Miyake Island

About 180 kilometers south of Tokyo in the Izu island chain, Miyake Island sits atop an active volcano whose most recent major eruption in 2000 forced a complete evacuation for over four years. Buried forests and restricted gas exclusion zones are still visible reminders of that event. Warm offshore currents make these waters among the best diving accessible from Tokyo, with sea turtles, dolphins, and healthy coral. The island is also serious birdwatching territory, home to the Izu thrush and Ijima's leaf warbler. Access is by overnight ferry or a 50-minute flight from Chofu Airport, and the whole island is easily explored in a couple of days by bicycle.