Izu Oshima camellia festival

A Festive Volcanic Island

Izu Oshima is a volcanic island near Tokyo, which featured in many of the old Godzilla films. Every year, outdoor lovers flock to Mt. Mihara, the active volcano at the island's center. The craterous terrain of the island makes for rewarding but slightly challenging hiking. You can find interesting geological formations while crossing the "black desert" of volcanic ash surrounding Mt. Mihara. A panoramic view of distant Mt. Fuji awaits visitors who reach the summit.

A Winter Flower Festival

Every winter, over three million bold pink camellia flowers bloom across Izu Oshima. During February and March, locals hold a camellia festival to celebrate. The festivities provide a rare insight into traditional Japanese culture, with dances, parades, taiko drum performances, camellia dye workshops and more.

Dress and Feel Like a Local

During the festival, you can wear one of the distinctive local kimono outfits, free of charge. The checkered kimonos are worn with a pink apron tied to the front, instead of the traditional obi, making them easier to move in.

How to get there

Izu Oshima is accessible from Tokyo by both boat and plane.