Exploring Tokyo's Forgotten Islands
180 miles from the hustle of Shibuya and the endless skyline of buildings lies a forgotten part of Tokyo called Hachijo-Jima. While administratively under Tokyo, this small island of 7500 residents is a far cry from the endless urban bustle of Japan’s largest city.
Reachable only by plane or ferry, Hachijo-Jima has fallen off the beaten path of travelers. Grand hotels abandoned to time tell a story about a time when Hachijo-Jima served as Japan’s so-called Hawaii.
Once hoped to be a burgeoning destination offering a beachside escape without the prices or distance of more famous destinations, Hachijo-Jima is now a little-known escape boasting a dramatic volcanic escape with lush greenery, plunging cliffs, and some of the clearest waters in Japan.
Since moving to Japan, I’ve twice had the opportunity to visit this solace in the middle of the Pacific and have become entranced by the serenity of the landscape and untouched coral gardens. A joy I hope to share with others visiting Japan.
A Diver's Paradise
You cannot visit Hachijojima without experiencing the rich waters surrounding it. The island’s volcanic origins extend deep underwater, creating a dramatic marine environment.
Thanks to the Kuroshio, a vast current bringing warm waters from the equator, visibility is exceptional (often exceeding 30 meters), and the water is warm enough for diving almost year-round.
The hardened lava flows have formed intricate arches, swim-throughs, and tunnels. Moreover, these warmer waters allow for a rich underwater ecosystem atypical of this far north. Everywhere you look, you will find a vibrant, untouched marine life rich in coral, tropical fish, nudibranch, and eels.
Japan's Other Fuji
After a few days exploring the deep, Hachijo-jima offers a stunning contrast in its mountainous terrain. The island’s most iconic landmark is Hachijo-fuji, an active volcano (though currently dormant) that earned its nickname, ‘Mini Fuji,’ because of its symmetrical cone shape, perfectly visible in our arrival shot.
While there are many great hikes on the island, scaling Hachijo-fuji (854 meters) is essential. The trail starts deceptively steeply through lush forest, but as you break the treeline, the greenery transitions to low, resilient alpine shrubs and grassy slopes.
If you’re lucky, you can even find Hachijo-jima’s famed bioluminescent mushrooms deep in the forest. At the top, walk the rim of this stunning volcano to get 360-views of the vast Pacific.
Getting to Your Island Escape
Getting to your island escape is just a quick flight or ferry away, depending on your budget and schedule.
ANA operates direct flights from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND). The flight takes just 55 minutes, with three departures typically scheduled each day. This is the best option if you want to maximize your time on the island.
Tokai Kisen runs a large passenger ferry departing from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo. The journey takes about 10.5 hours overnight. You sleep on the ship and wake up as you pull into the island’s harbor, making it a budget-friendly option that saves a night of hotel accommodation.
Discover Japan's Hidden Gem
If you’re looking for a short weekend trip escape while still staying in Tokyo, consider Hachijo-jima. It is that rare, still undiscovered destination that delivers unspoiled nature, fantastic diving, and rewarding climbs.
Sparsely populated and off the beaten path of Japan’s tourism industry, Hachijo-jima is the perfect place to recharge and explore Japan’s stunning nature that few have seen.