A paper plan to visit all three islands of Mishima Village (Takeshima, Satsuma-Iōjima, Kuroshima) as part of my island-hopping. On the final day, flying from Iōjima to Kagoshima Airport via Shin Nihon Aviation doubles as conquering Satsuma-Iōjima Airfield.
Four consecutive days off are required, which is why I haven’t been able to execute this yet.
Mishima Village
Mishima Village in Kagoshima Prefecture consists of three islands: Takeshima, Satsuma-Iōjima, and Kuroshima. Because the village is split across three islands, the village office is located not on any island but in Kagoshima City.
Access
Ferry
The village-operated “Ferry Mishima” sails from Kagoshima Port. It runs four times per week: two day-trip round trips and two one-way sailings (outbound only / return only). The port-of-call order is Kagoshima → Takeshima → Iōjima → Kuroshima.
| Day | Type | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Off | - |
| Tue | Round trip | Kagoshima → Takeshima → Iōjima → Kuroshima → Kagoshima |
| Wed | Outbound | Kagoshima → Takeshima → Iōjima → Kuroshima |
| Thu | Return | Kuroshima → Iōjima → Takeshima → Kagoshima |
| Fri | Round trip | Kagoshima → Takeshima → Iōjima → Kuroshima → Kagoshima |
| Sat | Outbound | Kagoshima → Takeshima → Iōjima → Kuroshima |
| Sun | Return | Kuroshima → Iōjima → Takeshima → Kagoshima |
Schedules are subject to change. Check the Mishima Village website.
Flight
Shin Nihon Aviation operates one daily round trip between Kagoshima Airport and Satsuma-Iōjima Airfield on Mondays and Wednesdays. Much faster than the ferry, but costs ¥30,000 one way and the small aircraft seats only 3 passengers. Bookings open one month before the flight date.
Route Design
Visiting the three islands in sequence requires aligning with the ferry schedule. The plan uses four days from Friday to Monday.
- Friday: Ferry from Kagoshima → Takeshima. Stay on Takeshima.
- Saturday: Ferry from Takeshima → Kuroshima. Stay on Kuroshima.
- Sunday: Ferry from Kuroshima → Iōjima. Stay on Iōjima.
- Monday: Fly from Iōjima → Kagoshima Airport.
The key is using the flight on the final day. Returning by ferry would mean arriving at Kagoshima Port, but flying back conquers Satsuma-Iōjima Airfield. Monday is a Shin Nihon Aviation operating day, making this route viable.
Itinerary
Timetables and fares are subject to change. Check the latest information before traveling.