Looking for an unusual destination? Pack your bag and set off on an adventure to Aogashima, Japan’s blue island!
The Japanese volcanic island of Aoga or Aogashima, part of the Izu archipelago, lies more than 350 kilometers south of Tokyo, in the Philippine Sea. And although the island is officially part of Tokyo Prefecture, the atmosphere and landscape are radically different. Few visitors venture here, yet this island-volcano rising out of the ocean is a wild, natural jewel. With its sheer cliffs concealing a second crater and flourishing tropical vegetation, Aogashima is a dream destination for nature lovers and explorers at heart.
Meet its inhabitants, who have chosen to live on the crater of a still-active volcano, soak up the calm and mysterious atmosphere of this incredible place, and let the hiking trails take you from one viewpoint to another!
On the trail of the volcanic island of Aoga in Japan
Photo Credit: Instagram – imwanderlust
Aogashima, which translates as « blue island » in Japanese, is a stratovolcano formed by the accumulation of successive lava flows. What’s special about this island is that it takes the form of a still-active crater, which itself encloses a second crater in a caldera, called Maruyama! Aogashima, with a surface area of just 6 km2 and its highest point 430 metres above sea level, is also home to Japan’s smallest village, Aogashima-mura.
But it’s even crazier to imagine that almost 200 people currently live on this island in Japan’s Hachijo sub-prefecture. In other words, on a volcano that is still active, rated « C » by Japan’s meteorological agency, and therefore considered dangerous. And with good reason: the last eruption of this volcano, in 1785, killed half the inhabitants of the time. Fifty years after this tragedy, however, the Japanese have decided to settle there once again.
The crater lies at the very heart of Aogashima, but also at the heart of its inhabitants’ daily lives! Using mainly the natural resources of their isolated island, they heat and cook using the volcano’s geothermal energy. As well as exploring an island of wild, lush nature, you’ll have the opportunity to discover an unusual way of life.
What’s behind Japan’s Aogashima?
Photo Credit : Wikimedia
Two days are enough to explore this small island full of surprises:
- Sublime landscapes
Aogashima is covered in nature, with an abundance of flora and fauna, and boasts several hiking trails. For breathtaking views, head to the Oyamatenbo Park observatory, where you can admire the Maruyama crater in the caldera, the ocean and, if you’re lucky, a magnificent starry sky.
- Local specialities
Although the locals are few in number, they do have their own specialties. These include shochu, an alcoholic drink made from malt and sweet potatoes, shimadare, a red pepper sauce that accompanies sashimi, and hingya salt, a high-quality salt.
- Geothermal sauna or local onsen
After a day of sightseeing, you can relax at the geothermal sauna, located in the center of the island. Here you’ll find a sauna, a public bath and showers with hot water from the volcano’s crater. You’ll also have access to a geothermal steam stove for cooking meals, if required.
- The shaman sanctuary
The first inhabitants of the island practiced shamanism, and the story goes that one day, the son of the village chief threw himself into the sea after murdering 11 people. The inhabitants of the time erected a shrine in his name, over his grave, so as not to incur his wrath. Since then, it has been possible to visit this shaman shrine.
How to get there
How?
The only way to reach Aogashima is via Hachijojima, a neighboring island some 80 kilometers away. Hachijojima can be reached by boat or plane from Tokyo. The10-hour boat trip( average€93 per person), via the islands of Miyakejima and Mikurajima, is made at night from Takeshiba pier, while the flight (approx.€70 per person) fromHaneda airport takes just 50 minutes. To ensure you get the best price, use a flight comparator like Ulysse and book well in advance.
Then all you have to do is take the Izu Shoto Kaihatsu river shuttle between Hachijojima and Aogashima. The 3-hour boat trip costs around €22 per adult and €11 per child.
Alternatively, you can take a 20-minute helicopter ride from Hachijojima to Aogashima with Ai-land Shuttle. In this case, advance booking is required. The one-way fare is around €95 per adult (over 12) and €65 per child (3-11) with 5 kg baggage. Beyond that, you’ll pay just under €2 per extra kilo.
Caution: Islands are synonymous with bad weather, which can affect crossings and flights! So you’ll need to adapt to the vagaries of the weather to get to and from the island.
When?
Aogashima can be visited all year round, so there’s no good or bad time to go. The climate is humid, but the temperature rarely drops below 8°C (January-February) and climbs to a maximum of 28°C (July-August-September).
Please note: The rainiest months are June, September and October.
For sleeping
Photo Credit: Instagram – @japonalternativo
On site
Given the limited number of inhabitants and visitors on the island, the choice of accommodation is very limited. Aogashima does offer a free camping area(Aogashimamura Camping Ground) with basic and minimal facilities, if you’re equipped, or a few guesthouses – called minshuku – like those in Nakazato or Aogashimaya.
To eat in
The village has just one store, a post office, a school and a few bars, where you can try the famous shochu drink.
If you’re staying at a campsite, the best thing to do is to bring your own food and heat it with the volcano’s steam, using the pots and pans on loan at the entrance to the local onsen. You won’t find anything more unusual and authentic!
Alternatively, you can opt for the meals offered by the island’s few minshuku.
How much should you budget to visit Aogashima, Japan?
Photo Credit: Instagram – @greenide
The main reason for exploring Aogashima is its wild nature and special atmosphere. Transport to and from Aogashima will therefore be the biggest part of the budget for this trip. And it’s important to note that this cost is not negligible: a little over €90 minimum and almost €190 maximum, just for the outward journey. That’s between €180 and €380 return from Tokyo.
To take in my backpack
When exploring Aogashima, you’ll spend most of your time outdoors. So make sure you have with you :
- Sunglasses
- A hat or cap
- Rain protection (raincoat, umbrella, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- A camera to immortalize your most beautiful moments and breathtaking landscapes
- Food and water, unless you plan to eat morning, noon and night in a minshuku
- Camping equipment, if you opt for this solution (free of charge)
- Cash
- Bathing suit and towel
What I can discover in the region
Photo Credit: Instagram – @kazuikechan2018
To get to Aogashima from Tokyo, you’ll have to pass through Hachijojima. Its onsen, surfing and diving spots, superb hiking trails and Mount Hachijo-Fuji, with its breathtaking ocean views, are just some of the reasons why many Japanese and a few foreign tourists come to recharge their batteries on this volcanic island in the Philippine Sea. So make the most of it!