Niijima Island

Niijima is a volcanic island in the Izu chain, accessible by ferry or short flight from Tokyo, with consistent Pacific swells at Habushi Beach that have made it a serious surfing destination. The island also has free open-air onsen with ocean views, and white-sand beaches formed from koga, a rare volcanic glass that appears nowhere else. Local artisans use the same material to make distinctive green-tinged art pieces. Starry skies and no traffic lights reinforce the sense of distance from Tokyo, though it is only a few hours away. Summer weekends draw a seasonal crowd from the city, but most of the year the island feels genuinely calm.