Iojima, one of these three islands, is also home to the secret hot spring I previously reported on, Higashi Onsen.

Higashi Onsen on Iojima Island - Ultimate Hidden Hot Spring Experience in Kagoshima

Discover Higashi Onsen, a spectacular natural hot spring on Iojima Island in Mishima Village, Kagoshima. Experience soaking in natural pools surrounded by cliffs and ocean with breathtaking sunset views - truly a hidden gem among Japan's hot springs.

moreaboutjapan.com

2025.08.17

When I visited, photos I’d taken won a photo contest prize—Daimyo Takenoko (bamboo shoots).

A luxury ingredient and specialty of Takeshima, one of Mishima Village’s islands, these low-bitterness shoots can even be eaten raw. They’re called a “miraculous bamboo shoot.”

I quickly prepared and tasted them, and remarkably, virtually no bitterness emerged. They’re wonderfully aromatic, rich, and delicious!

Freshness is crucial and the season is limited, making acquisition difficult. But as awareness grows, they may eventually be distributed nationwide. In any case, these are absolutely worth tasting!

Takeshima Island Covered in Bamboo – The Miracle Takenoko “Daimyo Takenoko”

Daimyo takenoko are harvested on Takeshima Island, covered in bamboo (Ryukyu bamboo) as the name suggests.
※This is a different island from the disputed “Takeshima” controlled by South Korea—this is part of Japanese territory.

The following is a photo of Takeshima taken when passing by ferry. The overwhelming green covering the entire island is bamboo. Completely covered.

Daimyo takenoko from Takeshima arrived at my home in Fukuoka!
The name reportedly comes from the fact that due to regional limitations and difficult distribution, only feudal lords (daimyo) could enjoy this luxury ingredient.

True to its name, Takeshima Island is completely covered in bamboo. The island’s specialty is this bamboo—specifically Ryukyu bamboo, which grows only in Okinawa and Kagoshima. These takenoko shoots have virtually no bitterness and are edible raw, making them exceptionally delicious. However, due to regional limitations and difficult distribution, historically only feudal lords could enjoy them. For this reason they’re also called “Daimyo Takenoko,” and today they remain a premium ingredient in high demand.
Daimyo Takenoko Harvesting | Island Geopark Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture

Impressive specimens indeed.

“Season-limited to May-June each year,” “low in bitterness,” and “edible raw”—truly miraculous takenoko.

To be honest, I’d never prepared takenoko from this raw state before, but fortunately preparation instructions were included. Problem solved.

Quick Boil and Taste – Minimal Bitterness, Wonderful Aroma!

First, I alternately removed the takenoko skin until reaching white-to-yellow coloring.
Initially I thought it tedious, but the smooth peeling was oddly satisfying—I almost regretted finishing the last one!

The inedible tip and root sections are trimmed away.

When fresh, they can be eaten raw, but since mine arrived slightly later, I decided to boil them as a precaution, following the included recipe.

Typically rice bran and chili peppers are added, with boiling times of 30 minutes to an hour. However, for daimyo takenoko with minimal bitterness, just 5 minutes in salted water suffices.
Following these instructions exactly.

After boiling and cooling—as you can see, virtually no bitterness emerged! I didn’t skim any scum either.

Cut in half and drain the internal moisture.

Now to try eating it as-is.

The presentation wasn’t quite traditional—a more formal Japanese plate and garnish might have been better.

Tasting it, I thought “Is this really takenoko?” The absence of harshness and wonderful aroma that fills the mouth is remarkable.
It’s delicious plain, and equally excellent with soy sauce or salt.

Takenoko usually features in simmered dishes, but eaten solo like this, it’s truly exceptional.
Or perhaps this is so good specifically because it’s daimyo takenoko and not ordinary shoots.

The remainder goes into a zip-lock bag—refrigerate for short-term storage, freeze for longer.

Equally Delicious in Prepared Dishes

Following the included recipes, I tried sautéing in butter,

Mixing with egg,

And adding to simmered dishes.

