Discover Hachijo: Volcanic Island, Nature and Culture

Hachijō Jima is a volcanic island in the Fuji Volcanic Belt. Geographically, it consists of Mihara in the southeast and Hachijō Fuji in the northwest. The two mountains give the island a distinctly volcanic character. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Hachijo for your trip, you could start by considering which aspect of the holiday appeals to you most: a climb, coastal scenery, plants and birds, or insights into the island’s history.

Volcanic Landscape and Nature

At the outer edge of Mihara lies Kurozuna, a black scoria dune beside steep sea cliffs. From there, you can enjoy views of Kashitate and Otochiyogahama. The black scoria, cliffs and views of these two places make Kurozuna a distinctive landscape in its own right. Hachijō Fuji also has a hiking trail leading up the mountain. If you’re interested in hiking, this offers a different focus from visiting the coast or the park.

The Hachijō Botanical Park covers more than 20 hectares. Tropical and subtropical plants grow there, and the park is also home to numerous birds. This means there are two distinct nature themes side by side in the park: plant life and birdlife. The park may be an interesting choice for your day-trip plans if you prefer botanical sights to a mountain climb or time by the coast. Its large area and variety of plants give it a different character from the island’s striking volcanic formations.

Coast and Activities

Otochiyogahama has pools and small ponds along the rocky coast where visitors can play. This is a specific coastal feature that differs from the cliffs at Kurozuna: here, the experience centers on pools and ponds, while there the steep cliffs and views take the foreground. Hachijō Jima also has surf spots. If you’re planning your trip around coastal experiences, you can take these opportunities into account when choosing a focus for your holiday, without associating them with a particular beach or accommodation location.

A stretch of coast in Ōgagō is considered a good place for rock fishing. From there, you can see Hachijō Kojima; striking sunsets are also among the sights mentioned. Fishing, surfing and playing in the pools are different ways to enjoy the coast. For families or people travelling together, it may help to agree first on which of these interests matter most to the group when choosing a holiday rental.

History, Dance and Local Agriculture

The Hattori Residence was the estate of the Hattori family, who managed the shogunate’s ships during the Edo period. The family’s historical connection to shipping gives the site a different perspective on Hachijō Jima from the nature destinations. The Hattori Residence is also associated with performances of Kashitate dance and Hachijō Taiko. If you’re interested in island history and traditional performances, you can consider these alongside hikes and coastal activities when planning your trip.

The Hachijō History and Folklore Museum occupies the former building of the Hachijō Branch Office of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, built in 1939. A visit to the museum also offers a connection to the history of a former administrative building. Another perspective on the island comes from Umi-kaze Shiitake, an agricultural business that offers tours and harvesting experiences by prior reservation. This activity therefore requires a reservation and differs from the nature and coastal themes in its direct connection to agriculture.

Hachijo offers a range of reasons to plan a trip: volcanic landscapes, a hiking trail, a botanical park, the coast, cultural history and agriculture. When looking for a holiday rental as a base for your stay, consider which of these interests matter most to you and your fellow travellers.

More destination pages: Hachiōji, Chōfu, Machida, Edogawa, Arakawa, Tachikawa, Hamura and Toshima.

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