Shikinejima Travel Guide

Discover Shikinejima with our comprehensive travel guide featuring must-see attractions, hiking and biking routes, local culture, safety tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Shikinejima

Located in the Tokyo prefecture, Shikinejima is a small, crescent-shaped island that’s part of the Izu Islands archipelago in Japan. Although small, the island offers a wealth of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and amazing cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Shikinejima

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Shikinejima Lighthouse - Built-in 1930, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the island.
  • Koujima Castle Ruins - The ruins of a 16th-century castle are a must-see for history buffs.
  • Jorinji Temple - A 14th-century temple known for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere.

Natural Attractions of Shikinejima: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Onoaida Hot Springs - Relax in a natural hot spring nestled in the lush forest.
  • Shikinejima Marine Park - Home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish.
  • Mt. Tenjo - The highest point on the island, offering stunning views of the surrounding sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shikinejima

  • Shikinejima Coastline Hike - A moderate hike along the coastline with breathtaking views.
  • Mt. Miharayama Hike - A challenging hike with stunning views of the island and the nearby volcanoes.
  • Shikinejima Cycling Route - A 15 km route around the island, passing through quaint villages and scenic views.

Best Things to Do in Shikinejima: Activities and Tours

  • Dolphin Watching Tour - Take a boat tour and spot dolphins swimming in the sea.
  • Fishing Tour - Try your hand at fishing with an experienced guide.
  • Snorkeling and Diving Tour - Explore the diverse marine life around the island.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shikinejima

Day 1 Arrival and check-in
Day 2 Explore the island’s natural beauty with a Mt. Tenjo hike and a dip in Onoaida Hot Springs.
Day 3 Take a cultural tour, visiting the Shikinejima Lighthouse, Koujima Castle Ruins, and Jorinji Temple.
Day 4 Relax on Ohama Beach or take a snorkeling tour around Shikinejima Marine Park.
Day 5 Embark on a fishing tour and sample your catch-of-the-day for dinner.
Day 6 Take a cycling tour of the island’s villages and scenic spots.
Day 7 Departure day.

Food and Drink Scene of Shikinejima

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maguro-don - Savor fresh tuna served on rice.
  • Ika no shiokara - Fermented squid dish, a delicacy in the region.
  • Hoya - Raw sea pineapple with soy sauce and wasabi.

Local Beverages

  • Shochu - A distilled spirit made from sweet potatoes or barley.
  • Sake - Japan’s famous rice wine.
  • Izu no Kuni Beer - A local craft beer made with natural spring water.

Where to Stay in Shikinejima: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Marushimaso Inn - A Japanese style inn located on the island’s west coast.
  • Hotel Shiki-an - A seaside hotel with stunning ocean views.
  • Pension Casa Shikinejima - A cozy bed and breakfast on the island’s east coast.

What to Buy in Shikinejima: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Himiwari - Traditional glass fishing floats used by local fishermen.
  • Izuhanto Tuna - Canned tuna made with fresh, locally caught fish.
  • Shikinejima T-shirt - A souvenir t-shirt with the island’s name and image.

Local Culture and Customs of Shikinejima

  • Shikinejima is known for its peaceful and laid-back lifestyle, with the locals taking pride in their natural surroundings and cultural heritage.
  • Visitors are expected to be respectful of the island’s customs and traditions, such as removing shoes when entering homes and temples and avoiding loud, disruptive behavior in public spaces.

Best Time to Visit Shikinejima

The best time to visit Shikinejima is during the spring and autumn seasons, from April to June and September to November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Summer, from July to August, is peak season, with hotter temperatures and more visitors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shikinejima

Do:

  • Take off your shoes when entering traditional Japanese homes, temples, and guesthouses.
  • Try local cuisine, including fresh seafood and sake.
  • Respect the locals and their customs and follow Japanese etiquette.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the island’s natural surroundings.
  • Make loud or disruptive noises, especially during the night.
  • Disrespect local customs or behavior.

Safety and Health

Safety in Shikinejima

Shikinejima is a safe and peaceful island, but visitors should still take normal precautions while exploring the outdoors or participating in activities such as swimming or hiking. In case of emergency, visitors can dial 110 for police or 119 for ambulance and fire services.

Health in Shikinejima

The island has a small medical clinic, but visitors with serious medical conditions should seek medical care in Tokyo or other nearby cities before traveling to Shikinejima.

Getting to Shikinejima: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shikinejima

The nearest airport to Shikinejima is Tokyo Haneda Airport, which offers flights to nearby airports such as Oshima and Miyakejima.

Bus Stations Near Shikinejima

From Tokyo, visitors can take a bus to the town of Motomachi in Atami, then take a ferry to Shikinejima.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Atami Station and transfer to a ferry to Shikinejima.

How to Get Around in Shikinejima

The island is small enough to be explored on foot, but visitors can also rent bicycles or scooters to get around the island.

Where to Go Next from Shikinejima: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Izu Peninsula - Take a ferry from Shikinejima to explore the scenic coastline and hot springs of the nearby Izu Peninsula.
  • Tokyo - Return to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo for shopping, nightlife, and city attractions.

Conclusion

Shikinejima may be a small island, but it’s a hidden gem with stunning natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and delicious cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors will be well-equipped to explore all that this beautiful island has to offer.

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