Shikinejima
Shikinejima Family Hotels: Shallow Beaches & Seaside Hot Springs
A small Izu Islands getaway reached by boat from Tokyo — families can enjoy the calm, shallow Tomari Beach and swimsuit-friendly seaside hot springs
Shikinejima is a small island in the Izu Islands chain, part of Tokyo Metropolis, floating just southwest of Niijima. With a coastline of only about 12 km, its jagged, ria-type shore is dotted with shallow, calm-watered beaches, making it a perfect island for playing in the sea with kids. It's about a 3-hour ride from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo by high-speed jet boat (a large ferry is also available), or just about 15 minutes by connecting boat from Niijima. You can also get there via Niijima from Chofu Airport.
The island's biggest draw is a sea that's safe for kids to play in. Tomari Beach, set in a round cove, has extremely calm waves and a shallow, gently sloping shore, making it perfect for a child's first time swimming in the ocean. There's also Nakanoura Beach for snorkeling and Ishijirokawa Beach near the village, and thanks to the island's small size, you can walk to the beach right from your hotel.
Another local specialty is the free hot springs you can soak in while wearing your swimsuit. Jinata Onsen, a hidden spring where the water temperature shifts with the tides, the seaside open-air Matsugashita Gayu, and Ashitsuki Onsen, shallow enough for kids to enjoy, all let you combine a soak in a natural hot spring with your beach time. All of them are free and open 24 hours, so families can enjoy the feel of a hot spring hopping tour.
Places to stay are mostly homey family-run inns, ryokan, and guesthouses. Home-cooked meals at fisherman's inns made with fresh fish and island vegetables, plus homemade tokoroten (a local seaweed jelly), are part of the island's food culture. With beautiful starry skies and plenty of room for kids to roam free in nature, it's an island that's gentle on families traveling together.
Highlights
- checkThe round-cove Tomari Beach, with its shallow, calm waters, is ideal for a child's first swim in the sea
- checkFree swimsuit-friendly seaside hot springs are scattered around, including Jinata Onsen, Matsugashita Gayu, and Ashitsuki Onsen
- checkJust 15 minutes by connecting boat from Niijima, and small enough to walk from your hotel to the beach or a hot spring
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Travel tips
You can reach the island by high-speed jet boat, large ferry, or a connecting boat from Niijima, arriving mostly at Nobushi Port. The island is small enough to get around on foot or by rental bicycle. Because the seaside hot springs' accessible hours shift with the tide, it's reassuring to check the tide chart before you go. Confirm the swimming season for the beaches, and take heatstroke precautions in summer. Some family-run inns only take reservations by phone, so plan ahead.
Best season
Swimming season is summer (July–August). The seaside hot springs can be enjoyed year-round, and the starry skies are beautiful all year.
Getting there
About 3 hours from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo by high-speed jet boat (a large ferry is also available). About 15 minutes by connecting boat from Niijima. Also reachable via Niijima from Chofu Airport. Get around the island on foot or by rental bicycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Shikinejima?
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You can get there in about 3 hours from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo by high-speed jet boat, or by large ferry. From Niijima, it's about 15 minutes by connecting boat. There's also a route flying to Niijima from Chofu Airport and transferring to the connecting boat. Arrivals are mostly at Nobushi Port.
Is Shikinejima good for swimming with kids?
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Yes. Tomari Beach, set in a round cove, has extremely calm waves and a shallow, gently sloping shore, making it ideal for a young child's first swim in the ocean. There's also Nakanoura Beach for snorkeling and Ishijirokawa Beach near the village.
Can kids use the seaside hot springs on Shikinejima?
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Yes, there are free swimsuit-friendly seaside hot springs scattered around the island that families can enjoy. Ashitsuki Onsen is shallow and easy for kids to use, and Jinata Onsen, where the water temperature shifts with the tides, and the seaside open-air Matsugashita Gayu are also popular. Since the accessible hours change with the tide, check the tide chart before you go.
Can you get around Shikinejima without a car?
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Yes. With a coastline of only about 12 km, the island is small enough to explore the main beaches, hot springs, and village on foot or by rental bicycle. Being able to walk from your hotel to the beach is part of Shikinejima's appeal.