Chichijima is located approximately 1,000 kilometers south of valuable Tokyo and is greater than three times the space from Tokyo to Hachijojima. It is the second largest island of the Ogasawara Islands, with an area almost twice that of Chiyoda Ward. With a population of about 2,000, it serves as the valuable island of the Ogasawara Islands, housing a metropolitan high faculty and the Ogasawara Village Office.
Chichijima's beautiful coastline and nature-surrounded visitor sights own an irresistible allure for traffic. In this guide, we will introduce 12 cautiously decided-on ought-to-visit spots on Chichijima. From immersive natural reviews to tourist facilities, we intend to exhibit the island’s particular charm, hoping to assist you in making the maximum of your visit to Chichijima.
Map of Chichijima Islands
| Name | Chichijima Islands (Japanese: 父島) |
| Country | Japan |
| Prefecture | Tokyo |
| Coordinates | 27°4′0″N 142°12′30″E |
| Area | 23.45 km2 (9.05 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +9 |
| Population | 2,120 |
| Airport | N/A |
12 Sightseeing Spots on Chichijima Islands
1. Nagasaki Lookout / 長崎展望台
Nagasaki Observatory is famed as a scenic spot on Chichijima. This famous traveler destination gives breathtaking views of the encircling islands, including Anijima and Anijima Seto, wherein you can witness the tidal currents flowing like a river. The crystal-clear blue sea contrasts dramatically with the luxurious inexperienced land, creating a genuinely enthralling sight. It is also a favorite spot for snorkeling.
Located approximately 4 kilometers from the Omura region, the observatory is out there through a paved mountain road, only a 10-minute drive away. One of its appealing factors is that you can enjoy the awesome scenery without the need to hike uphill. Additionally, near the go-out of the Nagasaki Tunnel, there's a cliff providing "pillow lava," a reminder of the region's volcanic origins—in reality worth a go!
2. Ohmura Beach / 大村海岸
Omura Beach is a popular spot on Chichijima, located inside the significant Omura place. Known for its stunning shoreline and crystal-clear waters, it's far effectively near the primary street, presenting a clean right of entry to travelers. With motels and eating places, it's a great place for visitors. The seaside is equipped with rest regions, showers, and converting rooms, making sure a cushy enjoy for swimmers. Spending a leisurely time at the beaches of Omura Beach is a perfect way to loosen up.
In addition to swimming, visitors can experience diverse water sports which include windsurfing and snorkeling. During Golden Week, a few vacationers come to witness sea turtles laying eggs. If you're fortunate enough to see this, have a look at it in quiet awe.
3. Ogasawara Marine Center / 小笠原海洋センター
For those keen on looking at and interacting with sea turtles, the Ogasawara Marine Center affectionately referred to as the Turtle Center, is extraordinarily advocated. At the Turtle School, you can take part in feeding, shell sprucing, "transplanting," managing actual turtle eggs, and attractive in sea turtle conservation activities. The beach in front of the middle, Seiketsu Beach, also offers sea turtle release reviews, so reserve your spot on the official internet site earlier.
The Marine Center is divided into sections offering green sea turtles, humpback whale reveals, and a breeding place. The breeding sector houses around 250 to 300 hatchlings, in addition to inexperienced, loggerhead, hawksbill, and freshwater turtles of diverse ages. The center also sells authentic Ogasawara Marine Center souvenirs. What is a better way to commemorate your visit to Chichijima?
4. Nakayama Pass Lookout / 中山峠展望台
Nakayama Pass Observatory is a hidden gem offering a breathtaking view of the lush inexperienced ocean. After crossing the island’s scenic Yase Bridge, covered with Bengal trees, it’s a quick 15-minute stroll to attain this peaceful spot.
From the proper side of the observatory, you may see the captivating Kominato Beach directly underneath. Further beforehand, the white sands of Kopepe Beach come into view, evoking a tropical paradise. To your left, a boardwalk leads to breathtaking vistas of Buta Beach and the islands of Minamijima, stretching all the manner to John Beach. This spot is rarely crowded, making it an ideal choice for folks who want to quietly experience the splendor of the sea.
5. Minamijima / 南島
Minamijima, an uninhabited island southwest of Chichijima, is a breathtakingly beautiful spot, home to the "submarine karst landscape" of Ogi Pond, distinct as a National Natural Monument. To shield these fragile surroundings, strict policies are in the region, permitting only a hundred site visitors in step with day, followed by way of a Tokyo-licensed nature manual, with visits constrained to two hours. Reservations with licensed operators and guided excursions are mandatory for the ones wishing to explore the island.
There is no pier on Minamijima, so visitors land directly at the rocks from the bow of the boat and climb the cliff to attain the island—a thrilling enjoy from the instant of landing. Visiting Minamijima will certainly be one of the highlights of your trip to Chichijima. Be positive to comply with the policies and revel in the island's pristine natural splendor.
6. Mt. Mikazuki Observation Platform / 三日月山ウェザーステーション展望台
The Mikazukiyama Weather Station Observatory is a famous sunset perspective on the western aspect of Chichijima. Known for its lovely perspectives of the solar sinking under the horizon, this spot is also well-known for whale looking from February to April. From the observatory, you may witness humpback whales spouting, tail slapping (lifting their tail flukes high and forcefully hitting the water), and breaching (leaping out of the water).
