Yokosuka & Oshima Cycling #3
Umino Kyoto E-BikesYokosuka is a city that flourished as a military port since Westernization 150 years ago, and the Miura Peninsula to the south is flat and easy to ride on, attracting many cyclists from Tokyo.
Our recommendation is to take a ferry from there to Oshima and cycle there. This volcanic island with a long history offers beautiful seas, unique scenery, a slow pace of life, and tranquil townscapes.
You can manage to travel there in a day, but we recommend a trip of two or more days if possible.
Yokosuka
Oshima Island
Time / Distance
8h~ / 60~90km
1 h by train from Tokyo + Cycling + 1h by Ferry + Cycling
Course
Battle Ship Mikasa
Mikasa is the most important battleship in Japanese history and in the history of world naval warfare.
In the Battle of Tsushima in 1904, almost all 21 ships of the superior Russian fleet were sunk, while the Japanese fleet only lost three boats, which was a decisive factor in the newly Westernized Japan winning the war against Russia.
Today, Mikasa has been turned into a museum and you can tour the interior. Inside there are various exhibits, including a simulator, that will show you why the Japanese fleet was able to achieve the most perfect victory in the history of naval battles.
Yokosuka Naval port
Yokosuka is also home to the largest naval forces in the Asia-Pacific region, including the world's most powerful US 7th Fleet and Japan's 1st Fleet, and depending on the time of year you can see a huge number of aircraft carriers, landing ships, and destroyers lined up, each worth billions of dollars.
Navy Gourmet
In Yokosuka, you can enjoy naval cuisine that has remained unchanged for over 100 years, the most representative of which is curry rice.
Uraga
In 1853, an American fleet invaded Uraga, forcing the country to open its ports to the world, which marked a major turning point in Japanese history.
Uraga was the first port in Japan to be opened to foreign trade, and it developed as a trading port.
Today, ferries are popular and can carry bicycles, shortening the route by about 3km.
Kurihama Port
The ferry to Oshima leaves from Kurihama Port at 9:30am every day.
(It leaves Takeshiba Port in Tokyo at 8:30am, stops in Kurihama at 9:30am, and arrives at Oshima at 10:30am.)
In practice, it's a good idea to make the trip a two-day trip, staying somewhere around Kurihama.
You can bring your bike on the ferry. The round trip fare is about 17,000 yen.
Oshima Island
Oshima is an island about 50km in circumference and is home to 6,500 people.
Although it is currently stable, the island was formed by volcanoes that erupt every 100 to 200 years, giving it a unique landscape and culture.
It has been inhabited since the 7th century as a penal colony, and is now a popular destination for people who dream of living on an island.
Mt. Mihara
There are several cycling courses on Oshima, ranging from a flat 20km coastal course to a 50km course that circles the island, but this time we will introduce a course that goes up Mt. Mihara, which is suitable for e-bikes.
The contrast between the desert formed by volcanic ash and the sea is very beautiful.
Great Fault
You can cycle along the wall where the earth's layers are exposed.
Pacific Sea
The Pacific Ocean surrounding the island is extremely clear and has a unique color.
"Bekko Sushi"
This is one of Oshima's local foods, a spicy, matured sushi made by marinating sushi in a chili sauce.
As a town with a population of 6,000 and a tourist destination, there are many restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses.
Inns
As a town with a population of 6,000 and a tourist destination, there are several restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, and hot springs.
The ferry arrives at 10:30 and the next ferry to Kurihama (Tokyo) leaves at 15:00, but if you think 4 hours is too short, it might be a good idea to stay on the island overnight.
