Japan is thoroughly blessed with extraordinary nature and culture in many ways. One of the undiscovered jewels is only an overnight boat journey from Tokyo. The island of Mikurajima is an ecological wonder blessed with rich flora and fauna. Dolphins reside permanently in the warm "kuroshio" current that is high in temperature and salinity and bathes the island yearound. The ability to explore this eco-island and also swim with wild dolphins is a very special experience. This fragile ecosystem is carefully managend by the island council, and Tokyo has recently given Mikurajima the "Designation as an environmental conservation promotion zone"
Mikura Island is one of the few places in Japan with an unspoiled natural environment, and it attracts an increasing number of tourists each year. This environment is a valuable asset, and in order to pass it on to future generations and to help visitors enjoy it fully, on January 19, 2004, an agreement was made on the appropriate use of environmental conservation areas on the island. The agreement lays out rules for enjoying the nature of the island, and under the agreement "eco-tourism" operations will manage the activities for the limited amount of visitors allowed each day.
Mikura Island smometimes nicknamed the mini-Yakushima (Japan UNESCO World Heritage Site) is roughly circular, with a circumference of approx. 16 kilometers. It lies around 200 kilometers south of Tokyo, and has a population of 282.
Natural features of the island include:
- A rich and diverse ecosystem, including rare endemic species such as the Mikura Miyama Kuwagata beetle.
- Around 500 giant trees ("giant" trees are those with a trunk circumference of over 5 meters). These are mainly sudajii trees.
(Mikurajima Village is officially recognized as having the nation's second largest tree: the largest is in Okutama Town.)
- The world's largest nesting site of streaked shearwaters.
- One of the few known areas where bottlenose dolphins raise their young
- Springs and other resources of high-quality water.
Mikurajima has an area of 20.58 km² and is an imposing landmass jutting out of the pacific. The island has no major harbor. Due to the low population and limited number of visitors, the natural habitat remains relatively untainted. Oyama Mountain is the highest point on the island and the island's largest spring forms Shirataki (white falls) waterfall that drops 80m into the Pacific Ocean below. No beaches and with dramatic cliffs falling to the rocky shores ringing the oval island. With only 7 inns and a few grocery stores and restuarants, occupancy is strictly limited for the number of visitors each day. Aware of the fragile and special ecosystem the island council is in no hurry to expand their operations.
Eco Tours Japan is offering a customized eco-adventure from Tokyo to Mikurajima island. Our journey begins with an overnight boat ride arrivng early the next morning. Mikurajima is a fickle place and mysteriously allows visitors when it decides to. The island has no major harbor and only a landing pier for arriving boats. Because of the unpredictable weather and ocean currents sometimes boats are delayed or travelers dropped off at the major harbor on neighboring Miyakejima to wait until the waters around the pier at Mikurajima calm down enough for landing. This can be a mixed blessing but part of the fun and adventure of getting there. Miyakejima is also a less visited island because of its active sulphur steaming volcano and recent eruption that forced the entire island to be evacuated. If there is a layover on Miyakejima, which sometimes happens, you can enjoy the beauty of this rugged, wild active volcanic island. Black sand beaches, lava flows, and more can be discovered here. Either way once we arrive at Mikurajima we make our way to one of the specially reserved limited inns who will provide us with a room and meals. There is no camping allowed in the island. While at Mikurajima we can enjoy not only dolphin excursions, but specially guided hiking adventures of the beautiful interior mountians. The dolphin tours begin at the pier where we hop on board a small boat and head around the island unitl we come upon a group of dolphins - then we all slip in the water and snorkel with the dolphins swimming around us. Scuba diving is not permitted as to lesson the impact on the ecosystem. If the dolphins cruise out of site we get back on the boat and cruise around for another group. With approximately 200 dolphins circiling the island visitors are almost guranteed to discover and experience the dolphins of Mikurajima.
Please note that because of the limited occupancy of the island advance reservations are essential - sometimes months or more.
Contact us for consultation and more detailed information on how we can arrange the incredible experience of swimming with dolphins of Mikurajima and exploring the neighboring Izu Island group.
Surfing in Japan:
For the wave riders out there we can arrange customized surf adventures throughout Japan and Hawaii.
Based out of our Eco Lodge in Chiba you are only a stones throw to the beaches and waves that make up this surfing coast. We can arrange guided surfing with lodging and meals. Partnering with our friends in Hawaii we offer exclusive Hawaii surf and explore adventures, lodging, transportation and more.
Please contact us for more detailed information on our customized surfing excursions and swim with wild dolphins experiences.