Mikurashima Island

Many people are surprised that there is a place where you can watch dolphins in Tokyo. This place is Mikurashima Island, which is part of the Izu Islands and located approximately 200 kilometers south of Tokyo. The time period from April to November is the dolphin-watching season in the waters near Mikurashima Island, where visitors can fulfill their dream of swimming with dolphins. People who want to swim with dolphins but cannot swim well, or who are a bit afraid, can float in the water on a swim ring. Of course, they may also watch the dolphins from a boat or from land.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government started eco tourism at Mikurashima Island in 2004 in order to protect the natural environment of the island, which is home to many rare plants and animals in addition to dolphins. The island is divided into areas where visitors may freely enter and areas that require the accompaniment of a Tokyo Nature Guide. If you would like to enjoy the natural world of Mikurashima Island, we recommend that you make prior arrangements for a guide with the Mikurashima Island Tourist Association.

Day trips and camping are not available on Mikurashima Island, so you must make a reservation at an accommodation facility before entering the island. The island has many lodges and bungalows; at the lodges visitors can enjoy an at-home atmosphere, while bungalows allow you to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing nature up close. You can make arrangements for dolphin watching when you reserve your accommodations or get contact information.

There is no unexpected congestion because only a limited number of lodgers are accepted, so visitors can fully enjoy the vast skies and oceans of this small island that still has a wide range of charming features.