Pristine beaches, brilliant starry skies such as the Sunset of Dan, and whales frolicking in tropical waters are places that can only be seen in the core of the Pacific Ocean, and can also be seen in Japan.
If you travel from Tokyo by boat for about a thousand kilometers south to reach the island, it always has a magic that constantly attracts people to spend two days and two nights on the road to see such a holy place , Ogasawara.
The Ogasawara Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean and under the jurisdiction of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, were recently inscribed on the World Heritage List. The inhabitants of the archipelago are mainly concentrated on The Parent Island and the Mother Island.
There are ferry links between Chichijima and Tokyo Pier, the beach scenery is very charming, and the mother island has less development, so if you want to avoid the crowds and carry out some cleaner tourism, it is a good choice.
The Ogasawara Islands are a mecca for nature lovers, with snorkeling, kayaking, forest trekking, whale watching, and more.
Diving and snorkeling
There are no banana boats, paragliding, jet skiing activities, you have experienced the sea of Ogasawara, you will no longer want to play the so-called excitement of the commercial beach.
Dive in this cobalt-blue sea full of manta rays, sharks, turtles, dolphins, whales and plenty of colorful corals, making the Ogasawara Islands one of the world's top diving destinations.
Any beach snorkeling in Ogasawara offers the best views.
Chichijima and the waters around Okijima and South Island and Peace Island are the main diving areas, and there are many shops on Chichijima that can provide diving equipment.
The best beaches for snorkeling are located on the northern side of Chichijima---- miyanohama and Ichatahama, which can be reached by a short walk from the main village and over a hill.
Miyanohama is shaded with trees and beautiful corals on the bottom of the sea, which is more suitable for novice snorkelers; although the fishing hama corals are beautiful, there are rocks on the beach and there are fewer vegetation.
Whale watching
About 20 species of whales have been spotted around Ogasawara, accounting for a quarter of the world's species.
For a spot of humpback whales, January to April is the best time to visit. (But January and February are cold and the skies are gray, which is not the ideal time to visit the island.)
From May to November, sperm whales can be viewed, and in order to protect the small world of sperm whales, the boat should be 100 meters away from the sperm whales.
You'll also see swarms of dolphins.
In Ogasawara, you'll get into the habit of seeing dolphins not frantically taking pictures but jumping into the deep sea for diving. I've heard that people who look at dolphins become gentler.
Landed on the South Island
The uninhabited South Island is a must-see spot whenever you visit Ogasawara. The general guide will take you to see the whales and dolphins and set off for the South Island.
In order to protect the ecological balance of the South Island, from November 12 to February 6, the island will be closed, up to 100 people will go to the island every day, and regular tour guides will enter with special armbands and lead up to 15 people to the island, so it is best to make a reservation in advance during the peak tourist season. There are three ways to land on the island, most of which are from the shark pond and climb the rocks to the island.
The shark pool has a lot of sharks sleeping underwater
The water here is as beautiful as a gem, I heard that diving here, lucky to see white top sharks, manta rays, green sea turtles, white tooth sharks, lionfish, sea hares and other creatures at one time, I don't know which diving spot in the world can be so lucky to see such a scene.
It can also be accessed by kayaking or diving from the fan pool.
After passing through this natural cave, it is as if you come to a paradise, fan-shaped pure white beach, transparent blue water, will make you sigh the magic of nature.
In the summer, you can see hatching turtles slowly crawling towards the sea on the beach.
There are also snails that have been extinct one or two thousand years ago, showing a semi-fossil state, and cannot be picked up.
Climb the ridge of the South Island and look across the sea from chihiro rock on The Father Island, like a red heart.
Don't forget to watch the sunset over Ogasawara on the way back.
swim
The west coast of Chichijima is very suitable for swimming, and its proximity to the bay Copepe and the coast of Xiaogang are attractive.
From the shores of Xiaogang, cross the hills and walk along the coast to John Beach, with its dazzling white sand.
Regardless of the direction you're departing from, the journey takes about two hours, so please prepare enough to drink as there is no drinking water available during the trip.
Sea kayaking
Glide out on the sea and explore hidden beaches that are only accessible by kayak and canoe, while kayaking is a great opportunity to see underwater fish and corals.
The Pelan Sea Kayak Club offers a number of tours to explore more beautiful beaches for a daily fee of 10,000 yen, including equipment rental, Pelan-style meals.
Hike the scenery
Hike through the forest, birds singing along the way, overlooking the cliffs and overlooking the vast sea.
Starting from the village of Mujima, walk south along the path to Nanzaki, which is a good hiking route.
Along the way, you can pass the narrow and scenic Dong Eagan Coast, as well as Wai Beach, which has a garbage dump and sometimes attracts eagles.
Xiaofu is above Nanqi, about 86 meters above sea level, standing on the top of the mountain, overlooking the surroundings, the scenery is infinite.
Back in town, hike through rare pristine vegetation to reach the island's highest peak, Mt. Zoe, which is 463 meters high and takes about four hours.
Place of accommodation
For an authentic rural experience of the Ogasawara Islands, spend a little longer in Pelaan Village in Chichishima.
The village is located on a tree-lined hillside, with log cabins, solar water heaters, toilets and much more, and the facilities are extremely complete. Shopkeepers usually grow their own food.
Before leaving, you can also buy some of the island's specialties.
Enjoy life, do not have to have the mountain treasures and sea flavor Aya silk satin, mountains and the sea are the best gifts of nature. After coming to Ogasawara, I learned that there could be such a dense mountain forest on the island, and I really had the urge to jump down after staring at the deep blue sea for 30 seconds. When you're excited, plan a trip to Ogasawara!
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