Obon holiday is almost here. Are you looking forward to your few days off? Many Tokyoites will once again have the opportunity to get away from it all and embrace more idyllic destinations. Following world of mouth, I found myself booked for a trip to a not-so-remote Izu island called Shikinejima, 3 hours by jet boat from Tokyo’s Takeshiba port. This quiet island is inhabited by only a handful of locals (less than a thousand in total) and offers plenty of attractions to nature lovers. Full of natural hot springs, secluded beaches, snorkeling spots, hiking trails and breathtaking views Shikinejima is waiting to give you a treat to remember if you look for a serious cool-down from the hectic city life.
Warning: no 5-star hotels, gourmet restaurants or department stores. Insect repellents essential!
