Understand

The Ogasawara Islands, located approximately 1000 km away from Tokyo, are an incredible destination to explore. Comprised of over 30 subtropical and tropical islands, only two of them are inhabited: Chichijima ("Father Island") and Hahajima ("Mother Island"). These islands are blessed with stunning natural beauty and are part of the Ogasawara National Park. One of the highlights of the Ogasawara Islands is the opportunity for whale watching. The islands are home to a marine park where visitors can witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Access to the islands is mainly by ship, adding an adventurous element to the journey. Despite the limited access, the Ogasawara Islands remain highly popular among tourists who seek to immerse themselves in this remarkable environment.

Get in

If you're planning to visit the islands, you won't find any airports there. Instead, you'll have to rely on the Ogasawara Kaiun ferry, known as the Ogasawara Maru. This ferry departs from Takeshiba in Tokyo and takes you to Chichijima. The journey lasts 25.5 hours on average, but keep in mind that it may be longer if the weather is rough (which is quite common). It's important to note that the ferry may arrive late if the sea conditions are unfavorable. This has caused many tourists to miss their connecting trains and flights, so make sure to purchase travel insurance and plan your itinerary accordingly. Second class tickets start at 29,250 yen for a one-way trip. You can find more information and book your tickets at the Ogasawara Kaiun website: [2]

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing