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.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
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.
