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SECRET ISLAND: 14 reasons to visit the home of secluded beaches & stone animals

From cherry blossoms and the iconic Mt Fuji, to exciting megacities, skiing slopes and beautiful beaches, it is easy to see why Japan is such a dynamic place to visit. […]

From cherry blossoms and the iconic Mt Fuji, to exciting megacities, skiing slopes and beautiful beaches, it is easy to see why Japan is such a dynamic place to visit.

With only a few vacation days available, we packed our itinerary to hit the main Tokyo attractions, climb Mt Fuji and take a well-deserved break on the tiny Japanese island of Niijima – a relatively unknown destination.

Niijima is part of a group of islands that lies approximately 60 km (100 mi) south of Tokyo in the Philippine Sea. It’s only about 2.5 km (1.6 mi) wide but crams in unforgettable scenery.

Here are 14 reasons why you should consider adding Niijima to your next Japan adventure:

1. There are lots of ways to get there

Despite its size, you can reach Niijima by plane, overnight ferry and express ferry. Flights leave daily from Chōfu Airport and take about 45 minutes. We ended up having to take the 9-hour overnight ferry but enjoyed the cheaper tickets and waking up to the island views in the morning.

There’s also a high-speed ferry, which takes a little over two hours and it ideal for staying on schedule.

2. Its beautiful, secluded beaches

karryon_japan_island

Image: Tohokuandtokyo.org

I’m told that Niijima can be busy in the summer months, but we were there in the height of summer and pretty much had its gorgeous beaches to ourselves.

3. There are several beaches to try

Habushiura Beach seemed like the easiest to get to from our campground, but we also made the rounds to calmer Honson Maehama Beach and rockier Mamashitaura Beach.

4. It has great waves for surfers

karryon_waves

Image: Tohokuandtokyo.org

We are not big on surfing but the big waves were fun to jump and ended up being a decent workout.

5. There are lots of bicycles 

The island’s rental bikes make it fun and easy to get around, whether it’s to stock up at the one supermarket or haul your gear to the different beaches. Just test it out a bit to make sure it works okay!

6. It offers laid-back camping 

karryon_Niijima_camping

Image: Tohokuandtokyo.org

There’s only one campground on the island which lies beneath beautiful cliffs. You can’t reserve a spot in advance but it’s likely you won’t have much trouble staking your claim.

7. Everyone is friendly

While you will need a bit more Japansese language skills (or at least a good phrase book) to make yourself understood, everyone we met on the island was friendly and eager to help.

8. You can visit natural onsen

karryon_Yunohama_Onsen

Image: Tohokuandtokyo.org

A visit to the Yunohama Onsen is a must. The large outdoor baths are made to look like Greek ruins and provide absolutely incredible views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

9. It has yummy sushi

While there were a few language barriers at the restaurant, the food was excellent. Just be sure to check the hours and don’t go too late. It’s a quiet island, so places might close up earlier than you expect.

10. It has funny stone animals 

karryon_japan_island

Image: aliceluo.blogspot.com.au

Right near the campsite is a small park of stone animal sculptures that are great for pictures. And Moyai Hill, which overlooks Yunohama and Maehama beaches, there are more than 100 large stone carvings.

11. You can make a glass souvenir

Visit the Glass Art Center to learn more and try your hand at making Niijima’s olive-green glass. The obsidian its made from can only found on Niijima and the Italian island of Lipari.

12. There are lots of options for hikers

karryon_Niijima

Image: hus.aics.ne.jp

Trails will lead hikers through seemingly untouched scenery up to the highest parts of the island.

13. Interesting views

There is a viewing point that resembles a crumbling castle wall that made for some great photos.

14. You can take in a bit of history

karryon_Niijimamura_Museum

Image: Gotokyo.org

The Niijimamura Museum features exhibits of the island’s folk history and traditional crafts, including displays in English.

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Have you ever been to Niijima or one of Japan’s other islands? Have you discovered another ‘undiscovered’ destination? Tell us in the comments below!