Izu Islands, the islands that are located a few steps from Tokyo where you can camp for free, do onsen in front of the sea and have fun in a natural paradise in Japan.
Some trips are chosen; others, captain. The discovery of Izu Islands in Japan, it happened. It was thanks to Banana Yoshimoto. She once said that she and her family spent their holidays in this part of the country every year. Very well, I said to myself, let's see what there is to do in Izu since Yoshimoto has proclaimed it "the most total boredom". I want to get bored too.
Once you have booked a ticket return to Tokyo and discovered that the Izu islands are an archipelago easily accessible from the capital (between 100 km and 350 km from the Tokyo area), I put the 2-person tent in my backpack and left to camp on the islands, which are part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Being close to the Tokyo area, they are mostly interested in Japanese tourism. If you find Westerners, it is often because they are expatriates or young university students.
How to get to the Izu Islands
Booking the ferry ticket from Italy is not possible; the only existing site is in Japanese and foreigners cannot purchase tickets online. So, after playing Akihabara, eating sushi at Tsukuji market and shopping in Ginza, head back to Shinjuku and take the metro to Hamamatsucho (JR Yamanote - Shibuya).
Once there, walk to the Takeshiba Pier. There you will find the ticket office but forget about finding someone who speaks English, arm yourself with patience and a glossary. Or take your friend who always won the mime game with you.
Where to sleep in the Izu Islands
I only had one piece of information: there was free camping on the island. Having established the date and time of departure, I decide to make a one-way ticket and leave for Nijima, with the tent, the sleeping bag and a saucepan for cooking. Well, I confirm that it is like this: the campsite exists!
Once you arrive, a free shuttle, which you find at the port and coordinates with the arrival times of the various ferries, takes you directly in front of theHabushiura Camping.
You just have to register at the reception, communicate how long you will stay and set up the tent. From now on you will be free and happy to roam around Nijima by renting a bicycle (1000 Yen per day).
The campsite has showers, clean toilets it's a kitchen area equipped with plates, stoves, kettle, sinks and everything that has been left by those who have camped before you! You just have to buy gas to cook at the nearby mini market. I repeat that everything else is totally free and working. Each pitch also has one barbecue area!
The vegetation surrounding the area is wonderfully green and lush and creates pleasant shaded areas.
A Nijima you to surf, ride a bike, swim and laze on the beach, watch the stars at night with crickets that sing just for you, be entranced by the power of the waves and the concert of the sea, admire the muscles of those who surf, fish, watch how the Japanese have fun, diving. Or simply bored as Banana does, perhaps by soaking in hot water: in fact, you find the beautiful free onsen Yunohama Roten Onsen; open 24h and positioned close to the sea, it is one of the few in Japan where men and women can laze together looking at the ocean. The only condition: wear the costume! At your disposal there are lockers and showers (free), Japanese efficiency it is not denied even in the corners of the country.
A few meters from the Yunohama you will find the port with the ticket office for info on prices and timetables of the ferries that will take you back to the city. A tip: although I am not a fan of programming, sometimes it is necessary. Some ferries may be canceled due to typhoons and bad weather conditions, so check with the ticket office shortly after your arrival and don't wait for the last day.
With a few yen and minutes, you can also reach the nearby islands: Shikinejima with its crystal clear waters it is only 20 minutes while Kozujima at 75 min. Here too you can find free campsites and onsen, in the name of a totally low cost trip.
Last recommendation: you can only find ATMs at the post office and bank. Credit cards are often not accepted therefore I recommend that you bring cash, budgeting a figure to have to rest assured. Heaven is within everyone's reach and is waiting for you.
