17 May 2025

Island of Treasures – Izu Oshima

Grey skies greeted us on our arrival at Izu Oshima Island, ‘Tokyo’s Treasure Island’, as forecast. Options today included hiking Mount Mihara, known as Oshima Fuji by the locals, or celebrating the island’s national flower yabu-tsubaki, the species of Camellia growing wild here, with a visit to the Takada Seiyujo camellia oil refinery.

Despite being an active volcano, which last erupted in 1986, our guide reassured us that with today’s level remaining at 1, we were perfectly safe, as we walked through the fog to the Crater West Lookout stopping at outcrops to learn the volcanic history, and the adaptations required for the plants to survive. We passed the surviving section of a shrine destroyed in the 1986 eruption and braved strong winds at the lookout.

Those visiting the camellia oil refinery squeezed into the small workshop where fourth-generation owner Yoshito Takada talked us through the process including the 100+ year old press. After we explored the narrow streets in the old neighbourhood around the factory and the Tsubaki Tunnel, made from camelia trees.

Both groups visited the natural wonder of the Great Road Cut Geological site. During road construction in the 1950’s a large section of the hillside was cut away to expose volcanic rock layers which tell the story of Mt. Mihara’s eruptions over the centuries, providing a fascinating look at the island’s volcanic history. After being gifted goodie bags with local camelia and salt products, we were invited to the gift shop at the harbour, which was opened just for us, to enjoy tasting of local spirits and admire the local glassware, rounding out an incredible visit of this amazing island.

Images © C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions