Mt. Mihara Ura-Sabaku (Back Desert)

Japan's only official desert. A world of black volcanic ash that feels like landing on another planet.

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裏砂漠

BIG ISLAND

日本唯一の砂漠『裏砂漠』

izuoshimanavi

Mt. Mihara Ura-Sabaku (Back Desert)

Nearby Spots

An active volcano at the center of Izu Oshima. Hike around the crater for powerful views of steam and the Pacific Ocean.

A dramatic red cliff on the slope of Mt. Mihara formed by oxidized volcanic scoria. Its otherworldly appearance feels like a landscape from Mars.

A vast park featuring a world-class camellia garden and a zoo where you can see island wildlife.

A massive geological strata known as the "Baumkuchen." This 600m long wall of volcanic ash layers reveals 20,000 years of Earth's history.