Japan’s Ogasawara Islands are seemingly in a world of their own.
Like something out of a primordial storybook, this unique, remote marine landscape is vastly different from the islands you may have encountered over the course of your own travels.
The picturesque Ogasawara Archipelago comprises more than 30 islands of varying scale and size and is located about 1,000 kilometers to the south of central Tokyo, Japan. Here, species flourish, and nature’s beauty is apparent, gracing every hillside, beach, and trail as far as the eye can see.
Experience this otherworldly island destination for yourself. Learn more about the Ogasawara Islands below and start planning your next adventure to Japan today.
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Adventure to the subtropical Ogasawara Islands where a beautiful, natural environment flourishes
Experience once-in-a-lifetime recreation and outdoor adventures
Notably, the Ogasawara Islands have never been connected to any continent at any point in history. And this means that the ecosystem found on the islands is rare and quite unlike any other island environment.
This distinctive subtropical environment is home to a roster of rare and endemic species, ranging from flora to fauna. In addition to plant and animal life on the islands, the marine life across the islands is just as remarkable, too. The island region supports a myriad of fish species, chains of coral reefs can be found just below the ocean’s glimmering surface, and sea life, such as green sea turtles, flourish throughout the island-peppered area.
Today, only two of the islands within the region are populated, Hahajima and Chichijima.
In an effort to conserve and protect the natural beauty and delicate wildlife found throughout the area, guests and visitors are required to undergo a series of tasks prior to visiting the islands.
Some of these mindful tasks include the removal of all dirt and plant seeds from clothing and shoes with the assistance of a floor mat or adhesive roller. Visitors are also asked not to bring any non-native species to the islands — think non-native fruits, seeds.
And finally, a general rule for all wildlife encounters, conservationists and wildlife experts urge visitors to keep a safe distance from the native wildlife that’s found on the islands.
Also, do keep in mind that some of the islands that make up the Ogasawara Islands are inaccessible, and some islands only allow visits when travelers are accompanied by a certified nature guide.
A paradise for those with a keen sense of adventure and a deep appreciation for nature, the Ogasawara Islands offer a number of outdoor recreation opportunities that include experiences like sea kayaking and after-dark night tours to guided excursions and coral reef snorkeling.
An uninhabited island designated a natural monument of Japan. To protect the beauty of the site, the island may not be accessed from early November to early February but excludes the New Year holidays (end of the year and the beginning of the year). There is a limit of 100 visitors per day, who must be accompanied by a certified Tokyo Nature Guide. The symbol of the island is the Ogi-ike lagoon, where turquoise waters pass through a natural limestone karst tunnel into a bay with a beautiful white sand beach.
Panoramic views of the blue waters called "Bonin blue" await hikers and adventure enthusiasts at the summit of Chihiro-iwa, or "Heart Rock", a nickname given to the reddish-in-color geographical marvel for its heart-like appearance when viewed by boat from the sea.
The trail, which takes around 2.5 hours to reach the summit for a breathtaking view of the island group, also takes hikers through subtropical forest featuring unique flora as well as WW2 battle sites.
When hiking, remember to leave no trace, wear appropriate footwear, and pack plenty of snacks and water.
The Ogasawara Islands are the largest breeding ground for green sea turtles in Japan. You can learn more about conserving these creatures through seminars and feeding the turtles. Meanwhile, the diet of the islanders traditionally relied on turtles. Even today, the islanders balance culture and wildlife by enforcing a yearly hunting quota for turtles.
Adventure seekers eager to experience the Ogasawara Islands in a unique way may want to consider exploring the island after dark.
When daytime creatures are retreating for a night’s rest, nocturnal animals and wildlife become active under a blanket of unobstructed starry skies. Nighttime explorers can expect a number of memorable encounters, from glimpses of the yakotake (known here as “Green Pepe”), a stunning and rare glow-in-the-dark green mushroom, to Ogasawara Giant Bat sightings, a bat species native to the islands.
Remember, always keep a safe distance from the sensitive plants and wildlife that call this island region home.
A trip to the Ogasawara Islands isn’t complete without a visit to Seihyo Beach. Off Seihyo Beach, the strand in front of the Marine Center on Chichijima Island, lies a beautiful branch coral reef. Be surrounded by fish in a beautiful marine environment as you snorkel through the gaps in the coral. You may encounter a fantastic sight during the full moon in May and June when the coral reef simultaneously releases its eggs.
The water in this region is such a picture-perfect shade of blue it has its own name; Bonin Blue. The seemingly untouched, highly-visible sea waters across the Ogasawara Islands are best explored via eco-friendly sea kayak.
Kayakers have the unique opportunity to spot sea life, rare fish, and beautiful coral reefs from atop their watercraft. And, with a year-round season, it is always a good time for a sea kayaking excursion in the subtropics.
Your next island adventure is just a short trip from one of Japan’s most bustling urban centers.
Ogasawara islands are accessed by a 24-hour ferry from central Tokyo. You can book tickets up to two months before departure. Please note, during peak times such as Golden Week in May, summer season, and year-end and New Year's holidays, there are concurrent ticket release dates so reservations for tickets can fill up quickly.
To reach the ferry terminal, take a 10-minute train from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho Station using either the Keihin-Tohoku Line or Yamanote. From here, walk seven minutes to Takeshiba Pier, where the ferry departs.
The direct route from Haneda Airport would be Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport station to Monorail Hamamatsucho station, then a seven-minute walk to Takeshiba Pier.
Please check ”the OgasawaraKaiun” website for the ferry sailing details.
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