Habushiura

In short

Habushiura is a coastline of pure white sand stretching for about 6.5 kilometers along the eastern shore of Niijima Island. It is a surfing spot known for its large waves, and swimming is prohibited along the entire coast. It is one of the "New Hundred Views of Tokyo" selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1982 (Showa 57).

• ​White Sand Beach​​: This white sand is introduced as the powdered form of koga stone, a specialty of Niijima Island. Guides describe simply walking along the sand beach as feeling wonderful.
• ​Main Gate​​: A pure white main gate stands facing the coast, standing out against the blue sky and blue sea.
• ​Habushiura Observatory​​: You can take in a panoramic view of the coastline from the north. On a clear day, you can see as far as Miyakejima Island.

History and Highlights

Habushiura is a coast that occupies most of the eastern shoreline of Niijima Island, which is long and narrow from north to south. The pure white sand beach stretches north to south for about 6.5 kilometers. This white sand is introduced as the powdered form of Niijima's specialty, koga stone. Koga stone is a type of rhyolite formed by volcanic activity, and it is said that when it breaks down, it turns into white volcanic ash, creating the white sand beach.

The white sand has also been used in island life. The communal cemetery in Honson is blanketed with white sand from Habushiura, giving it a bright appearance. At the sand bath of Mamashita Onsen, visitors are also enveloped in this white sand.

At the southern end of the coast rises the Shiromama Cliff, a sea cliff standing as high as 250 meters. "Mama" is an archaic word meaning "cliff." The white cliff originates from the Shiromama stratum, which was formed by volcanic activity at Mt. Mukaiyama in the southern part of Niijima Island.

The surging large waves are famous, and surfers appear here in all four seasons. On the second floor of the Niijima Village Museum, the unique surfing history of Niijima is also on display. The scenery was selected as one of the New Hundred Views of Tokyo by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1982.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Walking on the Sand Beach​​: It is guided that just walking on the sand beach, which extends for about 6.5 kilometers, feels wonderful. Facing the coast stands the pure white main gate, which looks striking against the blue sky and blue ocean. It is sometimes used for weddings.
• ​Habushiura Observatory​​: You can take in the entire coastline from the north side. To the south, you can see the Shiromama Cliff and Hayashima Island off the southern tip of Niijima Island, and on clear days, you can even see as far as Miyakejima Island.
• ​Sunrise and Starlit Sky​​: Being on the eastern coast of the island, the main gate is cited as a spot for viewing the sunrise and the starry sky. For those going to look at the stars, please be sure to scout the area during the day, as the stairs are steep. Remember to bring a light at night.

Travel Tips

Swimming is prohibited throughout the entire area of Habushiura. Surfing and bodyboarding are permitted. If you wish to swim, Kurone Coast and Maehama Coast are recommended. Restrooms and showers are located across the road from the main gate, on the town side. Walking along the beach near the Shiromama Cliff carries the danger of being swept away by waves, so it is safer to view it from a distance from Habushiura. The coastal road collapsed during Typhoon Hagibis (Typhoon No. 19) in 2019 (Reiwa 1), and there is reportedly a continuing risk of collapses. It is about 3.8 kilometers by car from Niijima Port. There are spots where mobile phone reception is weak around the Habushiura area. Next to the Habushiura Campground is a stone zoo, and sculptures made of koga stone can also be seen in the Metropolitan Habushiura Park. Yunohama Open-air Onsen on the opposite side of the island is about 3.4 kilometers to the west-southwest.