【World Natural Heritage】
Ogasawara islands
Wellness ＆Eco Tour
6 days
Enjoy your Vacation in a uniquely evolved natural paradise!
About the Ogasawara Islands
1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, the Ogasawara Islands, a World Natural Heritage site,
have never been connected to a continent and are home to many endemic species of plants and animals
that have evolved in their own unique way.
In the Ogasawara islands, Chichijima(=Father island) and Hahajima (=Mother island) are the only inhabited islands.
To protect the precious endemic species and plants, the only way to get to the Ogasawara Islands
is a 24-hour ferry ride each way from and to Tokyo Takeshiba Pier Terminal.
(Actually, the Ferry is so comfotable that 24hours goes by fast! )
Once you get there, a peaceful and healing time in the subtropical nature awaits you!
Welcome to the Ogasawara Islands!
＊All photos and video used in this page, otherwise mentioned separately are offered by ©Ogasawara Village Tourism Bureau.
Special Thanks to ©Ogasawara Village Tourism Bureau for the video provided.
This 2minutes video is packed with the wonders of the Ogasawara Islands. Please take a look!
Eco-Tourism in Ogasawara ~Protecting the Nature~
The Ogasawara Village is actively practicing Eco-Tourism in order to protect and sustainably use their natural and historical culture. Whale-watching was offered as a tourist activity in the Ogasawara island for the first time in Japan in 1988, and local rules were established.
In order to preserve the original nature and to allow people to enjoy tourism as well, local rules and guidelines are now established not only for whales, but also for natural monuments and endangered species.
With the exception of recreational trails open to the public, tourists must be accompanied by a registered guide when visiting Minamijima, the Hahajima Sekimon area and other designated places.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support for protecting the precious nature of the Ogasawara Islands!
Endemic to Ogasawara Islands
The Ogasawara Islands, which have never been connected to a continent from the birth of the Earth,
are home to numerous endemic species.
36% of the plants and 94%of the land shells (e.g., snails) are found only in the Ogasawara Islands!
Example of the Activities you can enjoy in the Ogasawara Islands
Surrounded by ocean, subtropical forests, and endemic species, the Ogasawara Islands offer a wide variety of activities. The certified Ogasawara guides will take you to this natural paradise!
History of Ogasawara islands
The first settlers on the Ogasawara Islands were Westerners and Pacific Islanders in 1830.
In 1876, the area was internationally recognized as Japanese territory,
through surveys and cultivation by the Edo Shogunate and the Meiji government.
During World War II, the Ogasawara Islands were the scene of fierce battles.
After the war, the Ogasawara Islands were occupied by the U.S. military and returned to Japan in 1968.
The descendants of the first settlers live on the islands.
Today, the Ogasawara Islands are recognized as a World Natural Heritage site and
You can spend calm, relaxing and healing time in the tropical natural paradise!
Itinerary
Day1
Morning: An English-speaking assistant will meet you at your hotel and go to the Tokyo Takeshiba Pier Terminal together.
The English Speaking Assistant will help you to check in for your ferry and gives an Information on ferry services and how to spend your time.
*If your hotel is not in Tokyo the day before, please let us know when you register for the tour.
11:00(*10:00 only June20) Departure from Tokyo Takeshiba Pier Terminal by Ogasawara-Maru (ferry) to Ogasawara Chichijima Island. Enjoy a 24-hour ferry ride!
*We offers a "premium second-class" cabin. There is one bed on each side, separated by a curtain(*Upgrades are available for a fee).
*Free showers are available on the ferry. Please bring your own toiletries. (They are also available for purchase on the ferry.)
■Accomodation: Ogasawara-maru ferry, premier 2nd cabin.
■Meals: Not Included.
Day2
11:00 Arriving at the Ogasawara Chichijima Port.
An English Speaking Guide will be waiting for you at the port.
Afternoon: A Half-day Island History Tour (About 3 hours).
Late Afternoon: Back to your hotel.
■Accomodation: Chichijima
■Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included.
【General Notes】 !Please read before applying.
* Activity dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions and availability of each activity. (e.g., a marine activity written for the 3rd day will be held on the 4th day, etc.)
* There are few English-speaking guides living locally in Ogasawara. Depending on the tour, you may share the ride with a Japanese passenger. In such cases, you may be asked to listen to English explanations using a translation device. Or we can arrange for a 6-day through-guide service from Tokyo (for a fee).
Thank you very much for your understanding of the situation on the island!
Day3
Full day: An English Speaking Guide will take you to the beautiful blue Sea of the Ogasawara Islands, known as the "Bonin Blue", for Marin activity. (About 6 hours)
-Landing on Minamijima.
-Snorkeling or Diving.
-Look for dolphins or humpback whales
*humpback whales are seen only in winter.
**Seeing dolphins or humback whales is not 100% guaranteed.
**Equipment necessary for snorkeling or diving can be rented on the island. Please pay the rental fee directly to the guide.
Late afternoon: Back to your hotel.
!! If it is impossible to hold a marine activity due to bad weather or high waves, the marin activity will be canceled with a refund, and you will have a full day of free time. Thank you for your understanding.
■Accomodation: Chichijima
■Meals: Full Board (Lunch will be a box lunch)
Day4
Full day: An English Speaking Guide will take you to a World Natural Heritage Tour, which is Full-day subtropical forest + the Bird Sanctuary tour. (About 6hours).
Enjoy the world natural heritage, a paradise of endemic species!
*Trekking to Chihiro Iwa (Heart Rock) is a one-day course that can be arranged for an additional fee (except in July and August).
Late Afternoon: Back to your hotel.
Night Tour: Go and find nocturnal endemic species and stars with an English-speaking guide.
*Refunds will be given in case of tour cancellation due to weather or other reasons.
■Accomodation: Chichijima
■Meals: Breakfast and a box lunch.
*Since this will be your last day on the island, we dare to make a free plan for dinner. Please enjoy your favorite dinner!
Day 5
10:00 Check out of your hotel.
Free time until the Departure of Ogasawaramaru Ferry.
*Your luggage will be delivered to the Chichijima Port at 2:00 p.m. by the hotel staff, so you can spend your free time empty-handed.
Enjoy stopping by local supermarkets and souvenir shops, relaxing in cafes, and tasting local specialties and sweets!
15:00 (15:40 Only on June 25) Departure from Ogasawara Chichijima Port by Ogasawara-Maru (ferry) to Tokyo Takeshiba Pier Terminal. A 24-hour ferry ride.
■Accomodation: Ogasawara-maru ferry, premier 2nd cabin.
■Meals: Breakfast Included at the hotel.
Day6
15:00 (15:40 only on June 25) Arriving at the Tokyo Takeshiba Pier Terminal. An English-speaking assistant is waiting for you at the Tokyo Takeshiba Pier
Terminal and help you to transfer and check in for your hotel.
Tour ends.
Islands Foods
This is a kind of sushi topped with white meat fish, such as Spanish mackerel, dipped in a soy sauce.It is served with mustard instead of wasabi horseradish.
This lemon is different from the common lemon,with a more mellow sourness and a refreshing aroma.It is best eaten when still green. Jam is also popular.
Ogasawara Tomato is so sweet that even those who are not fond of tomatoes will find themselves eating it like fruit!