Aogashima in Japan: Lost volcanic island in the middle of the ocean

Want an unusual destination? Take your bag and go for adventure on Aogashima, the Japanese blue island!

The Japanese volcanic island of Aoga or Aogashima, Izu Archipelago, is more than 350 kilometres south of Tokyo in the Philippines Sea. And while the island is officially part of Tokyo’s prefecture, the atmosphere and landscapes are radically different. There are still few visitors there, and yet this volcano island that emerges in the middle of the ocean is a true natural and wild gem. With its steep cliffs, which hide a second crater and flourishing tropical vegetation, Aogashima represents the dream destination for tou.te.s nature lovers and explorers in the soul.

Go to meet its inhabitants, who have made the choice to live on the crater of a still active volcano, soak up the calm and mysterious atmosphere of this incredible place, and let yourself be guided by its hiking trails that will lead you from one point of view to another!

In the footsteps of the volcanic island of Aoga in Japan

Aogashima, which translates into “the blue island” in Japanese, is what is called a stratovolcano that formed by the accumulation of successive lava castings. The peculiarity of this island is to present itself in the form of a crater still active, which even contains it in a caldeira a second crater named Maruyama ! Aogashima, whose area does not exceed 6 km2 and whose highest point is 430 metres above the sea, also houses the smallest village in the country. Japan , Aogashima-mura .

But it’s even more crazy to imagine that nearly 200 people are currently living on this island of Hachijo’s subprefecture in Japan. In other words, on a volcano still active, classified as “C” by the weather agency of Japan, and thus considered dangerous. And for cause, the last eruption of this one in 1785 killed half of the inhabitants of the time. But fifty years after this tragedy, Japanese people decided to settle there again.

The crater is located in the heart of Aogashima but also in the daily life of its inhabitants! Indeed, the latter, which mainly use the natural resources of their isolated island, are heating and cooking thanks to the geothermal energy of the volcano. In addition to exploring an island with a wild and lush nature, you will have the opportunity to discover an unusual way of life.

What's behind Aogashima in Japan?

Two days are enough to explore this small island full of surprises:

• sublime landscapes

Aogashima is covered in nature, with abundant fauna and flora, and has several hiking trails. To enjoy a breathtaking viewpoint, go to the observatory of the Oyamatenbo From where you can admire the crater of Maruyama in the caldeira, the ocean and, if you are lucky, a beautiful starry sky.

• Local specialties

Although the inhabitants are few, they still have their own specialties. We find among them the shochu , alcoholic beverage based on malt and sweet potatoes, shimadare , a red pepper sauce that accompanies the sashimis , or salt hingya a very high quality salt.

• The geothermal sauna or onsen local

After a day’s visit, you can relax in the geothermal sauna, located in the centre of the island. There is a sauna, a public bath and hot water showers from the volcano crater. You will also have access to a geothermal steam cooker to cook your meals, if necessary.

• The Shaman Shrine

The first inhabitants of the island practised shamanism, and the story tells that one day, the son of the village leader threw himself to the sea after killing 11 people. The inhabitants of the time then erected a sanctuary in his name, on his grave, in order not to attract the lightning of the latter. Since then, it is possible to visit this Shaman sanctuary.

To go

How?

The only way to reach Aogashima is to go through Hachijojima a nearby island located a few 80 kilometres away. Hachijojima is accessible by boat or by air from Tokyo. The crossing by boat about 10 a.m. ( 93 € per person on average), via the islands Miyakejima and Mikurajima , happens at night since the Takeshiba squadron, while the flight ( 70 € per person approximately) from Haneda airport only hard 50 minutes . To ensure the best prices, think of a flight comparison as Ulysses and take you there sufficiently early.

Then you just have to take it River shuttle Company Izu Shoto Kaihatsu between Hachijojima and Aogashima. This boat trip close to 3 hours costs approximately 22 € by adult and 11 € by child.

Otherwise, it is also possible to travel to Aogashima by helicopter from Hachijojima, for a duration of 20 minutes , with the company Ai-land Shuttle . In this case, a reservation is required. The price of a trip is about 95 € by adult (over 12 years) and 65 € per child (from 3 to 11 years old) with a luggage of 5 kg. That way, you'll have to count a little less 2 € extra kilo.

Attention "Who says islands, says weatherless that can affect crossings and flights! You will have to adapt to the weather hazards to come and leave the island.

When?

Aogashima visits all year So there are no good or bad moments to get there. The climate is wet, but the temperature rarely falls below 8°C (January-February) and climbs to a maximum of 28°C (July-August-September).

Note The rainiest months are June, September and October.

To sleep

On site

Given the limited number of inhabitants and visitors on the island, the choice of on-site accommodation is very limited. Aogashima still offers a free campsite area ( Aogashimamura Camping Ground ) with basic and minimal facilities, if you are equipped, or a few guest rooms — called minshuku - like Nakazato or Aogashimaya.

To eat

In the village, there is only one store, a post office, a school and a few bars where you can taste the famous shochu drink.

If you sleep at the campsite, the ideal is to bring your own food and warm it with the steam of the volcano, with the pans lent at the entrance of the onsen local. You will not find more unusual and authentic!

Otherwise, you can choose the meals offered by the few minshuku of the island.

What budget to visit Aogashima in Japan?

The main reason we explore Aogashima is its wild nature and its unique atmosphere. Transport to get there and to leave will thus be the largest part of the budget for this trip. And it is important to note that this cost is not negligible: a little more 90 € minimum and near 190 € to the maximum , nothing but to go. Either between 180 € and 380 € back to Tokyo.

To take in my backpack

Starting to discover Aogashima, you will spend most of your time outdoors. Be sure to have with you:

• Sunglasses
• A hat or a cap
• Rain protections (impermeable, umbrella...)
• Solar cream
• A camera to immortalize your most beautiful moments and breathtaking landscapes
• Food and water, unless you plan to eat morning, noon and evening in a minshuku
• Camping equipment, if you opt for this solution (free)
• Liquid money
• A bathing suit and towel

What I can discover in the region

To get to Aogashima from Tokyo, you must go through Hachijojima. ♪ onsen , its surf and diving spots, its superb hiking trails or its mountain Hachijo-Fuji , which offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, are so many reasons why many Japanese and some foreign tourists come to recharge on this volcanic island, from the sea of the Philippines. So enjoy it!