Take a boat from Shimoda to Kozushima ! Enjoy a tour of Izu and the surrounding islands, using " Vacation House FamiliA " as your base.

Explore the hot springs and history of Izu(Atami, Ito, Shimoda), then take the "Azalea Maru" ferry from Shimoda to Kozushima ! Enjoy a few nights at " Vacation House FamiliA " and choose from a variety of return routes, including a Atami via Oshima or a 45-minute flight to Chofu (Tokyo). This is a complete guide to a tour of the Izu Islands.

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Vacation House FamiliA <Kozushima>

FamiliA LLC operates the " Vacation House FamiliA " on Kozushima , and is engaged in activities that go beyond the scope of the lodging in order to convey the charm of the region and preserve its culture. In January 2024, we will release a tourism app for Kozushima called "Marutto! Kozushima"! The app offers a completely new tourist experience with two functions: , which lets you learn about the island before your trip, and , which can only be experienced by those who have visited the island. Of course, this app is available in English. We aim to let not only Japanese but also overseas customers know the true beauty of Kozushima and to create an opportunity to become friends with the people of the island.

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"I'd like to take a special trip that not only involves flying directly from Tokyo, but also leisurely exploring Japan's historic port towns, hot spring resorts, and the Izu Islands."

For travelers who want to experience Japan's rich history and magnificent nature, we recommend "island hopping," a trip that takes you from the Izu Peninsula to various islands by boat.

Enjoy the hot spring towns of Atami and Ito, and the retro streets of historic Shimoda, then take the Shinshin Kisen's "Ferry Azalea Maru" from port in Shimoda (Shizuoka) to Kozushima. Your base on Kozushima will be "Vacation House FamiliA." Its concept is "a socialize stay." Friendly staff who speak English will warmly welcome you, and there is a space where guests can naturally connect with each other at the breakfast table and lounge.

This time, we'll thoroughly explain sightseeing tips for Izu, important points to keep in mind when boarding the Azalea Maru ferry, and a flexible sightseeing route connecting Izu, Kozushima, and Tokyo!

• Table of Contents
• Hot springs, history, and stunning scenery! Must-see spots on the Izu Peninsula(Atami, Ito, Izu , Shimoda)
• Important checklist for using the "Ferry Azalea Maru" departing from Shimoda
• The route changes depending on the day of the week! How to navigate the "Azalea Maru"
• Connect by day of the week! A model sightseeing route to Shimoda, Kozushima, Oshima, Atami, and Tokyo.
• Key points of your stay at " Vacation House FamiliA " on Kozushima

Hot springs, history, and stunning scenery! Must-see spots on the Izu Peninsula(Atami, Ito, Izu , Shimoda)

Before or after your trip to Kozushima, I highly recommend enjoying the diverse attractions of the Izu Peninsula.

Atami, Ito, and Izu Area : This area is packed with attractive spots you can stop by on your way from Tokyo , including the famous Ito Onsen,  Atami town, and Izu with its spectacular views of Mount Omuro and Jogasaki Coast.

Shimoda's Perry Road and "Namako Walls" : Shimoda steeped in the history of the arrival of the Black Ships. Along the Hirakawa River, known as "Perry Road," where Commodore Perry is said to have walked in 1854, you'll find traditional houses and storehouses with "namako walls," characterized by their raised black mortar latticework, where you can enjoy strolling through retro cafes.

Historic temples of Japan's opening to the world : Within walking distance, you'll find many temples that offer a glimpse into Japan's history of opening to the world, such as Ryōsenji Temple, where the Treaty of Shimoda between Japan and the United States was signed.

Important checklist for using the "Ferry Azalea Maru" departing from Shimoda

There are some helpful rules to know before using the "Ferry Azalea Maru," which connects Shimoda Port to the Izu Islands.

Important checklist before boarding the "Ferry Azalea Maru"

1. How to make a reservation : Online reservations are not accepted! Reservations must be made by phone or purchased at the counter on the day of your visit.
Unless it's the peak season, you can usually buy your boarding pass on the day of departure, but don't forget to arrive at the port early.

2. Meeting time: Please be sure to arrive at the port's boarding counter at least 30 minutes before departure.

3. Access to Shimoda Port : It's about a 15-minute walk from Izu Shimoda Station to the Shimoda Port ferry terminal.
If you have a lot of luggage, it's best to take a taxi from the station.

4. Payment Methods : Credit card payments are accepted for ticket purchases at the counter.
The vending machines on board the ship only accept cash. Please note that many places around Shimoda, including taxis, only accept cash.

5. Onboard facilities : There is no shop, only vending machines. It's a good idea to buy snacks before boarding, perhaps around Shimoda Station.

6. Seasickness prevention: Medium-sized passenger ships tend to be more prone to rocking, so it's reassuring to have motion sickness medication with you!

The route changes depending on the day of the week! How to navigate the "Azalea Maru"

The most distinctive feature of the Azalea Maru is that the order in which it calls at islands changes depending on the day of the week. When planning your trip, be sure to check the sailing route for each day of the week.

Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday (Toshima-first route): Shimoda → Toshima → Niijima → Shikine Island → Kozushima → Shimoda

Monday, Thursday, and Saturday (Route via Kozushima): Shimoda → Kozushima → Shikine Island → Niijima → Toshima → Shimoda

Wednesday: Service suspended

Tips for the routes

If you want to go directly from Shimoda to Kozushima, the fastest way to get there is by taking the ferry on Mondays, Thursdays, or Saturdays. Conversely, if you want to visit islands such as Niijima or Shikine Island first, or if you want to travel at a slow pace while viewing the islands from the ship, the route on Tuesdays, Fridays, or Sundays is smoother.

Connect by day of the week! A model sightseeing route to Shimoda, Kozushima, Oshima, Atami, and Tokyo.

Here's a 6-day sightseeing route that makes good use of the Azalea Maru's weekday schedule.

Sunday: Sightseeing in Shimoda and overnight stay at Shimoda Onsen.

Take the Izukyu train from Tokyo, Atami, or Ito to Izu- Shimoda Station. In the afternoon, stroll along Perry Road, exploring the beautiful black and white "namako-kabe" (sea cucumber wall) storehouses and Ryosenji Temple, which preserves the history of Japan's opening to the world. Enjoy local specialty dishes featuring splendid alfonsino, and relax at a Shimoda Onsen inn to soothe your travel fatigue.

Monday: Head straight to Kozushima on the Azalea Maru! Check in at FamiliA.

In the morning, take a 15-minute walk to Shimoda Port and pick up your ticket at the counter at least 30 minutes before departure (credit card payment accepted). Board the Azalea Maru on the Monday route (via Kozushima) and head directly to Kozushima!( 2.5hours ride)  Check in to "Vacation House FamiliA " from the arrival port (Maehama Port or Takou Bay). In the afternoon, stroll around the village or relax on Maehama Beach while watching the sunset. In the evening, enjoy conversation with other guests and staff in the inn's lounge while sipping on sommelier-prepared wine or local sake.

Tuesday to Thursday: Relaxing a few nights on Kozushima

Since the Azalea Maru ferry does not operate on Wednesdays, it's the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing extended nights on the island. Enjoy homemade bread and coffee at the breakfast table while planning a hike Mt. Tenjo, one of Japan's "100 Famous Flower Mountains." Take in the mystical scenery of places like the "Ura-Sabaku" (back desert) and "heart shaped Fudo-ike" (Fudo Pond). At night, gaze up at the starry sky of Kozushima , which has been designated a " Dark Sky Place ." Of course, from July to September, you can also enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the sea, which boasts one of the clearest waters in Japan.

For your stay plan on Kozushima, please refer to this model itinerary.

Friday: Choose from a variety of routes back to the mainland. hopping other islands, or via Oshima to Atami is also an option!

After checking out of "Vacation House FamiliA ," you can choose from a variety of routes home to suit your own schedule.

Route to Atami via Oshima Oshima : Take a Tokai high-speed high speed jet ferry or similar to Oshima and arrive at Atami Port. After spending a night at Atami Onsen, you can take the Shinkansen to Tokyo, or continue your journey towards Mount Fuji or the Chubu/Kansai region.

Routes that include stops at Shikine Island and Niijima: Island hopping by taking the Azalea Maru or Tokai ferry to stop at neighboring Shikine Island and Niijima on your way back. This is recommended for those who want to enjoy island travel while gradually appreciating the unique characteristics and cultural differences of each island, even though they are close by. We highly recommend stay multiple nights on each island to fully enjoy them!

Take a direct ferry to Takeshiba in Tokyo : A cruise on a large passenger ship (such as the Sarubia Maru) is also a great way to enjoy the lingering feeling of island travel while overlooking the vast ocean and islands.

Flights from Kozushima Airport: With Shin Chuo Airlines' small planes, you can fly to Chofu Airport (Tokyo) in just 45 minutes ! Perfect for those in a hurry or those who want to enjoy the view from the air. On clear days, you can see the Izu Islands, the Izu Peninsula, and even Mount Fuji !

Key points of your stay at " Vacation House FamiliA " on Kozushima

1. Confirmation of arrival port and free transfer.

The port of arrival on Kozushima is decided in the morning based on the wind direction and tides, and will be either "Maehama Port" or "Takou Bay." Maehama Port is within walking distance, but it takes an hour to walk from Tako Bay to the village. FamiliA offers a free shuttle service with advance notice , so you can come with peace of mind even if you arrive at Tako Bay or if you have a lot of luggage.

2. Stay for multiple nights with ample time to spare.

Ferry services to the outlying islands may be canceled due to weather and sea conditions. Activities on the island are also heavily dependent on the weather. A rushed one-night trip may disrupt your plans and prevent you from fully enjoying the natural beauty of Kozushima . At FamiliA , we believe that a relaxing stay of at least two to three nights is essential for a trip to Kozushima .

How was it? Not only are direct round trips possible, but it would also be wonderful to enjoy a trip around Izu, including the islands, or to take a trip west from Tokyo, passing through Kozushima. We look forward to your visit!

Book Vacation House FamiliA here.