Take a trip to Aogashima this holiday! Discover its most fascinating spots

Aogashima belongs to Tokyo Metropolis, but it is located 358 km away from the city center, and even 70 km from Hachijojima. As the least populated village in Japan, Aogashima has no districts or block numbers in its addresses; the entire island shares the address "Aogashima-mura Mubanchi, Tokyo-to." Deliveries are apparently made based on the recipient's name alone.

Despite this, Aogashima is currently gaining popularity as a travel destination. There are many experiences you can only have on Aogashima. Let’s explore the charms of Aogashima!

1. Access

Being such a remote island, just getting there is a challenge. Naturally, there are no direct flights from the mainland, so access is via helicopter or ferry from Hachijojima. However, each only runs once a day. Furthermore, the helicopter has just nine seats, making it extremely difficult to get a reservation.

As for the ferry, approaching the sheer cliffs of Aogashima is very difficult, and due to frequent poor visibility and other conditions, 40–50% of ferry trips are canceled. When a storm hits, it can be impossible to leave the island for up to a week. Visiting Aogashima is only possible when your schedule aligns and weather conditions are just right—making tourism on Aogashima a true platinum ticket! This exclusivity is part of what makes it so attractive to visitors.

2. Double Caldera Terrain

◆ Maruyama

Maruyama is the inner crater in the center of Aogashima, shaped like a pudding. Its elevation is around 223 meters. There are walking paths maintained around Maruyama, so take a stroll and enjoy the nature of Aogashima. The striped-looking areas are planted with camellia trees, and the island also produces camellia oil as a specialty product.

◆ Ootonbu

Ootonbu is the highest point of the outer caldera, standing at 423 meters. From here, you can get a full panoramic view of Aogashima. It’s not too far from the village, so you can walk there. If you’re visiting Aogashima, this is a spot you cannot miss. Be sure to see with your own eyes the view of Aogashima, which is normally only seen in aerial photos.

3. Fureai Sauna

Since Aogashima is an active volcano, there are many vents in the ground that emit steam. The sauna known as "Fureai Sauna," beloved by locals, makes use of these steam vents called "hingya." The sauna temperature is around 60°C, slightly lower than regular saunas, but powered 100% by geothermal heat, it offers a true taste of nature’s energy.

Near the sauna, there are geothermal steam pots that use hingya heat to steam food. Just lightly salting and steaming fresh island vegetables, fish, or eggs results in astonishing flavor. Since there are no restaurants on Aogashima, enjoy a natural and delicious lunch while visiting.

4. Higashidokoro Shrine

After being spurned in love, a man named "Asanosuke" killed seven islanders in revenge before taking his own life by drowning. Higashidokoro Shrine was built to appease his spirit. As a shrine dedicated to a vengeful spirit, it exudes a mysterious atmosphere. It’s located near Ootonbu, but the path is slightly rugged, so be careful. It’s best to visit before dark.

5. Oyama Observation Park

Located near Ootonbu, Oyama Observation Park has a viewing area in a clearing on the outer caldera. You can enjoy a 360-degree view of Aogashima’s greenery and the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular spot for breathtaking views. It’s a perfect place to capture the unique terrain of Aogashima in photos.

6. Sambo Port

Sanpo Port is where the regular ferries and fishing boats dock when arriving at Aogashima. Due to the island’s steep cliffs, it’s difficult to leave boats in the water for long, so a massive crane is used to lift them onto land. Watching the crane pull boats from the sea is quite a rare sight. On calm days, you can also enjoy swimming in the ocean here.

7. The legendary shochu "Aochu"

Aogashima's signature local product is its shochu. Traditionally brewed by wives for their husbands, it’s still made by locals today in small batches. Most of it never leaves the island, making it a rare and almost mythical beverage. There are many varieties, each with a unique flavor depending on the brewer’s method. Most of the island’s bars serve Aochu, so trying several kinds and comparing them is a great idea.

◎ Summary

Now do you see why Aogashima is attracting attention as a tourist destination? If you’re someone who wants to fully enjoy nature, visit rare places, or are tired of ordinary trips, then Aogashima is the perfect choice. This upcoming holiday, why not take the challenge and travel to Aogashima?

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Take a trip to Aogashima this holiday! Discover its most fascinating spots