Shikinejima
From Wikitravel
Shikinejima (式根島) is a small island in the Izu Islands, 140km from Tokyo.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By plane
There is no airport on the island itself, but there are flights from Chofu Airfield (Tokyo) to neighboring Niijima. From Niijima there are 3 boats a day to Shikinejima for about 500 yen single journey.
[edit] By boat
Tokai Kisen [1] operates ferries from Takeshiba Terminal (竹芝客船ターミナル) in Tokyo, adjacent to Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome line and a 500-meter walk from Hamamatsucho/Daimon station on the Yamanote/O-Edo lines.
Be sure to book in advance: for example, to get the overnight ferry that departs at 10pm (or 11pm in the Summer months), you must book by 5pm. There are two boats, a big slow ferry, and a small fast speedcruiser. Travel time is 2.5 hours on the fast boat and 9-10 hours (overnight) on the slow one. The price of the ferry ranges from around 5,000 yen (free sleeping: You must find a place on the ground) to 15,000 or more if you wish seats or private cabins (The price is raised in the Summer months).
Taking the overnight ferry can be an interesting way to travel if you don't suffer from sea sickness. Most people choose the cheapest tickets, and sleep on the ground (either outside, or in big cabins, with delimited spaces on the ground). On board there is a basic restaurant and many vending machines selling food, soft and alcoholic drinks. The facilities are basic. You can rent blankets for 200yen.
After leaving Tokyo Bay and passing under the famous Rainbow Bridge the coast line of the bay becomes hard to see but soon after sunrise it's possible to relax on the deck and watch the ferry approach and dock in two islands - Oshima, and Niijima - before reaching Shikinejima. It will go to Miyakejima afterwards, before heading back to Tokyo.
If you have booked a room in a in a "Minshuku" (民宿, the budget version of a Ryokan) then the staff will be waiting at the port to greet you and drive you to your lodging when you arrive at Shikinejima's port at around 8.30am/10:00am (time depending on the season/weather).
[edit] Get around
The island is 3.9square kilometres in total. The Eastern side of the island is where most of the 600 residents live, but the whole island is easily accessible by walking or bicycle.
[edit][add listing] See
[edit][add listing] Do
- Shikinejima's main attraction are the onsen hot springs. There are a number of natural hot springs on the island, and they are marked out on the free map that you will be able to pick up from many of the stores on the island, or at Hinode, before you depart. Some onsens are open right through the night. One, private (in a closed building, with some facilities such as relaxing chairs) is opened 24/24.
- Wander. Rent a mob, a bicycle (and walk!) and explore the island. A mountain bike will cost 1000Yen per day, but some tops are only accessible walking. Just look around for shops which have bicycles in the front, or ask the owners of your ryokan. You can easily cycle around the entire island in less than a day.
- Lounge. The beaches are often quiet, as few people are on this island (except during "long" holidays, such as Golden or Silver Week). Tomari Beach is very popular with tourists in the summer months - here the water is clear and snorkeling is possible.
- Fish. Hire rods from local stores, and ask locals for advice on where to perch yourself.
- Camp on the beach
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
As the island is so small, there are but a few restaurants, and they all close by 10 PM.
[edit][add listing] Drink
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Get out
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