a quick island escape from tokyo | Niijima is 135km from Tokyo, but feels like a world away. Blue water, white sands, and a relaxing vibe make an island camping trip a great escape |
---Getting there---
Boats depart from Takashita ferry port a:
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SLOW BOAT Bring all of your camping gear on board and some food, drinks, and any musical instruments for the trip. There are blankets on board, but recommend to keep your sleeping bag close by. We usually have a good time drinking, catching up, and playing music before trying to get some sleep. If the weather is nice I recommend the slow ferry. Its a great day trip and you can see the other islands and an ocean view of Yokohama and Tokyo. We return our bicycles in the morning and reserve a taxi to take us to the ferry port. If you want to make life really easy you can takubin your gear back to tokyo. Details Cost: 6,120 yen (one way) / 12,240 yen (round trip) Departs Takeshita Port (Tokyo): @10:00pm Arrives Maehama Port (Niijima): @7:30am Departs Maehama Port(Niijima): @10:55 Arrives Takeshita Port (Tokyo) @17:30 | FAST BOAT The jet ferry is much more comfortable and convenient. YOU MUST RESERVE EARLY. Prime days usually sell out really early. Details Cost: 9,560 yen (one way) / 19,120yen (round trip) Departs Takeshita Port (Tokyo) @8:20am Arrives Tobune Port* (Niijima) @11:40 Departs Tobune Port* (Niijima) @ 13:55 Arrives Takeshita Port (Tokyo) @16:45 TipsBook early -- ferries and minshukus sell out, so make a reservation if you choose to use them Different ferry ports -- the jet ferry port departs and arrives at *Tobune Port on the North side of the island. It's best to call ahead and reserve a taxi for pick up. If you take the slow ferry there are a lot of taxis waiting to take you to your minshuku or the camp ground Cancel Machi - great way to get a seat or space inside a tatami room for a little sleep |
Plane There are daily flights, weather permitting, from Chōfu Airport located in western Tokyo. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. The planes flown on this route are 18-seater Dornier turbo prop and a 9 seater Islander turbo prop. The airport is a 10 minute walk to the campgrounds and 10 minutes form to town. |
---Camping---
Niijima is usually warmer than Tokyo and is typically nice spring weather from March to June. Bring beach clothes, but also dont forget to pack warm clothes because it does get cold at night. Also, make sure to have a rain jacket and long johns just in case. The camp grounds are really well provisioned with toilets, cooking areas, bathrooms, and cold water showers *there are hot water showers near the Habushiura beach complex and the onsen. Often there are boxes of communal pots and pans for use in addition to soap and spoonges at the several washing stations around the camping area.
Camping Gear tent sleeping bag sleeping pad eating utensils flash light (s) cup bbq tongs paper plates spices sarong/ towel toiletries Clothing Shorts t-shirts underwear pants sandals bathing suit rain jacket long underwear hoodie *this is a minimalist list | There are supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, and izakayas on the island. You can get nearly anything you need on the island, so don't worry about forgetting anything. |
Tips and Additional Gear |
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---Getting around---The best part of Niijima is the slow life. its best to rent a bicycle near the camp ground. It makes it much easier when you arrive and also returning it before coming back to Tokyo. Niijima is really easy to get around and a bicycle is much more convenient to get to/from the town and the onsen |
---What to do---
The beach is close to the campground and is always a great way to spend the day. Relax, read a book, surf, swim, etc. Its best to walk south and find a calm sandy section because global warming has slowly eroded the beach closest to the camp ground. There are also some fun trails and small roads to ride bicycles around. There are also other beaches around the island that are better for swimming and there are some fun rocks to jump off if you're interested.
The onsen is usually the highlight of the trip. Yunohama onsen is outdoors, free, mixed, and pretty much has no rules. Drinking and other deboutory is tolerated, so its a fun way to relax. The hot water showers are here so an average day usually involves going to the beach in the morning, heading to the onsen in the afternoon for the sunset, stopping at the supermarket on the way home, and barbecuing at night.
There are also other trails to hike, a glass museum, mud baths, fishing, scuba diving, and a private onsen. Ive actually never tried any of these, but heard they are fun. Also we usually go back to one of our familiar izakayas for one night to take a break from cooking and to spread the wealth to the local businesses.
The onsen is usually the highlight of the trip. Yunohama onsen is outdoors, free, mixed, and pretty much has no rules. Drinking and other deboutory is tolerated, so its a fun way to relax. The hot water showers are here so an average day usually involves going to the beach in the morning, heading to the onsen in the afternoon for the sunset, stopping at the supermarket on the way home, and barbecuing at night.
There are also other trails to hike, a glass museum, mud baths, fishing, scuba diving, and a private onsen. Ive actually never tried any of these, but heard they are fun. Also we usually go back to one of our familiar izakayas for one night to take a break from cooking and to spread the wealth to the local businesses.
here are some additional links:
--directions to the ferry port--
http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/english/reservation/terminal/
---more background information about the island---
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nii-jima
---surf guide--
http://magicseaweed.com/Niijima-Surf-Guide/602/
---other travel guides ---
http://www.japantoday.com/category/travel/view/niijima-idyllic-getaway-from-tokyo-without-technically-leaving-tokyo
--directions to the ferry port--
http://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/english/reservation/terminal/
---more background information about the island---
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nii-jima
---surf guide--
http://magicseaweed.com/Niijima-Surf-Guide/602/
---other travel guides ---
http://www.japantoday.com/category/travel/view/niijima-idyllic-getaway-from-tokyo-without-technically-leaving-tokyo