Do you know about “Aogashima” in the Izu Islands? Aogashima is famous for being a difficult island to access. Therefore, the number of tourists visiting from outside the island is limited. In return, you can see spectacular views that cannot be seen on other islands. This time, we will introduce in detail about Aogashima, Izu Islands, a spectacular island that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.

① 【Aogashima】 A spectacular island with a double caldera that is rare in the world‼︎

Aogashima is a volcanic island that belongs to the Izu Islands. The address is Aogashima Village, Tokyo. The area is approximately 6km2, which is approximately the size of 128 Tokyo Domes. Although it is a volcanic island, in 2019 there were approximately 170 residents and 113 households. It is the municipality with the smallest population among the municipalities in Japan. For this reason, there are municipal facilities such as the village office, village chief, village council, board of education, public library, and village elementary and junior high schools.

It is a volcanic island with a double caldera, which is rare in the world. By the way, only one traffic light is installed. The reason for this is to help the children learn how to read traffic lights when they go outside the island, so they don’t get into an accident.

❶ A scenic island that is difficult to access.

Aogashima is a scenic island that is difficult to access and can only be reached by boat and helicopter from Hachijojima.

① If you use a helicopter, use “Toho Air”.

②If you use a boat, use the “Aogashima Maru”.

The service rate for helicopters is approximately 90%, and the service rate for ships is 40-60% depending on sea conditions. Therefore, access from outside is difficult. However, since the highest altitude is 423 m, you can enjoy a great view from the high ground.

❷ 【Sanpo Port】 Aogashima’s only port!! ︎

Sanpo Port is a port located in the southwest of Aogashima. Sanpo Port is the only port on the island where the Aogashima Maru, which connects Aogashima and Hachijojima, enters. However, it is located to the southwest of Aogashima and is subject to rough waves from the Pacific Ocean, which causes ships to be canceled for many days.

❸【Village Fureai Sauna】 Natural sauna using geothermal heat‼︎

Village Fureai Sauna is a village-run sauna that operates in the Ikenosawa area of ​​Aogashima Village. It is a natural sauna that uses the heat of ″Hingya” and can be used by both locals and tourists. “Hingya” means geothermal heat.

▲Aogashima’s volcanic activity still continues and utilizes geothermal heat.

❹【Gofuji Sama】A promenade that allows you to go around the estuary‼︎

OfuzimaIt is a shrine located at the top of Maruyama. The reason Ofuzisama is enshrined is because it suppresses volcanic eruptions and allows for safe farming. Ofuzisama can be reached via Maruyama Promenade.

▲Currently, volcanic activity is dormant, so the crater has become a forest.

❺【Nagawajo Observatory】A spectacular spot where you can see the caldera from the side‼︎

Naganawajo Observation Point is an observation point located in the northeastern part of Aogashima. There is no observation deck, but it is a place with a nice view. You can enjoy a spectacular view that looks like something out of Jurassic Park.

❻【Miconoura Observation Square】You might be able to observe whales‼︎

MiconouraObservatory Plaza is a small observation plaza located in the northeastern part of Aogashima. It looks like a park on a hill. On clear days from the observation plaza, you can see Hachijojima and Hachijojima, which are about 70km north. Binoculars are installed, so you can observe whales in winter.

❼【Jouman Community Farm】A spectacular ranch that shines in the sunset!!

The Joman Community Farm is a breeding facility located at the northernmost tip of the island that is shared by the islanders. It is located on top of a cliff at an altitude of 200m, and cows are raised on a grassy plateau. At night, there is no light pollution or obstruction, making it a perfect spot for stargazing and sunsets.

❽【Oyama Observation Park】An observation space that can be accessed right from the village‼︎

Oyama Observation Park is an observation park located on the northwest part of Mt. It is a great place to view Maruyama, the inner mountain of the double caldera. Oyama Observation Deck is located about 1km from the village, so it is an easy observation park to climb.

▲You can see the spectacular view relatively close to the village.

❾【Otonbu】 A spectacular view that brings tears to your eyes‼︎

Otonbu is a place where there is an observation deck on the western side of Aogashima’s somma. Otonbu is located on a hill with an altitude of 423m, making it the highest point in Aogashima. Therefore, the view is good, and you can look down on the entire island from the observation deck. On a clear day, you can see Hachijojima and Hachijokojima with the naked eye. Otonbu is the place where you can see the most spectacular view in Aogashima.

▲Although it is far from the village, it is a must-visit spot when you come to this island.

▲There are almost no street lights on the island, so it is pitch black at night, so it is also a famous spot for astronomical observation.

➁【Hachijojima】 To Aogashima, go via Hachijojima‼︎

Hachijojima is a volcanic island in the Izu Islands. It is approximately 287km south of central Tokyo and approximately 70km from Aogashima. By the way, Hachijojima is the most important island for Aogashima. The reason is that to get to Aogashima, you must go through Hachijojima. You can fly to Hachijojima from Tokyo. A recommended spot on Hachijojima is Hachijo Fuji.

▲At Hachijo Fuji, you can go around the crater and enjoy the spectacular view from here as well. However, halfway along the route, the road becomes narrower and becomes more dangerous. The official website also recommends turning back there.

▲As you can see, it is a spectacular island that rivals Aogashima.

➂Access information to Aogashima

Here you will find detailed information about access to Aogashima. The address of Aogashima is “Aogashima Village, Tokyo”.

❶Access information from Hachijojima to Aogashima

① Helicopter (approx. 20 minutes): 1 flight daily

② Boat (approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes): 3 to 4 times a week

Summary 【Aogashima】

This time, we introduced Aogashima in the Izu Islands, an island with spectacular views that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Aogashima in the Izu Islands is an island located approximately 358 km from Tokyo and approximately 70 km from Hachijojima.

By the way, Aogashima is a spectacular island that was selected as one of the ″13 Scenic Views of the World You Must See Before You Die” by an American environmental protection NGO in 2014. It is said to be so beautiful that it captivates the hearts of those who visit. When you visit the Izu Islands, why not stop by Aogashima?

▲This is the only traffic light in Aogashima. Although it is not necessary, it seems that it is installed for children’s education.

青ヶ島村ホームページ

青ヶ島村のホームページにようこそ！ここは日本一人口が少ない村です。

www.vill.aogashima.tokyo.jp

▲Official site