# Kozu-shima

> An Izu island reached by jet ferry from Takeshiba in about 3 hours 45 minutes or by a 45-minute flight from Chofu. Mount Tenjo, 572 m, is a hike of four to five hours, and in December 2020 the island became Tokyo's first Dark Sky Island.

- Prefecture: Tokyo
- Type: Island
- Address: Kozushima, Tokyo, Japan
- Official site: https://kozushima.com/

Mount Tenjo is low, 572 m, but it takes most of a day. The tourism association's beginner course is about four hours and the summit loop about five, and it suggests allowing six with a lunch stop; the tables and benches near Omote Sabaku and Fudo Pond are where people eat. There is no shade on top, so summer means heat and sunburn, and in winter a strong west wind blows almost every day. Mid-May is the busy time, when the Oshima azaleas flower, and the mountain is listed among Japan's 100 flower mountains. On the north coast, the Akasaki promenade is a wooden boardwalk of about 500 m around a rocky cove, 15 minutes from Kozushima Port by car or bus. In summer plenty of children and visitors leap from its two jumping platforms while snorkelers watch the fish. The water is too deep to stand in and the way in is over rock, not sand, so watch small children, and never jump at low tide. After dark the island itself is the draw: in December 2020 it became Tokyo's first Dark Sky Island. Rental cars are few, so book early or plan around the village buses. Niijima, with its free seaside onsen, lies to the north.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Kozu-shima?

By Tokai Kisen jet ferry from Takeshiba (about 3 hours 45 minutes) or Atami (about 1 hour 55 minutes), by the overnight ship from Takeshiba (about 12 hours), or by Shin-Chuo Koku's flight from Chofu Airport (about 45 minutes). There is also a ferry from Shimoda, not on Wednesdays.

### How long does it take to climb Mount Tenjo?

The tourism association's beginner course takes about 4 hours and the summit loop about 5; allow around 6 with lunch. There is no shade, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.

### Is the Akasaki promenade safe for children?

Families go, but take care: the water is too deep to stand in and you enter from rocks, not sand. Check nobody is below before jumping, and do not jump at low tide, when you can hit the bottom.

### Do I need a car on the island?

Not necessarily. Village buses reach the main sights and link the ports; the timetable is on the Kozushima village office website. Rental cars are limited, so book early if you want one.

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Source: Kozu-shima — Japan Voyage