Ogasawara: Island Nature, Sea and Culture

Ogasawara combines striking seascapes with exceptional opportunities to observe nature and a distinctive cultural history. On Chichijima, experiences range from hiking trails and viewpoints to sea turtles and corals along the shore. Excursions also take you to the waters around the island group and to Minamijima. The experiences you want to focus on can therefore also shape your choice of where to stay.

Nature and the Sea on Chichijima

The Ocean Center, also known as the Kame Center, researches and cares for sea turtles. Depending on the season, activities may include releasing young turtles or polishing turtle shells. At the Ogasawara World Heritage Centre, you can learn more about efforts to protect nature and the World Heritage site. Endangered species are also bred there, and visitors can observe the care work.

The Ogasawara Visitor Center offers year-round explanations by specialists, special exhibitions, nature observation, lectures and hands-on activities for children and adults. Individual programs may take place on different dates. The offerings combine nature topics with opportunities to get involved, complementing the firsthand experience of the beach or a hiking trail with insights into conservation work and island nature.

Rare animals and plants can be observed in the Higashihira-Akazashikokarasubato Protected Area on Chichijima. Walks must be accompanied by a nature guide certified by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Nature observation is also possible at Miyanohama Beach, where tropical fish and various corals can be seen. The beach is within walking distance of the village. Because of the strong currents beyond the buoys, you should swim inside them.

Hiking Trails, Views and Island Shores

The hiking trail at Kuwanokiyama follows a restored prewar road. From the Tenguhanahana viewpoint, you can see across Futami Bay; along the trail, you can also see the remains of prewar houses. Nature and history share the same route here: Along with the view across the bay, traces of earlier settlement are part of the experience. The main viewpoint in the Ogamiyama district is just behind Futami Pier and offers a sweeping view of Chichijima’s built-up area.

Ogiike on Minamijima offers a different landscape: The bay lies within an undersea karst landscape made of limestone, where white sand contrasts with the blue sea. Landing requires the company of a guide certified by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government; check the current arrangements locally. In the waters south of Ani-jima, the water is clear, and colorful schools of fish swim among the coral reefs. This area can be visited as part of ecotours.

Along the coast of the Ogasawara Islands, snorkeling lets you experience reef-building corals and tropical fish underwater. When diving in Ogasawara National Park, you can observe bigeye tuna, amberjacks, fan-shaped schools of fish and brightly colored tropical fish. Spinner dolphins and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins live around the islands year-round. Boat trips around the islands look for dolphins; with luck, you may be able to swim with wild dolphins. However, sightings and encounters are not guaranteed.

Culture, Sunsets and Starry Skies

Nanyo Odori was brought to the Ogasawara Islands during the period when Japan administered Micronesia. In 2000, the dance was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tokyo Prefecture. Takonoha craft is also part of the islands’ cultural heritage: It has been passed down since before the war and uses leaves from the endemic screw pine (タコノキ).

The Weather Station Lookout on the west side of Chichijima is a popular place to watch the sun set on the horizon. Many people go there in good weather; whale watching is also possible during the season. At night, the focus turns to the sky: The Milky Way may be visible when stargazing on the Ogasawara Islands. You may also be able to spot the green-glowing fungus Green Pepe and nocturnal animals such as the endemic Ogasawara flying fox.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

Chichijima and Hahajima have no airport and can only be reached by boat. The Ogasawara Maru ferry departs from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo about once a week. As departure frequency may change, check the latest schedule before your trip. When searching for a vacation rental, it helps to start by considering which island you want to visit and what experiences you have planned: The experiences described range from hikes and beaches on Chichijima to tours of nearby waters and landscapes on other islands.

Discover more destinations: Nozawa, Ōshima, Machida, Arakawa, Hamura, Meguro, Edogawa, Suginami.

Return to the main travel overview: Tokyo.