Though takenoko typically plays a supporting role, these specimens assert themselves boldly, enhancing every dish they appear in.

Final Thoughts

Currently available only during limited seasons through limited distribution channels as a premium product, but depending on future developments, they may become more widely available.

For more details, check out these pages!

鹿児島県三島村産の大名筍 | 公式サイトTOPページ

三島村で収穫できる大名筍は筍の王様とも呼ばれており、濃厚な味と歯ごたえが特徴です。大きな特徴は、「アク抜きの必要がない」ことです。えぐみが少なく爽やかでシャキシャキの食感はまさに絶品で、旬を感じる高級食材として、さまざまな飲食店で重宝されて...

takenoko.link

鹿児島県三島村｜GO!MISHIMA

鹿児島県の南方に浮かぶ3つの離島、三島村の情報サイト。三島村は人口約350人の小さな村で、日本ジオパークや県立自然公園に認定されている魅力あふれる島々です。島の日常をありのままお伝えします。

mishima.link

Mishima Village in Kagoshima Prefecture. As the name suggests, it’s a village consisting of three islands (Takeshima, Iojima, and Kuroshima), and I visited the largest one called Iojima.
(This is a different place from the famous Iwo Jima in Tokyo’s Ogasawara Islands known from war movies)


This Iojima is a volcanic island with many attractions including the majestic Mount Iodake, which continues active volcanic activity and emits smoke, and seas turned red by hot springs bubbling up from the ocean floor. But what you absolutely must experience is Higashi Onsen.

It’s a hot spring in almost completely natural surroundings, surrounded by the vast ocean and sheer cliffs. Soaking in the hot water while gazing at the spectacular scenery spreading before your eyes is the best. I thoroughly enjoyed an experience you can only have here.

Higashi Onsen – A Hidden Gem Among Hidden Hot Springs, Surrounded by Cliffs and Sea

After being shaken in a car through mountain roads, I arrived at a rocky area with jagged rocks. There was barely a narrow path-like trail, and nothing else.
But this scenery is beautiful. At dusk when you can see the moon, cliffs and sea.

This is the location.

Following the narrow path, I found the target Higashi Onsen. It’s not a big puddle – this is seriously a hot spring.
There was a place where rocks were piled up like a changing room, but otherwise there was nothing. This isn’t just free-flowing – it’s on a whole different level.

Looking to the opposite side from the sea, there are steep cliffs. Right in the heart of nature.

The scenery changes as the sun sets.
Of course there are no lights or anything, so lighting is essential when coming during dark hours.

Even though no one should be adjusting the temperature (sorry if someone was), it’s quite the perfect temperature. Just the right comfortable temperature.
The hot spring while watching the horizon and setting sun is the best.

This experience would be quite difficult to have elsewhere…

Access to Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture

That said, most people probably don’t know the location or how to get there, so I’ll explain briefly.

The location is roughly between the Kyushu mainland side of Kagoshima Prefecture and Yakushima.

The regular ferry “Ferry Mishima” operates from Kagoshima Port.

However, since the operating days change every month, it’s better to check on their website or by phone. The fare is 7,200 yen one way for first-class cabin and 3,600 yen for second-class.

• Regular Ferry Mishima | Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture
• Access » Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture | GO!MISHIMA

There are only a few guesthouses locally, and there are almost (completely?) no stores, let alone convenience stores, and no car rental companies.

They apparently arrange cars and accommodations locally, and even have discount coupons, so if you’re interested in visiting, you should contact the Mishima Village office first.

• Contact | Remote Island Geopark Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture

Compared to other famous tourist destinations, the access difficulty is somewhat higher, but that’s what makes it a hidden hot spring.

Conclusion

Among the many hot springs, Higashi Onsen on Iojima is a hidden gem among hidden gems.
It’s quite a remote location, but please visit at least once.


An article by a blogger who is a Mishima Village resident who went on the tour together was also posted. I’m totally in the photos…

• Hidden hot spring “Higashi Onsen” you should visit twice before you die! The ultimate remote island experience on Iojima | Remote Island Geopark Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture