Oshima Airport

Oshima Airport sits on the volcanic island of Izu Oshima, approximately 120 kilometres south of central Tokyo, and operates as the primary air gateway for the Izu Archipelago. The airport handles regular flights from Tokyo Haneda and occasionally from Chofu, connecting the island’s 8,000 residents and seasonal visitors to the mainland in about 25 minutes. The single runway, oriented roughly north-south, cuts through a landscape of low shrubs and camellia trees, with Mount Mihara rising visibly to the south. The terminal is compact—more akin to a rural bus station than an air hub—but it covers the essential functions of an island airport: passenger check-in, bag drop, a waiting area, and a small shop. The airport is open only during flight hours, not full days, and sees its busiest periods around midday on weekdays, particularly Mondays through Thursdays.

Getting There

Oshima Airport is located about 3 kilometres east of Motomachi, the island’s main town and ferry port. The most practical way to reach the airport from Motomachi is by local bus, which runs roughly in coordination with flight arrivals and departures. The journey takes about 10 minutes. Taxis are also available from Motomachi or from the ferry terminal; the fare is around ¥1,500–2,000. Rental cars are available at several agencies in Motomachi and at the airport itself—useful if you plan to explore the island beyond the central area. If arriving from Tokyo, you can fly directly from Haneda Airport (ANA or Tokyo Air) in 25 minutes or from Chofu Airport (New Central Airservice) in about 35 minutes. Alternatively, ferries from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier take 1 hour 45 minutes by jetfoil (Tokai Kisen) or about 6 hours by conventional ship, arriving at Motomachi Port. From the port, the airport is a short bus or taxi ride. No direct free shuttles operate, but the public bus system is reliable within daytime hours.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Oshima Airport is a single-story building with a functional, no-frills layout. On arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft across the tarmac through a covered walkway into a small baggage claim area with one carousel. The check-in area has two or three desks, and the waiting area beyond security offers about 50 seats, vending machines, and a small souvenir shop selling local camellia oil and snacks. Wheelchair accessibility is well handled: an accessible entrance at the front, a wheelchair-accessible car park with dedicated spaces close to the door, and an accessible toilet inside. Standard toilets are also available. Baggage storage is available for a fee—useful if you want to visit the island without lugging suitcases. The atmosphere is calm, but the terminal can become tight during the half-hour before a flight departure when most passengers arrive at once. Air conditioning is sufficient in summer, and heating in winter. There is no restaurant or café beyond vending machines, so arriving with your own food or drink is wise for longer waits.

Oshima Airport (Tokyo Oshima Camelia Airport) and Oshima

Oshima Airport is named for the camellia flowers—tsubaki in Japanese—that bloom across the island in winter and early spring, painting the hillsides in crimson and pink. Izu Oshima is the largest of the Izu Islands, formed consistently by the eruptions of Mount Mihara, an active stratovolcano at the centre of the island. The volcano last erupted in 1990, but its most famous event was in 1953 and again in 1986, when lava flowed to the coast and forced evacuations. The caldera is now a hiking destination, offering panoramic views of the Pacific, and the island’s volcanic soil supports rich subtropical vegetation, including camellia groves, satsuma oranges, and hinoki cypress.

Beyond the volcano, Oshima offers a handful of distinct draws. The island’s black sand beaches, such as Motomachi Beach, contrast with the green hills. Hot springs (onsen) fed by volcanic activity are scattered around the island; the public bath at the Oshima Onsen Hotel in Motomachi is open to day visitors. The Oshima Tsubaki Milk Hall serves camellia-flavoured ice cream, and the local camellia oil is a prized souvenir, used in cooking and skincare. The island also has a small museum dedicated to the 1986 eruption and the history of island life.

Nature enthusiasts come for birdwatching and coastal walks along the 20-kilometre circular road around the caldera. Fishing and seafood are central to the local economy; tuna, bonito, and sea bream appear on menus across Motomachi. The island’s relative isolation means few foreign tourists visit, lending a genuine, unhurried feel. Oshima Airport, in this context, is not just a transport link but a lifeline for residents and a portal for travellers seeking a quiet alternative to Japan’s crowded mainland destinations.

Practical Information

Oshima Airport is not open all day; it operates only when flights are scheduled. Typical opening hours are from about 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, but these vary with seasonal schedules and flight cancellations due to weather—fog and strong winds can disrupt operations, especially in winter. Always confirm your flight status before heading to the airport. Busiest times are Monday 11 am, Tuesday 1 pm, Wednesday 12 pm, and Thursday 11 am, roughly corresponding to inbound and outbound flight clusters. The website is https://www.kouwan.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/rito/tmg-airport/oshima/ (Japanese only). Phone: +81 4992-2-1400. There are no currency exchange counters; bring cash. The airport accepts credit cards at the shop and for baggage storage, but not for all services. One concrete piece of advice: book the first flight of the day if possible—weather tends to worsen as the day progresses, and earlier flights are less likely to be cancelled.