Mikura Jima: A Hidden Island Paradise in the Izu Shoto
Mikura Jima is one of the seven volcanic islands that make up the Izu Shoto group, located southeast of Tokyo and surrounded by some of the clearest water in Japan. Travelers can reach the island by high-speed boat in under four hours or take an overnight ferry for a slower, scenic approach. Each island in the chain has its own character, but visitors can expect warm, tropical waters and a landscape shaped by dramatic coastlines and rich marine life.
For personal reasons, our two favorite islands in the group are Mikura Jima and Shikine Jima. These are among the least visited islands, which is part of their appeal. Shikine Jima is known for its white-sand coves, calm turquoise lagoons, and abundant tropical fish that dart around the reefs. It is a peaceful weekend escape for couples who want to relax far from the energy of Tokyo.
What Makes Mikura Jima So Special
Mikura Jima is known for two unforgettable experiences: hiking through lush mountain forests and swimming with pods of wild dolphins. The island has no sandy beaches, since its coastline is made up of cliffs and black volcanic rock. Aside from the port and a handful of accessible entry points, the coastline remains rugged and untouched.
The island is home to roughly three hundred resident dolphins that have lived around Mikura Jima for centuries. Near a temple in the center of the island, visitors will even find a plaque that commemorates a foreign shipwreck whose survivors were aided by island villagers, with local folklore describing dolphins helping in the rescue.
Staying on the Island
Mikura Jima is small and charmingly remote. There is only one hotel and several dozen traditional Japanese inns such as ryokans and minshukus. Reservations are essential, especially during the summer. Breakfast and dinner are usually provided by the place you stay, and visitors will find only a couple of restaurants open for lunch. The intimate scale of the island is part of what makes it unique.
Most accommodations partner with local skippers who offer dolphin-swim excursions. Prices vary based on the operator, and some who are known for being especially dolphin friendly and conservation focused may charge slightly more. You will not need scuba gear for these tours. The experience is all about natural interaction through skin diving and snorkeling.
Preparing for Your Dolphin Swim
The water around Mikura Jima is warm enough that many visitors do not need a wetsuit. The essential gear includes a mask, snorkel, fins, and a weight belt. The weight belt is especially important because it allows you to sink more easily and stay underwater with less effort. Without it, especially if you are wearing a wetsuit, you will float quickly to the surface.
Most sessions last about two hours. The skipper will search for different dolphin pods and stop the boat when they appear relaxed or playful. Sometimes the dolphins will stay only a short time before moving on. Other times they will circle slowly around you, giving you an up-close view of their behavior. Being in the water with wild dolphins is a magical experience that feels completely natural and unfiltered.
Planning Your Trip
For travelers seeking a refreshing break from Tokyo that does not break the bank, Mikura Jima offers something truly extraordinary: untouched nature, friendly locals, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Because the island is small and locally operated, arranging a visit can be difficult without Japanese language skills. Fortunately, there is a dive shop that specializes in organizing Mikura Jima trips and provides English speaking guides who can make the experience much easier to plan and enjoy.
