In December 1999, I went back to Japan to visit my wife and kids, who were still living there. We went to Shikinejima for 4 days. It is a small island, only about 3 square kilometres, but it is pretty and there are 2 nice seaside onsen there.

To get to Shikinejima, you board a ferry in central Tokyo at around 10 p.m. After making a couple of stops at other islands early in the morning, you arrive at Shikinejima around 8 a.m.

People attempting to sleep in 3rd class.

Denali and Daniel sleeping.

Dave and 1 year old daughter Denali on the deck.

The ferry.

Yukari, Daniel, and Denali in 3rd class.

An aerial view of Shikinejima.

Jinata Onsen is a very pretty, natural, and free bath located at the base of a ravine at the the ocean's edge. Some of the pools get too hot or cold, depending upon the tide.

In HOT water at Jinata.

Denali happily munching on a granola bar at Jinata.

Peaceful Denali.

The pools at Jinata.

Another view.

And another.

Jinata is located at the base of a ravine along the ocean.

More hot water.

Jinata.

Matsugashita Onsen is located next to the fishing harbor. It's water contains more iron than Jinata and is more reddish.

Matsugashita Onsen with changing room and webcam in the background.

At Matsugashita.

Steam rising.

Matsu in the morning.

The ever vigilant fiberglass policeman protecting the residents.

A view of Niijima Island.

Denali in the tent.

Please e-mail me! davidroland@usa.net