Japan on the beach side: Kozushima 神津島

Kozushima is one of the seven islands of the Izu archipelago . About 180 kilometers south of Tokyo on which it depends administratively, it is however at the antipodes. Here, nature reigns supreme, the sea sublime and the beaches welcoming . You can reach them by walking, by bike or scooter (rental) or, in summer, by local bus.

To read: The beaches of Tokyo Bay

From beach to beach

Upon arrival, the magic happens. Just a three-minute walk from Kozushima Port (called Maehama Port), stretches the long, white-sand Maehama Beach . Its cobalt blue waters delight bathers while its famous sunsets attract romantics. In summer, uminoie, (wooden installations serving as a restaurant and sometimes offering lockers and showers) are set up on the beach.

Going up the coast to the north (3 minutes by bus from the port), Sawajiri Bay is home to the beach of the same name. The gently sloping beach forms a pretty arc and its shallow waters are popular with families.

Still a little further north, Nagahama beach is covered with white sand and colored pebbles. Large pebbles form a natural perimeter that attracts fish that can be admired in peace. There is camping ground right on the beach.

Our dossier on beaches in Japan

Akazaki Yuhodo: walk on the rocks.

Some will regret that a path has been laid in such a picturesque landscape while others will enjoy walking on this 500 meter long wooden bridge which passes through and over the beautiful rocks of the north coast. -west of the island. Diving boards installed along the way allow the more adventurous to throw themselves into the crystal clear waters that stretch under their feet. The less brave can go down to enjoy the sea and snorkel.

See also: Niijima Island

To the northeast, Kaesuhama beach is often deserted despite its white sand and blue waters.

Much further south, Takô Bay offers spectacular views of the island and the coast, including Cape Sanukazaki and Maru-jima Islet . Crowned with pine trees and hemmed in with white sand, it soars into the waters of the bay, attracting swimmers and amateur divers.

To the south-west of Kozushima, after having climbed then descended a steep path, a heavenly setting is offered to the view of adventurers. The small "pond", Senryoike , "Senryo's pond", is a stretch of sea surrounded by rocks whose blue is divine. The inhabitants fish there and the summer visitors dive there. The place being difficult to access, it is recommended to have good shoes to get there and it is better to have water shoes and also bring water.

Also read: Diving in Japan