Seven Islands of Izu, Volcanic archipelago in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
The Seven Islands of Izu are an island group south of Tokyo Bay in the Pacific Ocean, belonging to Tokyo Prefecture. The seven main islands extend roughly 190 miles and display dark volcanic slopes, rugged cliffs, and villages along the coasts.
From the 12th century onward, the government used several of these islands as exile destinations for convicts. Niijima and Hachijōjima remained destinations for political prisoners and criminals until the 19th century.
Each settlement maintains its own customs, such as camellia oil pressing on Ōshima or dolphin tours off Mikurajima. Visitors encounter traditional fishing villages and small shrines scattered along the coastlines.
Cargo-passenger boats and jetfoils connect the islands to each other and to the mainland, while five airports offer regular flights to Tokyo. Travelers should expect rough sea conditions and check ferry schedules in advance.
Mount Mihara on Ōshima rises 758 meters (2487 feet) and erupted in 1986, with lava flows reshaping parts of the island. Today visitors can explore cooled black ash fields and craters along marked hiking trails.
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