the coastal waters of Niijima Island and Shikinejima Island include the yellowstriped butterfish, Japanese butterfish, Japanese bluefish, ruby snapper, neon flying squid, and Japanese rock lobster. Striped beakfish, white trevally, threeline grunt, and amberjack can also be caught in these waters. In Wakago, Niijima Island, large nets have been set in paths of fish schools. With the rise of aquaculture technology using seawater, the Shikinejima Island fishing industry now breeds white trevally and abalone in fish farms. Excellent environmental conditions, such as abundant water resources and availability of flat farmland, also make Shikinejima Island great for agriculture. Currently, the cultivation of ashitaba and leather-leaf fern in greenhouses is receiving the most attention.

The splendid alfonsino and other fish, Niijima Island

Various Industries That Use Koga Stone, and Popular Niijima Glass

It is said that about 1 billion tons of valuable Koga stone (a type of rhyolite) lie in underground deposits in Niijima Island. Koga stone is soft enough to be cut with a saw and light enough to float in water. In addition, it can withstand temperatures of 1,000 degrees, and is valued as raw material for its qualities of acid resistance, soundproofing, and earthquake resistance. Made from koga stones, Niijima glass is becoming very popular for its beautiful coloration and wonderful luster. The Niijima Glass Art Center offers visitors the opportunity to experience glassblowing, and the Glass Art Museum displays works by glass artists from around the world.
(C)Niijima Tourist Office

Island-produced koga stones, Niijima Island

Nihonbashi: An Izakaya Where You Can Drink to Blessings of the Island (Niijima Island)

Nihonbashi offers popular dishes that uses ingredients produced in Niijima Island, such as kusaya (fish dipped in salt water and dried in the sun) made from small fish, ashitaba tempura, and sushi using locally caught fish. The family-owned and -operated izakaya (a Japanese-style pub) has a cozy, relaxed atmosphere and a wide selection of both traditional Japanese dishes and local Niijima Island food. You can even taste the fresh vegetables grown in the family’s own vegetable garden. While the pub is open for lunch in the summer, the place is often fully booked, so make a reservation before you visit.
Access: 20 minutes on foot from Niijima Port
(C)Niijima Tourist Office

Nihonbashi an izayaka in Niijima Island

Senryo: An Izakaya Serving Local Cuisine (Shikinejima Island)

Senryo is the only izakaya in Shikinejima Island that mainly uses ingredients produced on the island. Highly recommended are tempura made from ashitaba and unprocessed nori (dried seaweed), sashimi of locally caught fish, and Shikine dishes. In addition, you can try kusaya (fish dipped in salt water and dried in the sun), Japanese goose barnacles (a type of shellfish), Shikinejima Island specialty snacks, and local Shikinejima Island cuisine. Of course, you can also have draft beer and shochu (Japanese distilled liquor), popular beverages of choice. The bar is open only during Golden Week (a Japanese holiday period in late April and early May) and the summer season.
Access: 10 minutes on foot from Nobushi Port
(C)Shikinejima Tourist Office

Senryo, an izakaya in Shikinejima Island

963: Island Café Serving Fusion Cuisine (Shikinejima Island)

963 (kurosan) offers dishes that use vegetables, fish, and other ingredients produced on Shikinejima Island. An original concoction of the café, Shikinejima gaprao rice with ashitaba (also grown in Shikinejima Island) is highly recommended. Chilled to -3 °C (26.6 °F), 963’s beer is also a winning choice. In addition to the locally produced cuisine and delicious Japanese sake, you can take in the stylish architecture of the café (originally an old Japanese-style house). While listening to mellow music, you can enjoy your time in Shikinejima Island all day long.
Access: 9 minutes on foot from Nobushi Port
(C)Shikinejima Tourist Office

963, an island café in Shikinejima Island

Habushiura Park and Habushiura Coast (Niijima Island)

Located in Niijima Island, Habushiura Park lets you commune with nature. The park includes a campground, a coliseum, and bicycle paths to help you enjoy nature to the fullest. Adjacent to the park, Habushiura Coast is a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) stretch of white sandy beach. Niijima Island is known for this famous coastline, which was designated one of the One Hundred Views of New Tokyo. Habushiura Coast is known as one of Japan’s main surf locations where international competitions are sometimes held.
(C)Niijima Tourist Office

Habushiura Coast, Niijima Island

Surfing, Diving, and Marine Sports (Niijima Island)

Fascinated by the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean, surfers visit Niijima Island’s surf locations from all around Japan and other parts of the world. Even beginners can enjoy surfing comfortably, and bodyboarding lessons are also available. Though you may be surprised, diving in Niijima Island is fantastic. Beneath the highly transparent water, you will encounter many friends nurtured by the kuroshio (black current). Along the shore, you can swim and participate in many other marine sports and activities. The activities described here are just few of the many activities available. Come to Niijima Island, where fun and excitement await!
(C)Niijima Tourist Office

Surfing (Niijima Island)

Jinata Onsen and Other Hot Springs by the Sea (Shikinejima Island)

Shikinejima Island boasts a beautiful ria coastline. Along the complicated coastline are hot springs that are underwater at high tide and appear as hot springs at low tide. The famous Jinata Onsen is located in a valley where the terrain looks as though it has been cut with a hatchet. Seawater flows into the valley and mixes with water from hot springs, creating water of the perfect temperature for bathing. You can gaze at the great expanse of the ocean while bathing in the fascinating hot spring, surrounded by rocks. This is a must-visit for those who like secluded hot springs. Ashitsuki Onsen and Matsugashita-Miyabi Yu are also very famous.
(C)Shikinejima Tourist Office

Jinata Onsen, Shikinejima Island

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