Port information & tips for Motomachi (Oshima, Islands)
Motomachi on the island of Izu Oshima is a fascinating destination off the coast of Japan and the gateway to an impressive volcanic landscape. The largest of the Izu Islands impresses with its wild nature, black lava beaches, and a relaxed, maritime atmosphere. Highlights include the majestic Mount Mihara with its spectacular hiking trails and the relaxing Hama-no-yu Onsen directly by the sea, while the picturesque Oshima Park also attracts visitors with its botanical diversity. Cruise ships dock at the central Motomachi Port, which is located directly in the heart of the town. This prime location provides convenient, walkable access to local restaurants, shops, and the island's main transport links.
Oshima is a picturesque volcanic island of the Izu Islands, and its Motomachi Port serves as a charming gateway for cruises. Travel from the DACH region typically involves a flight to Tokyo followed by a ferry to the island. Due to the distance, an overnight stay on the Japanese mainland before embarkation is recommended.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region usually involves international flights to Tokyo-Narita (NRT) or Tokyo-Haneda (HND) airports. Haneda (HND) is particularly advantageous due to its proximity to downtown Tokyo and the ferry terminals for the Izu Islands. Direct flights are available from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich.
Transfer to the Ferry Port (on the mainland)
From the Tokyo airports, you can easily reach the ferry terminals that offer connections to Oshima. The most important ferry port is the Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo, which is directly accessible via the Yamanote Line (Hamamatsucho Station) or the Yurikamome Line (Takeshiba Station). The travel time from Haneda to Takeshiba Pier by public transport is approximately 30-45 minutes. From Narita, the journey takes longer, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by express trains followed by a transfer.
Ferry
High-speed ferries and larger passenger ships operate from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo to Motomachi Port on Oshima. The high-speed ferry takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes for the crossing, while the standard ferry takes around 6 hours and often arrives overnight or early in the morning. It is recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during high season, to ensure a relaxed journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Oshima is a picturesque volcanic island of the Izu Islands, and its Motomachi Port serves as a charming gateway for cruises. Travel from the DACH region typically involves a flight to Tokyo followed by a ferry to the island. Due to the distance, an overnight stay on the Japanese mainland before embarkation is recommended.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region usually involves international flights to Tokyo-Narita (NRT) or Tokyo-Haneda (HND) airports. Haneda (HND) is particularly advantageous due to its proximity to downtown Tokyo and the ferry terminals for the Izu Islands. Direct flights are available from Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich.
Transfer to the Ferry Port (on the mainland)
From the Tokyo airports, you can easily reach the ferry terminals that offer connections to Oshima. The most important ferry port is the Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo, which is directly accessible via the Yamanote Line (Hamamatsucho Station) or the Yurikamome Line (Takeshiba Station). The travel time from Haneda to Takeshiba Pier by public transport is approximately 30-45 minutes. From Narita, the journey takes longer, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by express trains followed by a transfer.
Ferry
High-speed ferries and larger passenger ships operate from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo to Motomachi Port on Oshima. The high-speed ferry takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes for the crossing, while the standard ferry takes around 6 hours and often arrives overnight or early in the morning. It is recommended to book ferry tickets in advance, especially during high season, to ensure a relaxed journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Motomachi Port is located right in the vibrant center of the island of Oshima and allows you an extremely comfortable start to your shore excursion.
On Foot
The port's central location allows you to explore the town center of Motomachi, as well as restaurants and small shops, in just a few minutes on foot. The path leads along the waterfront promenade and offers a relaxed atmosphere for an initial stroll directly after arrival.
Oshima Buses
The buses of the Oshima Bus Company stop directly at the port terminal and reliably connect Motomachi with the Mihara volcano and other picturesque places on the island. These journeys also offer you wonderful views of the varied landscape and are easy to use thanks to clear route guidance.
Taxi and Rental Options
Official taxis are available at the terminal and will take you comfortably to more distant destinations such as the picturesque Habu Port. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles or cars directly in town and discover the island flexibly on your own thanks to the well-developed roads and clear signage.
To experience the fascinating volcanic island of Oshima at its best, a combination of the lively port center of Motomachi and the unique natural spectacles in the immediate surroundings is recommended.
Motomachi & Gojinka Onsen
The charming district directly at the harbor welcomes visitors with local specialties centered around the famous camellia oil and also offers a perfect opportunity for relaxation in hot thermal springs with a direct sea view at Gojinka Onsen.
Mount Mihara
As the island's landmark, the active volcano is easily accessible and allows for hikes through a surreal lava landscape, which, thanks to the vast viewpoints, guarantees an unforgettable view over the Pacific and the neighboring islands.
Kobama Beach
This picturesque stretch of coastline in the immediate vicinity of the cruise port invites you to take a refreshing dip in its clear water and, thanks to the short distances, is an ideal destination for relaxing hours on the Pacific shore.
Hama-no-yu Onsen
The Hama-no-yu Onsen is located only about ten minutes on foot from Motomachi Port and offers a spectacular relaxation experience in an open-air thermal bath directly on the rocky coast. Thanks to its exposed location, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the Pacific during your bath and, on a clear day, admire the majestic Mount Fuji on the horizon. Since wearing swimwear is explicitly allowed in this onsen, it offers the perfect, uncomplicated introduction to Japanese bathing culture and invites you to linger in the warm volcanic springs. Ideally, plan your visit for the early afternoon to fully enjoy the soothing effects of the water and the sea breeze, and then take a relaxed stroll back to the nearby ship.
Returning to the port of Motomachi is very relaxed and safe thanks to the island's compact infrastructure. Allow enough time for the return journey from the viewpoints at Mihara Volcano to enjoy the island atmosphere in peace until your departure.
Public Buses (Oshima Bus)
Oshima Kotsu buses connect the main sights, such as the Miharayama Volcano or Oshima Park, directly with the Motomachi terminal. The stops are well marked and the departure times are reliably coordinated with the ships' berthing times.
Taxi
Taxis can be found at central meeting points such as the Oshima Onsen Hotel or directly in the center of Motomachi. The trip to the port is completed quickly thanks to the short distances, and the friendly staff in the cafes or museums will be happy to help you call a vehicle for the way back.
On Foot
From the center of Motomachi, you can easily walk back to the pier in a few minutes via the main street or the waterfront promenade. The striking port building serves as a landmark visible from afar, and the way is easy to find thanks to the clear signage.
