# Aogashima

> The southernmost inhabited island of the Izu chain, a volcano with a second cone sitting inside its crater. Getting there takes a ferry that often doesn't sail or a nine-seat helicopter that is usually full.

- Prefecture: Tokyo
- Type: Island
- Address: Aogashima, Tokyo, Japan
- Official site: https://www.vill.aogashima.tokyo.jp/

Aogashima is a volcano that happens to have a village on it. The outer rim rises straight from the sea, and inside the crater sits a second, smaller cone, Maruyama, with a walking path that loops it in about an hour. The best view of the whole arrangement is from Oyama Observation Park, around 400 meters up on the northern rim, or from Otonbu, the island's high point at 423 meters. Near Maruyama, steam the islanders call hingya vents from the ground; it heats the village-run Fureai Sauna and a geothermal pot where you can steam eggs and potatoes. Reaching the island is the hard part. From Hachijojima the Kuroshio Maru takes about three hours, sails only four or five days a week (never on Sundays or Thursdays), and because the harbor is exposed only 50 to 60 percent of those sailings actually go. The alternative, a 20-minute helicopter hop, has nine seats a day. There are no restaurants, and only a handful of guesthouses, so book a room with meals before you set off.

## FAQ

### How reliable is the ferry to Aogashima?

Not very. The Kuroshio Maru from Hachijojima sails only four or five days a week, never on Sundays or Thursdays, and because Aogashima's harbor is exposed to wind and swell only 50 to 60 percent of those sailings go. Cancellations can last several days in a row, so leave slack in your schedule.

### Can I just take the helicopter instead?

Yes, but seats are scarce. The Tokyo Ai-Land Shuttle flies Hachijojima to Aogashima in about 20 minutes, once a day, with nine seats that islanders also rely on. Reservations open one month before the flight date and often fill the same day. It is more reliable than the boat, but fog and wind still cancel flights.

### Do I need to book accommodation before going?

Yes. The village asks every visitor to reserve a guesthouse or the village campsite before arriving, and the ferry or helicopter may refuse boarding if you cannot show a booking. There are only a few guesthouses and no restaurants, so most stays include three meals a day.

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Source: Aogashima — Japan Voyage