If you want to take a break from urban and overcrowded Tokyo, visit Aogashima Island, a perfect escape spot for nature lovers. Located 222 mi (358 km) south of the Japanese Capital in the Philippine Sea, the island is just 2.17-mile (3.5-km) long and 1.55-mile (2.5-km) wide. The whole island is formed out of an active volcano’s crater. However, it is populated by 200 people, has a school and a post office. Most of the people live outside the crater, on the north end of the island.
Aogashima volcano erupted in the late 18th century, killing many locals and forcing the island's population to abandon their homes for 50 years. As a result, it's not easy to get to the island: you can either take a plane or helicopter to enjoy beautiful bird-eye views or take a ferry or boat from Hachijojima. If you opt for a sea route, avoid the month of October, notorious for its typhoons and storms.
Aogashima has a few "bed and breakfast" spots (“minshukus”) and two small Japanese-style bars. In addition, there are hiking trails up to the volcano's rim where you can cook eggs in the steam vents, and a sauna warmed up by volcanic activity.
Practical info
When is the ideal period to visit Aogashima Island?
It's recommended to visit Aogashima Island between November and September since the typhoons and storms usually bypass the area. December, however, should be avoided as the island gets engulfed in heavy fog. Show more
What are the available accommodations on Aogashima Island?
Aogashima Island provides 'minshukus,' which are Japanese-style bed and breakfast spots that serve food made from locally sourced ingredients. There are also two small, traditional local bars. Keep in mind, though, that few such accommodations offer amenities such as TV or internet access. Show more
What are the transportation options for Aogashima Island?
Aogashima Island is reachable either by ferry, helicopter, or plane. For air travel, you'll need to catch a plane or helicopter from Haneda airport in Tokyo to Hachijojima. Once there, you can board a ferry that typically leaves once per day for Aogashima. The Tokyo Bay boat ride, on the other hand, is not recommended as it can take two days to get to the island. Show more
How physically demanding are the hiking trails on Aogashima Island?
While Aogashima Island offers scenic routes, the hiking trails up to the rim of the volcano can be challenging to navigate without hiking experience. The gradation of the route is between 20-30%, making it physically demanding. The trail is about six miles long and requires five hours to reach completion. Show more
Besides hiking trails and the sauna, what other activities can visitors explore on Aogashima Island?
In addition to hiking trails and the sauna, Aogashima Island offers fishing, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. The island's surrounding marine life forms a diverse environment, making it ideal for all kinds of sea life to thrive. Additionally, visitors can explore the island's historical sites, including an ancient castle's ruins and a preserved wartime tunnel. Note that some of these activities are also seasonal and may not be open throughout the year. Show more
