Iōjima Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Situated in the picturesque region of Kagoshima in Japan, Iōjima is a captivating island that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Known for its stunning landscapes and volcanic activity, Iōjima is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an immersive experience in Japan.

One of the main attractions on the island is Mount Iō, a majestic volcano that dominates the skyline. As you hike up its trails, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the mesmerizing volcanic activity. The sight of steam rising from the ground and the smell of sulfur in the air create an otherworldly atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.

In addition to its volcanic wonders, Iōjima also boasts pristine beaches that are perfect for relaxation and water activities. Whether you want to soak up the sun on the sandy shores or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, the island offers a tranquil and idyllic beach experience. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will be delighted by the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs that surround the island.

For those interested in history and culture, Iōjima has several notable landmarks and sites to explore. The Iō Shrine, located at the foot of Mount Iō, is a sacred place that is steeped in mythology and spirituality. Visitors can witness traditional rituals and ceremonies, and even partake in them if they wish.

Another significant historical site on the island is the Iōjima Turtleship Museum, which showcases the history and legacy of the Battle of Iōjima during World War II. The museum offers a comprehensive insight into the events that took place on the island and provides a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

As you wander through the charming streets of Iōjima, you will also discover a vibrant local culture and a variety of traditional crafts and cuisine. From pottery workshops to local delicacies like kurobuta pork and shōchū, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the island's rich cultural heritage.

Local name: 硫黄島 Area: 4.5 mi²Maximum elevation: 2309 ftArchipelago: Ōsumi IslandsCoordinates: 30°47'35"N, 130°18'18"E

Location

KagoshimaJapan

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Iōjima Top Attractions

Iōjima Attractions - What to See and Explore

Iōjima offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kikai Caldera, Mount Iō, Akahoya eruption. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Volcano
Kikai Caldera
Kikai Caldera is a massive, mostly submerged caldera up to 19 kilometres in diameter in the Ōsumi Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. It was the source of the Akahoya eruption, one of the largest eruptions during the Holocene.
Nature • Natural attraction • Volcano
Mount Iō
Mount Iō also Mount Iwo is an active rhyolitic lava dome on Iōjima in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. It sits within the borders of the town of Mishima. The mountain is made up of non-alkali felsic rock and pyroclasitic flows.
Nature • Natural attraction • Volcano
Akahoya eruption
The Akahoya eruption was the strongest known volcanic eruption of the Kikai Caldera in Kyūshū, Japan. It ejected about 150 cubic kilometres of volcanic material, giving it a '7' on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.

Day trips

Iōjima – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Iōjima, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Tōsenkyō (Ibusuki), Mount Kaimon (Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park), Mount Miyanoura (Yakushima National Park).

33 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Canyon
Tōsenkyō, Ibusuki
Tōsenkyō is a gorge in Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, in southern Japan. It stands southwest of the Ikeda Lake. The name Tōsenkyō is derived from a place known as Tōsen-ga-saka, which had a deep cove in the Edo period where many Chinese ships came to anchor in.
30 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Kaimon, Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park
Kaimondake, or Mount Kaimon, is an undissected volcano – consisting of a basal stratovolcano and a small central volcano, part of the Ibusuki field – which rises to a height of 924 metres above sea level near the city of Ibusuki in southern Kyūshū, Japan.
34 milesS
Mountain
Mount Miyanoura, Yakushima National Park
Mount Miyanoura is a mountain in central Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture. At an altitude of 1,936 m, it is the highest peak of Yakushima and also the highest peak of the Kyushu region.
40 milesN
Museum
Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, Minamikyūshū
The airbase at Chiran, Minamikyūshū, on the Satsuma Peninsula of Kagoshima, Japan, served as the departure point for hundreds of Special Attack or kamikaze sorties launched in the final months of World War II. A peace museum dedicated to the pilots, the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, now marks the site.
33 milesSE
Tree
Jōmon Sugi, Yakushima
Jōmon Sugi is a large Cryptomeria tree located on Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Japan. It is the oldest and largest among the old-growth cryptomeria trees on the island, and is estimated to be between 2,170 and 7,200 years old.