Izu Oshima Odyssey: Seven Days of Tech-free Adventure

Middle School adventurers discovered that some of the most powerful learning happens outdoors—through challenge, collaboration, and shared experiences in nature. From sunrise birdsong to late-night campfire celebrations, the Izu Oshima Odyssey was a journey of adventure, friendship, and moments that turned into lifelong memories.

From volcano hikes and island-wide bike rides to snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, Eucalyptus explorers embraced challenge, discovery, and unforgettable moments on an extraordinary week in Izu Oshima.

We spent 7 days in Izu Oshima, exploring the island through activities such as hiking, cycling, snorkeling, and good old-fashioned walking. The island was wonderful – beautiful, clear water, green all around, delightfully cute towns, and such welcoming people. And, of course, a very cool, very active, volcano. For me, this was my fifth Odyssey in all my time in Eucalyptus; and it was the best one! –Moka

The Ferry to Oshima

Everyone was very excited seeing Tokyo’s lights fade away on the ferry. A short night, Oshima’s cliffs rising from the sea into the clouds. Onsen to wash away the night. Card games. Next stop: Toshiki camp.  –Xavier

The ferry was my favorite part because it was a new experience. –Evan

A Windy Action-Packed Start

The hardest task was making the tents. First, we struggled to make the tents because of the wind, but with teamwork we made it. That was a good experience. And I enjoyed snorkeling, because I saw a lot of fish in the sea. –Hide

After the onsen, a group went shopping, another left to set up the camp, and an even smaller group followed on bicycle (15 km with ups and downs, very different from the ones found in downtown Tokyo). –Xavier

Waking Up to Nature

After a windy night, we woke up to the sound of birds singing with all their might. Wind, waves, birds. What a cocktail! A slow start for the day (still a few were up at 4am). The day’s cooks prepared a healthy porridge from the daily portions prepared ahead.

The groups then separated: cooks cleaning and preparing their shopping list for the dinner, the cyclists getting ready their “tour de l’île”, and the fishermen and fisherwomen looking for bait.

It was a long and rewarding day, full of fun and surprises (including crows going through our provisions), full of colors: shades of blue, green, orange, and pink. Laughter around games. Discussions. Friendships. –Xavier

I liked the hike. The views were pretty good. –Francisco

Walking into the mist and the clouds on the rim of an active volcano, eco-conscious fishing (no catch), egg sandwiches for lunch, pasta for dinner, sparklers, fireworks… another day at Toshiki camp. –Xavier

Circumnavigating the Island by Bicycle

Today the cycling group decided they wanted to circumnavigate the island, including an epic climb from Habu Port up to the volcanic desert. It was definitely the longest ride any of them have ever done, and now they’re having a well earned soak in the hot spring before we head back to camp for dinner. –Jason

The hardest thing on the Odyssey was the bike ride. I did it with Rowan, Francisco, Moka, Junning, Ludi, and Kartika. It was a ride around the island, with a very steep mountain. The whole ride was 46 km and 3km of it was a non-stop uphill. It may not sound that hard, but it was. Imagine it's a rainy, foggy day, and you're riding 3 km up a mountain. 

On top of that, you're sweating so hard you can't tell whether you're drenched in sweat or rain. It was the most long and excruciating thing. And the worst part; because it was raining, the tires from everyone's bikes would kick up dirt into our pants when we were riding downhill. So not only were we sweating and tired, we were also covered in dirt that looked like poop! All over our legs and pants. 

And it gets even worse. I didn't bring a change of clothes to the onsen. I thought it couldn't be that hard, so I didn't bring a change of clothes. I had to wear the dirty clothes back on the bus to our camp. But it was actually pretty fun – I would probably do it again. –Conrad

A Surprise Birthday Party

Cooking was fun. And the beef curry turned out really good. It was especially fun that day because it was Kartika’s birthday, and we secretly made a cake to celebrate. –Junning

A special for supper tonight: home made curry rice! Stewed with tender love and care throughout the afternoon by the cooks. A treat after a day spent outdoors (snorkeling for one group, a visit to the zoo for another).

And today we are celebrating Kartika’s birthday, adding another year around the sun! –Xavier

The birthday party was a wonderful surprise. The kids secretly baked the cake on our campfire. And when my group was at the zoo, they tried to delay returning to camp as long as possible so the others could set up the party! –Kartika

Becoming Part of the Island Community

A chat around a 10 year old Labrador retriever at the Oshima ferry terminal this morning led us to the Omiya shrine and a local music festival. –Xavier

The ice cream man was so nice, and we all loved his under-the-sea themed shop! –Moka

We are getting noticed: the taxi drivers, the staff from the bus company… They share with us who they saw and where, bring a forgotten bag of groceries to the bus stop, and pass on forgotten change from one group to the other. Oshima is a small island (around 6500 inhabitants) and our group of 18 is now part of the landscape. Snorkeling for one group, hiking for the other. Slow day for the last. –Xavier

A Reluctant Homecoming

Our Odyssey slowly comes to an end. A lot happened during this week! Stories to tell. Just like Odysseus, the gods of the sea and the winds are playing with us. Strong winds (gusts) are forecasted for tomorrow, with a down time around noon. As a result, our return boat might be canceled.  –Jason, Kartika, and Xavier

Most of the kids agreed that this was the best Odyssey ever. When we were told we might be delayed on our way back because of the weather, I don’t think anyone minded! –Moka