What Are the Ogasawara Islands? A Remote Pacific Paradise and UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
The Ogasawara Islands (Ogasawara-shotō) are spectacular islands in the Pacific Ocean that belong to Tokyo.
Located about 1,000 km south of Tokyo, these remote islands are known for their rich nature and beautiful beaches shaped by a subtropical climate.
Because they are oceanic islands that were never connected to a continent, many endemic species evolved here, and the islands are often called the “Galápagos of the East”.
Why Visit the Ogasawara Islands
- Registered as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site!
- The only regular access from Tokyo is a roughly 24-hour voyage on the scheduled ship “Ogasawara Maru”!
- A treasure trove of endemic species with vast untouched nature!
- Enjoy whale watching and dolphin swimming!
Board the “Ogasawara Maru” and head from Tokyo to a tropical paradise.
Top 5 Recommended Things to Do in the Ogasawara Islands
1. Chichijima – The Main Island and Base for Ogasawara Sightseeing
Chichijima (Father Island) is the central island of the Ogasawara Islands and the area with the most developed sightseeing and accommodation facilities.
The whole island is surrounded by jungle-like subtropical nature, and you can enjoy many activities.
Centered around the Ōmura area, where restaurants, cafés, and diving shops are gathered, you can get around on foot, by scooter, or by rental car.
What to Do
- Go snorkeling and diving to swim with sea turtles!
- Join a Minamijima tour to explore stunning ocean scenery and an uninhabited island!
- Witness whale breaching (jumping) on a whale-watching tour!
Access
- About a 24-hour voyage from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier on the “Ogasawara Maru”
The main base for sightseeing! Enjoy spectacular beaches and great nature.
2. Hahajima – A Hidden Island with Untouched Nature
Hahajima (Mother Island) is an area with even richer nature than Chichijima.
There are fewer tourists, and its appeal lies in the quiet, slow-paced atmosphere.
It is also known as a source of domestically grown cacao, and chocolate made with Hahajima cacao is a popular souvenir.
What to Do
- Trek Mt. Chibusa, the highest peak in the Ogasawara Islands!
- Walk through untouched subtropical forest and observe endemic plants!
- Enjoy coral reefs and colorful fish while snorkeling around Hahajima!
Access
- About 2 hours from Chichijima by the scheduled ship “Hahajima Maru”
A lesser-known spot with fewer crowds. Hahajima is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in nature.
3. Minamijima – An Uninhabited Island with Emerald-Green Seas
Minamijima is an uninhabited island near Chichijima with a submerged karst landscape.
It is a spectacular spot with a white-sand beach and emerald-green sea that looks like a scene from a movie.
To protect its precious nature, landing is only allowed with a natural guide registered by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and the number of visitors per day is also limited.
What to Do
- A special place you can only visit on a guided tour!
- Enjoy the crystal-clear sea at “Ōgiike (Fan Pond)”!
- Walk along the white-sand beach where semi-fossils of Hirobesokata-maimai snails are scattered!
Access
- About 20 minutes by boat tour from Chichijima (individual landing is prohibited)
One of the best scenic spots in Ogasawara! Book a tour in advance before you visit.
4. Kominato Beach – A Scenic Beach with Beautiful Sunsets and Starry Skies
Kominato Beach (Kominato Kaigan) is a popular beach on Chichijima.
It is a cove surrounded by white sand and green mountains, and the calm waves make it ideal for snorkeling.
In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful orange sunset, and at night a sky full of stars spreads above you.
What to Do
- A calm snorkeling spot that is safe even for beginners!
- The sunset at dusk is spectacular! It is recommended to visit before sunset!
- Also popular as a stargazing spot where you can see the Milky Way!
Access
- About 15 minutes by car from central Chichijima (Ōmura)
Relax on this beach and enjoy a romantic sunset and starry sky.
5. Whale Watching – Get Up Close to Powerful Whales!
The Ogasawara Islands are one of Japan’s best whale-watching destinations.
From winter to spring, you can see humpback whales, and from summer to autumn, sperm whales.
Whale breaching (jumping) across the open ocean is an awe-inspiring sight.
What to Do
- Winter to spring (around December to May): Humpback whales gather for breeding and raising calves!
- Summer to autumn (around June to November): Watch powerful sperm whale dives!
- You can also try dolphin swimming and swim with wild dolphins!
Access
- Book a cruise tour with a tour company on Chichijima (half-day tours are common)
A once-in-a-lifetime experience! Don’t miss the thrilling whale watching.
How to Get to the Ogasawara Islands: Ferry Information
Access from Tokyo (Scheduled Ship Only)
- “Ogasawara Maru”: Tokyo (Takeshiba Pier) → Chichijima (Futami Port)
- Travel time: About 24 hours
- The fare for an adult 2nd-class ticket is 22,570 yen, and the total cost varies by cabin class and fuel surcharge adjustments.
The ship generally operates about once every 6 days (it may run every 3 to 4 days during peak seasons).
When planning your itinerary, be sure to check the timetable on the official Ogasawara Kaiun website.
Because of the sailing interval, it is also helpful to know that stays on the islands tend to be several nights or longer.
There are no regular flights to the Ogasawara Islands. Enjoy the leisurely sea journey on the “Ogasawara Maru.”
Summary
✅ The Ogasawara Islands are a World Natural Heritage paradise about 1,000 km south of Tokyo!
✅ Enjoy untouched nature in the “Galápagos of the East,” a treasure trove of endemic species!
✅ Plenty of marine activities where you can encounter whales, dolphins, and sea turtles!
✅ About 24 hours on the Ogasawara Maru, with service roughly once every 6 days—an extra-special island trip!
