Ogasawara Islands

Attraction

Prefecture

Tokyo

Type

Attraction

N/A

0 reviews

Free

Entry Fee

Free Entry Restaurant Cafe

About This Destination

Remote UNESCO World Heritage subtropical islands roughly 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, teeming with endemic species, pristine coral reefs for snorkeling, and seasonal whale watching.

The Ogasawara Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage archipelago located 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, accessible only by a 24-hour ferry journey from the mainland. These subtropical islands, often called the Galapagos of the East, harbor hundreds of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth including rare birds and sea life. Crystal-clear waters offer excellent snorkeling, diving, and whale watching, while the remote location provides stargazing unmatched elsewhere in Japan.

Location

Prefecture: Tokyo

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Nearest Station: Takeshiba Ferry Terminal (24-hour ferry)

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Accepted

Food Options: Island restaurants serve fresh catches like wahoo sashimi and island sushi. Passion fruit and island rum are local specialties. Limited dining options so hotel meals are common.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Ogasawara Islands?

Only one route: the Ogasawara-Maru ferry from Tokyo's Takeshiba Pier (Hamamatsucho Station, 5 min walk). 24-hour journey one-way; the ferry runs roughly weekly (specific schedule varies seasonally). Round-trip fare: ¥27,000–55,000 economy depending on cabin class. NO airport, and there are no flights at all. Plan a 6-day minimum trip: outbound day, 4 days on island, return day. Book through ogasawarakaiun.co.jp at least 2 months ahead for peak season (whale watching, summer).

What can I do on Chichijima (the main island)?

Snorkeling and dolphin/whale swimming tours (¥10,000–15,000): Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins year-round; humpback whales February–April. Diving with sea turtles, manta rays, and 200+ tropical fish species (¥15,000–20,000 for 2 tanks). Hiking the Ogasawara Trail through endemic forest (free guides via local visitor center). Stargazing, as Chichijima has Japan's clearest night skies. Beach time at Kominato or Sakaiura beaches. Bonin (English) heritage tours.

Where do I stay and what's accommodation like?

Most visitors stay on Chichijima (about 30 small minshuku and pensions, plus 2 hotels). Rates: ¥7,000–15,000/night with breakfast; ¥10,000–25,000 with two meals (recommended due to limited dining). Hotel Horizon and Pension Asia are popular mid-range. Solo travellers can use the Yamada-ya capsule pension (¥4,500/night). For more remote feel, take the day-ferry to Hahajima island (2 hours from Chichijima, ¥3,560 one-way) for 5 minshuku in even quieter setting. Wi-Fi is patchy; bring books.

Is it worth the effort and cost?

For nature lovers, divers, and adventurers: absolutely. Few places in Japan offer such pristine ecosystems and quiet, and the islands feel completely removed from mainland life. The lack of airport keeps mass tourism away (only 25,000 visitors per year vs Okinawa's millions). Total trip cost ¥80,000–150,000 per person for 6 days inclusive. Best for repeat Japan visitors who've seen the standard sites. Not recommended if you have under 6 days or get seasick easily, as the ferry can be rough.

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