History of Oshima Island

It is said that humans first settled on Izu Oshima about 8,000 years ago. Mt. Mihara, which towers over the middle of the island, is known to have erupted multiple times over the centuries. Thus, the mountain has been revered and viewed with awe and respect as a Gojinka (fire of the gods). Another interesting fact about Izu Oshima is that the island was used as a penal colony until the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868). Minamoto-no-Tametomo, who suffered defeat in the Hogen no ran (Hogen Disturbance), Enno Gyoja (a Japanese ascetic and mystic), Julia Ota (a persecuted Christian), and many other well-known people were exiled to the island. Many historical sites are located on Izu Oshima.

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