-
February 1, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
-
March 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
Izu Oshima has been known as “Camellia Island” for centuries. The volcanic soil and mild maritime climate create perfect conditions for Camellia japonica, which grows wild across the island’s hills and ravines. Local legend says the first camellias were planted by exiled samurai during the Heian period, but the trees truly flourished after the Meiji era when islanders began harvesting camellia oil (tsubaki-abura)—prized for hair care, cooking, and lantern fuel.
Are you Visiting Japan soon?
Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.
Contact Jasumo Now →By the 1950s, an estimated three million camellia bushes carpeted Oshima, turning the island vivid red every winter. The Izu Oshima Camellia Festival began in 1953 to celebrate this natural treasure and attract off-season visitors. The main venue, Oshima Park’s Tsubaki Plaza, was built in 1967 with a camellia museum and open-air stage.
The festival grew alongside Oshima’s identity: camellia motifs appear on manhole covers, the island flag, and even the local high-school uniform. Today it is Tokyo’s largest camellia event, drawing flower lovers who combine the blooms with winter onsen, black-sand beaches, and views of Mount Fuji across the Pacific.
Overview
The Izu Oshima Camellia Festival 2026 runs from early February to mid-March across the island, with the main hub at Oshima Park Tsubaki Plaza. Over three million wild camellias in hundreds of varieties paint the volcanic landscape crimson, with the highest concentration around the park and along hiking trails.
At Tsubaki Plaza, visitors enjoy cut-camellia displays in the Camellia Museum, camellia-oil and souvenir stalls, and weekend cultural performances (folk dance, taiko, music). The festival coincides with off-peak travel season—fewer crowds, lower ferry prices, and pleasant 10–15 °C weather perfect for hiking among the blooms.
Highlights
- Three Million Wild Camellias: Natural bushes in every shade of red, pink, and white—some trees over 400 years old.
- Oshima Park Tsubaki Plaza: Central festival square with museum displays, oil-making demos, and live stages.
- Camellia Oil Products: Freshly pressed tsubaki-abura, soaps, and cosmetics sold direct from producers.
- Weekend Performances: Traditional island folk dance, taiko, and music under blooming canopies.
- Volcanic Hiking Trails: Paths through forests of camellias leading to Mt. Mihara views and black-sand coasts.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Three Million Wild Camellias: Natural bushes in every shade of red, pink, and white—some trees over 400 years old.
- Oshima Park Tsubaki Plaza: Central festival square with museum displays, oil-making demos, and live stages.
- Camellia Oil Products: Freshly pressed tsubaki-abura, soaps, and cosmetics sold direct from producers.
- Weekend Performances: Traditional island folk dance, taiko, and music under blooming canopies.
- Volcanic Hiking Trails: Paths through forests of camellias leading to Mt. Mihara views and black-sand coasts.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with high-speed ferry tickets from Takeshiba (Tokyo), private island tours, camellia-oil workshops, onsen reservations, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Early February – Mid-March 2026
- Main Events at Tsubaki Plaza: Weekends & holidays
- Camellia Museum: Daily during festival period
- Peak Bloom: Late February to early March
Pricing
Completely FREE entry to all festival areas and trails.
Location
Main Venue: Oshima Park Tsubaki Plaza 2 Fukushige, Izumitsu, Oshima-machi, Tokyo 100-0103, Japan (Festival spreads island-wide)
How to Get There
- High-Speed Ferry (Recommended): – From Takeshiba Pier (Tokyo) → 1 hr 45 min jet ferry (Tokai Kisen)
- Overnight Ferry: 6–8 hrs from Tokyo (cheaper, scenic)
- On Island: Rental car/scooter or local buses/taxis
- From Motomachi Port: 20 min drive to Tsubaki Plaza
- From Okata Port: 12 min drive
Accommodation Options
Oshima offers onsen ryokan with ocean views and camellia-oil amenities from ¥18,000–¥55,000/person (many include ferry transfers). Motomachi Port area has minshuku and guesthouses from ¥10,000.
Book 6+ months ahead—festival weekends fill fast despite being off-season.
FAQs
When does the 2026 festival officially start?
Typically early February (around Feb 1–10); exact dates announced in late 2025.
Do I need a car on the island?
Recommended—public buses are limited. Rental cars/scooters widely available at ports.
Are camellia oil products authentic?
Yes—most are pressed fresh on-island from local trees. Look for “Oshima Tsubaki” certification.
Can I see Mount Fuji?
Yes—on clear days from western coast roads and higher trails (best February–March mornings).
When do anthuriums (Oshima’s other flower) bloom?
Summer—but camellia season is the island’s most dramatic floral period.
Planning a Group Trip to Japan?
From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.
Contact Jasumo Now →
Leave a Reply