The sundown is some other need-to-see spectacle, with the possibility of witnessing a paranormal scene in case you time it just properly—possibly even in harmony with the whales. To reach the climate station, take the bus to Mikazukiyama Entrance and walk about 1 kilometer. Along the manner, you could also detour to historic sites just like the Second Gun Battery.
7. John Beach / ジョンビーチ
John Beach is a hidden gem on Chichijima, boasting pristine white sands and the hanging blue waters of Bonin. Located in the island’s southwest, it's far-famed for its stunning coral reefs simply offshore and rocky shoreline, with sand so corporation it feels like on foot on timber planks. This seaside additionally serves as a breeding floor for inexperienced sea turtles.
The "hidden" nature of John Beach comes from its tough accessibility. The simplest approaches to reach it are a -hour hike or arriving by sea. If you opt for the hike, it takes about hours from the Kominato Coast bus prevent. There are not any merchandising machines or shops on the way or at the seaside, so make sure to bring water and meals. Arriving by sea involves diving, sea kayaking, or taking a ship.
8. Jini Beach / ジニービーチ
Kinnie Beach, located on the southwesternmost factor of Chichijima, is an untouched region accessible most effectively from the ocean. It is not possible to reach by car or even stroll. Previously, it may be accessed by walking from the northern aspect of John Beach, but there's not a trail. However, because of its remoteness and absence of vacationers, it gives the texture of a private beach.
With its considerable marine life, colorful fish, and coral reefs, Kinnie Beach is a first-rate spot for diving and snorkeling, with remarkably clear waters. Sea kayaking is recommended for taking gain of the currents. If you plan to swim or explore by boat, consider carrying a hat and beverages, as there may be no shade. Be cautious, because the waters here have sturdy currents, so keep away from venturing too a long way from the shore.
9. Battlefield Tours / 戦跡ツアー
During World War II, the Ogasawara Islands became a battleground, maximum considerably Iwo Jima, where many Japanese infantrymen misplaced their lives. Chichijima turned into also home to the "Chichijima Fortress," and remnants of the war continue to be, such as underground bunkers, cannons, and gun batteries. Over ten companies offer battlefield excursions of Chichijima, making it on hand to all of us involved. The jungle consists of protected areas that require a manual, as there's a risk of having misplaced, so guided tours are strongly advocated.
The excursion normally starts offevolved with a visit to the Naval Cemetery to pay respects to the fallen. Chichijima is not only a traveler's destination but also a place of profound historical importance. By visiting those battlefield sites, visitors are given a hazard to reflect on the importance of peace and make sure the tragic occasions of the past are in no way repeated.
10. Night Tours / ナイトツアー
Chichijima is home to plenty of particular flora and fauna, making it not simply a perfect vacation spot for sunlight hours sea sports, and sightseeing, but additionally a fascinating vicinity to explore at night time. The night sky right here is sort of a planetarium, with endless extraordinary stars illuminating the darkness. As the night falls, rare nocturnal creatures awaken. A need to see is the small bioluminescent mushroom called "Green Pepe," the brightest among all mushrooms.
You can be surprised by the myriad of charming points of interest, including the local Bonin fruit bat, a natural monument of the island. Observing these nocturnal animals is a unique and delightful enjoy. Around 20 organizations offer night tours, so why not upload this magical revel on your Chichijima itinerary?
11. Ogasayama Park / 大神山公園
Ogasayama Park is a massive Tokyo metropolitan park divided into the Omura and Ogasayama districts. The Omura place, located by Futami Port, functions as Omura Beach, wherein visitors can swim, as well as an open-air level and competition rectangular, making it a convenient spot for sightseeing. You can also loosen up at the "Gegogero Tower," a palm-thatched pavilion, so make sure to forestall via.
The Ogasayama district, situated on a hill, boasts observatories, the Ogasayama Shrine, and a journey playground. From various statement decks, including the panoramic and summit observatories, you could enjoy sweeping perspectives of Futami Port, the townscape, Ryugu Mountain, Asahi Mountain, Mikazuki Mountain, and Anijima. Walking along the scenic trails, you may stumble upon the unique plant life of Ogasawara, and at night time, you might even spot the rare Bonin fruit bat.
12. Cruises and Tours
Chichijima gives a wide array of sightseeing cruises and guided tours. From sundown cruises, wherein the revel in differs from that of viewing the sunset from an observatory to dolphin swimming and sperm whale watching excursions, there are numerous thrilling trips to choose from.
To immerse yourself in the wonders of Chichijima, a cruise with a guide is fantastically endorsed. These tours allow get right of entry to places in any other case unreachable. You can be part of cruises to Minamijima, or whale-looking tours that include snorkeling. Tailor your experience in your possibilities, and enjoy the particular herbal splendor of Chichijima, growing cherished reminiscences as a way to finalize a lifetime.
Website: https://www.ogasawaramura.com/en/play/
How to Get to Chichijima?
The passenger ferry "新おがさわら丸(Ogasawara Maru)" started operations in July 2016 providing faster and more comfortable journeys between Tokyo and Chichijima. As the journey from Tokyo's Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal to Chichijima takes 24 hours, the delivery is ready with anti-rolling fins to limit sway for the duration of the trip.
Tickets may be bought on the Ogasawara Kaiun respectable website or via tour corporations. The ferry operates roughly once a week, beginning from the 3rd of every month. I can’t wait to begin my beach motel vacation and sightseeing journey on Chichijima with a scenic boat journey!
You can check the schedule and ticket on their site: https://www.ogasawarakaiun.co.jp/english/service/
