Hatsushima is a small island, with one hotel (GRAND XIV), a harbour hangout for fishermen, small fish restaurants, seafood BBQ restaurant, a diving center, an onsen and a swimming pool (to be found at the 'Island resort'). As if all this wasn't enough, there is an adventure park for the more active amongst you, and a park where you pay ¥800 to enter, and can then eat, drink and sleep in the hammocks provided! If you have the energy, you can wander around the tropical gardens and admire the flowers and plants, or even steal some aloe vera for your sunburn.
As the nearest, natural island to Tokyo, you can imagine how popular it is. When the boat docks, the first thing you see is kakigori - crushed ice. This is always a summer must, so we did.
Strolling around the west of the island, you will walk past some eateries. they all have fresh seafood, although some of their fishing methods are questionable given the fish hook injury we saw on one (large) fish (in a tank way too small.)
There were a few dive schools chatting in between dives as well. I presume the marine life is great out from this island!
This is, in short, a welcomed paradise to be found from the seaside resort town of Atami. Guaranteed, you will be feeling a LOT more mellow after a few hours here.
We were unable to experience the onsen because a) it was HOT and b) we have tattoos! This also meant we couldn't go in the pool BUT, if you cover up with a rash guard you are able to use the public pool - good to know if you are out with your families.
We found the park, willingly paid our 800 Yen and lazed around in the sun eating snacks and drinking delicious beer!
There is a reduction ticket you can buy for boat + onsen, boat + pool, and boat + onsen + pool. I didn't see one for boat + park, (but maybe we could have saved 10 Yen if there was).
There is also a campsite on the island, with yurt style huts... Looks fun!
There was a random little supermarket and the main and best souvenir I could find from the small, small island was the wine - small bottle priced at 950 yen... I didn't invest.
Hatsushima was an amazing surprise discovery! We really relaxed and found a little bit of the tropical and a little bit of the green wilderness that we love and need so much.
