Mishima Islands
Discover Mishima Islands
The Mishima Islands (三島列島 Mishima-rettō) are a small archipelago in Japan, south of Kyushu and north of the Amami Islands. The Mishima Islands are the northernmost bit of the Satsunan Islands chain that extends from Kagoshima down via the Amami Islands and Okinawa as far as Taiwan. Lightly inhabited, with a total population of only around 500 people, they're visited mostly by hot-spring fans coming down from the mainland. The name literally means "Three Islands", and the three are:
What to Experience in Mishima Islands
Taste of Mishima Islands...
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Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsNew Japan Aviation flies "scheduled charters" from Kagoshima to Iojima on Mondays and Wednesdays. Flown on tiny Cessna 172s, only a maximum of 3 passengers can squeeze in and the cost is a steep ¥30,000 one-way (unless you live on the islands). Flights are subject to cancellation if the weather is bad or not enough passengers show up. The most practical way to get to the islands is the Mishima Ferry, tel. 099-222-3141, which sails between Kagoshima and the islands three times a week. The Kagoshima office and terminal are located near Kagoshima centre (Map) Tickets are sold on the day of departure only directly at the departure terminal. Travel time from Kagoshima is 3 to 6 hours depending on the island, and the ferry overnights at Kuroshima before heading back. As of December 2024, the 3 departures per week from Kagoshima are M W and either F or Sa at 09:30, with returns at 08:00 the following day, but there are frequent scheduled changes and occasional weather-related cancellations....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Since the Mishima is the only way to travel, island-hopping is time-consuming: once you get on an island, you're generally stuck there until it comes back. Deciding how to get around that island is easy enough, since there are no buses, taxis, rental car, rental motorbike or even rental bicycle services: your only choice is to walk. However, most minshuku are located near the port, and those that aren't will usually pick up guests. Most of Mishima's few sights are connected in one way or another to the epic clashes between the clans of Genji and Heike in the early 12th century, leading into the defeat of the Heike and their fleeing to — possibly — these islands. After the Heike defeat, some exiles were sent to an island called Kikai-ga-shima (鬼界ヶ島), which has been identified with Iojima (and several other places, including the island of Kikai much further away in the Amamis).
Where to Stay
All islands are equipped with a couple of minshuku, which are usually just spare rooms in fisherman's houses. Mishima Village maintains a complete lodging list. All prices here are per person and include three meals unless otherwise noted. Advance reservations are necessary. Camping is possible on Iojima, which has a free, shower-equipped campground near one of the onsen.
Money & Budget
There are no ATMs or banks on the islands, so bring enough cash to tide you over. In addition to the obvious seafood, many islanders engage the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots (takenoko) and Kuroshima cattle. On most islands, you'll be eating and drinking at your lodgings, but there is precisely one other option: All islands are equipped with a couple of minshuku, which are usually just spare rooms in fisherman's houses. Mishima Village maintains a complete lodging list. All prices here are per person and include three meals unless otherwise noted. Advance reservations are necessary. Camping is possible on Iojima, which has a free, shower-equipped campground near one of the onsen.