Job Discussion Forums

[elliewelliesj]

Am trying to be organised and plan my summer vacation now, as everyone says it gets booked up and pricey if you leave it too late. But am finding it is pretty expensive to go anywhere anyway... am thinking of trying the Isu-shoto islands, just south of Tokyo. Has anyone been? any advice or comments? are they just ram-packed with Tokyoites? or can you get a bit of peace and quiet too? Ultimately wanted to make it to Irimote-Jima South of Okinawa, but think the flights are gonna be way too much.
Any recommendations? cheers

[southofreality]

Check out the 'Tabiwari' fares at ANA for cheap travel in Japan.

http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/dms/fare/promotion/tabiwari/index.html

[Apsara]

I went to Izu-Oshima last year in September- it was nice. We had actually planned to go to Shikine-jima, but huge swells caused by a passing typhoon meant that we arrived at Takeshiba Pier to find that our boat had been cancelled- keep this possibility in mind in the typhoon season.

We were able to get on a ferry that went as far as Izu-Oshima though luckily. Although Izu-Oshima is very laid back and rural compared to Tokyo and has a great outdoor bathing-suit-compulsory onsen with a view of Mt. Fuji, I was a bit disappointed not to go to Shikine-jima as it is much smaller and you can get around the whole island on foot, plus better beaches.

I have heard good things about Hachijo-jima and Nii-jima from friends who have been there as well- camping grounds were a bit noisy apparently, but otherwise good.

[elliewelliesj]

Thank you!