Tokyo's Hidden Pacific Island | OGASAWARA ★ ONLY in JAPAN
Far out to sea from the city of Tokyo, over 1,000 kilometers away are Tokyo's hidden islands called the Ogasawaras. Few tourists have ever heard of them. It's off the tourist radar. Why? There is no plane ー only a 24 hour ferry ride from Takeshiba Port in the city to Chichijima once a week. When you make a trip to the Ogasawaras (also known as the Bonin Islands) you make a commitment to stay for a while. What you find on the other side is a tropical island paradise that many call the Galapagos of the East. The deep blue water here even has its own name ー Bonin Blue. Most of the islanders can speak native English and this is where Chichijima's history comes in.
In 1830, Nathaniel Savory came from Hawaii with about 30 colonists to settle on an island known as the Bonins. The island was made up of American, Europeans and Pacific Islanders - a diverse island in Japan. In 1853, Commodore Perry of the US Navy stopped here with the Black ship on his way to Edo (Tokyo) to open up Japan and made Nathaniel Governor of the island. In 1862 Japan claimed the islands and renamed in Ogasawara in 1876. After World War II, the US took possession of the island and returned it to Japan in 1968. Now, the islands are an example of how a diverse Japanese island can live peacefully together.
In this episode we'll explore the jungles, cross the island by motorcycle, learn the history and see why this is the most amazing island you've never heard about.
★ RULES on Ogasawara you should know:
▷ DRONE use on the island is strictly prohibited ◁ You must use drones from off shore, not on land. I used my drone from a boat which is permitted. Unlawful Drone use is against the law and you may be fined.
▷ 7:45 to 8:12 ◁ This area is prohibited and off limits. Please do not enter this building.
▶︎ HOW TO GET TO OGASAWARA (Chichijima) There is only one way - ferry It's about $250 each way / 1000km / 24 hours
WHERE DID I STAY? ▶︎ Townhouse Mitsu
▶︎ Eco Village Pelan
RESERVE 1 months in advance!
★ More about Ogasawara / Chichijima
Thank you to Kenny at Townhouse Mitsu, Mana-san (the island's best photographer and professional fixer), Rance at Yankeetown, Yokoyama-san at the Ogasawara Tourism office and Okubo-san at Visit Ogasawara office in Tokyo. I could not make this episode without you and hope to see you again soon.
See more from a recent visit of mine to Aogashima, another Tokyo Volcanic Island:
Aogashima is the Jurassic Park of Japan - this island will amaze you! It's amazed YouTube viewers 3 million times!
Music credit: Ross Bugden - Music - THE END SONG! ♩♫ Happy and Inspirational Music ♪♬ - Bedtime Stories (Thank you for sharing your beautiful music with us Ross!) URL:
Dark Hallway by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license ( Source: Artist:
Attack of the Mole Men - Stings by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license ( Source: Artist:
ONLY in JAPAN is a registered trademark and all rights are reserved.
This show has been created and produced by John Daub ジョン・ドーブ. He's been living and working in Japan for over 20 years and regularly reports on TV for Japan's International Channel. #tokyo #ogasawara #onlyinjapan
Best Attractions and Places to See in Ogasawara mura, Japan
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List of Best Things to do in Ogasawara-mura , Japan
Mimamishima Chichijima Island Ogasawara Ocean Center Kominato Beach Anijima Seto Undersea Park Mt. Mikadukiyama Observation deck Hahajima Island Kopepe Beach Ogasawara Visitor Center VERA Ogasawara Station
Tokyo's Secret Island Paradise | AOGASHIMA ★ ONLY in JAPAN
Jurassic Park may be the first thing that comes to mind when you see Aogashima Island from the air - but yes, THIS IS TOKYO! It's famous for having a volcano inside a volcano surrounded by dense jungle. It's also considered the smallest town in Japan and the hardest place in Japan to get to. There is no direct transportation to Aogashima. These facts are what make Aogashima the best kept secret in Tokyo!
★ The Ogasawara video is out!
Travel 1000km further for Tokyo's distant island paradise!
The island is unspoiled. The pristine jungles and beautiful ocean views are like scenes from the movies.
HOW TO GET TO AOGASHIMA Air ▶︎ Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Hachijojima / 50 minutes ▶︎ Helicopter to Aogashima - 20 minutes / 11,530 Yen Note: You have to take the first flight to catch the helicopter or spend the night. Only 1 helicopter flight per day. Sea (Ferry) ▶︎ Takeshiba Pier (Tokyo) to Hachijojima 11-12 hours / Tokai Kisen Line / ▶︎ Hachijojima to Aogashima / 3 hours / Izu Shoto Kaihatsu Line Note: The ferry to Aogashima is often canceled so don't rely on this if you need to be back to Tokyo for a flight etc. It can be delayed for as long as 1 week depending on weather!
WHY IS THIS THE HARDEST PLACE TO GET TO? The town is located 200 meters up off the sea. There is no airport and this island is only accessible by helicopter and ferry. The port is one of the most challenging to dock at in the world so when the sea is rough or the wind is too strong, ferries are often canceled. Visitors may be stranded here for a week or more if the weather turns bad.
MUST SEE PLACES on AOGASHIMA ★ Ao-Chu Shochu distillery ★ Aogashima heliport ★ The volcanic island steamer (for lunch) ★ The island sauna ★ Oyamatenbo Park (Observation Area) for the view over the crater and the sky at night ★ Aogashima Port ★ Maruyama & Shrine
FOOD TO TRY ★ Torinabe (Chicken Soup Pot) ★ Ashitaba (an island leaf / herb that's used in cooking) ★ Island fish in season Note: you can ask your inn about trying these at scheduled meals
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT VISITING AOGASHIMA 1) You must have a reservation to stay somewhere before arriving. Lodging is limited. Call ahead, even for camping. 2) There is an ATM at the post office but come with cash just in case 3) Helicopters are often sold out a month in advance. Ferry tickets are easy to get but your departure date may not be convenient. 4) Walking is possible everywhere but many tourists rent a car. Other tourists may pick you up if you hitchhike. It takes 80 minutes to walk from the heliport to Aogashima pier.
Special thank you to Akira-san, Yoshino-san, Kyoko-san and Moemi-san and all the kind residents of Aogashima who made me feel a part of the island family!
I stayed on the island from July 23 to July 30. Drone scenes shot with the DJI MAVIC PRO
Music Credits: ▷ TEKNOAXE (love his stuff) Jungle - a Royal Feast / Bedtime Story Adventures - Piano/Background ▷ Groovy Baby by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license ( Artist: ▷ Out of the Skies, Under the Earth by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license ( Source: Artist:
▷ SUBTITLES: If you'd like to help out and submit a subtitle in your language, I'd really appreciate it so we can reach more people! THANK YOU! You'll be listed as a collaborator for this video too :) -john
This show has been created and produced by John Daub ジョン・ドーブ. He's been living and working in Japan for over 19 years and regularly reports on TV for Japan's International Channel.