Ogasawara Islands

Located about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Tokyo and around the same latitude as Miami and the Canary Islands, this island group encompasses Chichijima, Hahajima, and other islands large and small. Situated in isolation on the Pacific, these islands do not have a long history of human habitation. Europeans and American settlers first came to Chichijima and other islands in the group from Hawaii in 1830. Japanese immigration began in earnest around 1876. The islands were under US control following World War II and were returned to the Japanese in 1968. The Ogasawara Islands (also known as the Bonin Islands) are home to many animals and plants that live nowhere else in the world. Their status as a biological treasure house has earned the island group the nickname "The Galapagos of the East."

Sightseeing highlights

Swimming with dolphins: The waters around the islands are home to a sizable population of dolphins. Lucky visitors may get an opportunity to swim alongside these beautiful, intelligent sea mammals.

Whale watching: There are two types of whales that viewers are most likely to see. Humpback whales can be seen from around December through May, and sperm whales can be seen from around April through December.

Gourmet Food

The cuisine revolves around locally caught fish. Another highly recommended treat is tropical fruits, such as passion fruits, guavas, mangoes, bananas, and papayas.

Access from Tokyo

The islands are accessible only by sea. The trip from Tokyo to Chichijima takes about 25 hours.

Sightseeing information

Ogasawara Village Municipal Government(Japanese only)
Hahajima Tourism Association (Japanese only)

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