Kozushima Island

In short

Kozushima Island is an island in the Izu Islands, located about 180 kilometers south of central Tokyo. The trapezoidal Mt. Tenjo towers in the center of the island, and it is blessed with highly transparent waters and white sandy beaches. The entire island is designated as part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and it is also known for a myth that deities gathered here for consultation.

• ​Mt. Tenjo​​: Rising 572 meters above sea level in the center of the island, it can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experienced mountain hikers.
• ​Clear Seas​​: There are several swimmable coasts, including Maehama Beach and Akasaki Promenade.
• ​Myths and Starry Skies​​: Once written with characters meaning "island where gods gather," it was certified as Japan's second Dark Sky Place in 2020.

History & Highlights

Kozushima Island is an outlying island of Tokyo, located about 180 kilometers south of central Tokyo. Situated nearly at the center of the Izu Islands, it is a gourd-shaped island. It has a circumference of about 22 kilometers and an area of 18.58 square kilometers, and is designated as part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. In the center of the island stands the 572-meter-tall Mt. Tenjo, with its beautiful trapezoidal shape. The entire island is rugged with little flat land, and the eastern side in particular features sheer cliffs dropping down to the sea. It is an island blessed with rich nature, including highly transparent waters and white sandy beaches.

A myth is linked to the island's name. In the past, Kozushima was written with characters meaning "island where gods gather." This originates from the legend that the deity Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto gathered deities here to consult about creating the islands of Izu. On Mt. Tenjo, the "Water Distribution Legend" also remains, in which the deities of the seven Izu Islands discussed how to distribute water. The "Water Distribution Statue" on Maehama Beach takes this myth as its motif.

Studies have confirmed that during the early Upper Paleolithic period, obsidian originating from Kozushima Island was transported across the sea to the foot of Mount Ashitaka.

Viewing & Experience Points

• ​Clear Seas​​: The waters available for swimming are Maehama Beach, Tako Bay Marushima, Sawajiri Bay, and Akasaki Promenade. The closest beach to Kozushima Port is Maehama Beach. It is a sandy beach approximately 800 meters long, where visitors can also watch the sun setting over the horizon.
• ​Shrines of Mythology​​: Monoiminanomikoto Shrine and Awanomikoto Shrine are prestigious Shikinaisha (Myojin Taisha) shrines. Monoiminanomikoto Shrine enshrines Monoimina-no-Mikoto, who is said to be the founder of Kozushima Island. At Awanomikoto Shrine, there is a custom called "shiohana," in which wave-washed sand is piled on flat pebbles and offered at the torii gates and on the steps in front of the main hall.
• ​Starry Sky​​: Kozushima Island was certified as Japan's second Dark Sky Place in 2020, marking the first such certification in Tokyo. Stargazing is best from around November to February, when clear skies spread overhead.

Tips for Exploring

From Takeshiba Pier, it takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes by high-speed jetfoil, or about 12 hours by large overnight passenger ship. From Chofu Airport, it takes about 45 minutes by airplane. Whether the ship arrives at Kozushima Port (Maehama Port) or Tako Bay is decided on the morning of the day due to wind and wave conditions. Sleeping outdoors is prohibited, so book your accommodation in advance. The area around Kozushima Port can be explored on foot, while the village bus is convenient for more distant sights. There is no road circling the entire island, and touring all the major spots takes about two hours. Boasting the highest catch volume among the Izu Islands, the island's specialties include simmered kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) and tempura of ashitaba (tomorrow's leaf). For hiking, see the Mt. Tenjo spot; for snorkeling, see the Akasaki Promenade spot.