Ogasawara Islands
Discover Ogasawara Islands
The Ogasawara Islands (小笠原諸島 Ogasawara-shotō) are an archipelago of over 30 subtropical and tropical islands. Almost the whole area of the islands is included in the Ogasawara National Park. You can visit the marine park as well. This is an area known for whale watching. It is a tourist destination, even though the only access is via a 24 hour-long ferry ride from Tokyo. The Ogasawara Islands were added to UNESCO's list of World Natural Heritage sites in 2011 as animals and plants there have undergone unique evolutionary processes since these islands have never been connected with a continent, thus often dubbed as the "Galapagos of the Orient".
Taste of Ogasawara Islands...
Tetsuya has Japanese cuisine. Although they do not have a menu because they have a set course, their cuisine is satisfying and delicious - an islanders' favorite! Don't forget to make a reservation before you get there. Tetsuya is near Kominato Beach. It is difficult to walk there, and if you walk, it takes about 1 hour. Buono Horizon This restaurant serves Italian cuisine. They have delicious handmade pizza and pasta. If you have a date with an important person, you should go there. Gorosuke (五六助) is a “hole in the wall” shop. Gorosuke only serves bento, or boxed lunches. Gorosuke is popular because you can get a big bowl of food for a very reasonable price. Gorosuke is known for it’s Papaya Curry, which is rich, spicy, and served with a huge heap of rice. While it might be seen as ethically problematic, you can sample sea turtle in Ogasawara. Turtle meat is a traditional island food that dates back to the early 19th century when the island was first settled. It is considered a delicacy and in no way is prohibited under Japanese law. There are two dishes made with sea turtle meat. Kame sashimi (Turtle Sashimi) is raw meat served chilled with wasabi and soy sauce. Kame stew is preferred in the winter months where it is served hot in a light broth. Turtle meat dishes can be found at many restaurants, most notably at Kanza, Fukuchan and Como.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere are no airports on the islands, so transportation is limited to the Ogasawara Kaiun ferry, the Ogasawara Maru, departing from Takeshiba, Tokyo to Chichijima. The ferry runs every three days in each direction and takes 24 hours one way in good weather, but if the sea is rough the boat travels slower and arrives late. Allow plenty of buffer for onward connecting transport, and consider buying travel insurance that can cover this. One-way tickets start from ¥29,250 for second class tickets that get you access to a shared carpeted sleeping room, while private cabins start from ¥57,670 per person. In addition, some cruise ship routes include Ogasawara as a stop. There is only one way to get to Iwo Jima (硫黄島 Iōtō) and that is through the Military Historical Tours, which have been granted exclusive rights to conduct tours of the island. The tours are only open to U.S. citizens....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
A public bus runs around Chichijima several times daily, connecting most points of interest. Single fare ¥300. Chichijima Taxi will chauffeur you anywhere on the island via air conditioned car. Chichijima Taxi, as well as numerous other companies on the island, rent 50cc mopeds to drivers with a Japanese driver's license. Seibi Kojo rents large vans and passenger cars at reasonable prices. Bicycles can be rented at many guest houses (or used for free in some cases). Additionally, some guest house owners will lend their automobile to guests. The Hahajima-maru, operated by Izushoto Kaihatsu, runs between Chichijima and Hahajima roughly every other day, with services timed to meet the ferry to/from the mainland. The trip takes about two hours. There is no regular service to any of the other islands, although the Mukojima group to the north of Chichijima is occasionally visited by charters.
Where to Stay
Before choosing a place to stay, please consider what kind of accommodation you prefer. There are 2 hotels and many minshuku, which are Japanese-style bed and breakfasts. Many minshuku can provide meals for their customers, but most minshuku have shared bathrooms. Also, most minshuku only accept cash. Once you know what kind of place you're interested in, contact the Ogasawara Tourist Association. They will give you the telephone number of the accommodation that will fit your needs. There are about ten minshuku and a youth hostel in Hahajima. If you would like to stay in Hahajima, you should contact the minshuku beforehand as they might be full.
Money & Budget
Tetsuya has Japanese cuisine. Although they do not have a menu because they have a set course, their cuisine is satisfying and delicious - an islanders' favorite! Don't forget to make a reservation before you get there. Tetsuya is near Kominato Beach. It is difficult to walk there, and if you walk, it takes about 1 hour. Buono Horizon This restaurant serves Italian cuisine. They have delicious handmade pizza and pasta. If you have a date with an important person, you should go there. Gorosuke (五六助) is a “hole in the wall” shop. Gorosuke only serves bento, or boxed lunches. Gorosuke is popular because you can get a big bowl of food for a very reasonable price. Gorosuke is known for it’s Papaya Curry, which is rich, spicy, and served with a huge heap of rice.