Travelling to Aogashima, a practically isolated island in Japan with a population of 170, might not be the easiest place to get to. But once you arrive, its a magical place that conquers you by its sense of remoteness, natural enchantment, and uncertain history.
There is no direct option to travel from Tokyo. You must first go to Hachijojima. From there, you have two different options to travel 64 kilometres south to Aogashima. You can either fly on a helicopter for 20 minutes (¥11,500 one way) or go in a small ferry for almost three hours (prices change frequently but expect to pay an average of ¥2,500 one way).
If you decide to go by ferry there are two important things to consider. First, the ship runs only four times a week. However, given the unpredictable weather conditions there is a 50% chance that it will be cancelled. The decision whether the ferry runs or not is made by 7:00 am. Second, consider that Aogashimamaru is a small ship and it might move a lot during the trip. Be particularly cautious if you are usually seasick. Both considerations apply while traveling from Hachijojima to Aogashima and back.
It doesn’t matter how you decide to travel. When you arrive to the least populated village in Japan, you will be welcomed by steep rugged cliffs, a concentrated green natural beauty, and of course by Ikenosawa’s caldera protecting Maruyama, the secondary volcanic cone.
There are not many accommodations in the island. However there is a free alternative. If you are a bit adventurous you can use the camping site. You must first apply by filling out a form at Hachijojima’s ship port, heliport or directly at the village office. Please be advised that you cannot drink the water from the camping site. You can buy water bottles at the island.
For a more traditional stay, a good option is Matsumi-sou, a Japanese style guesthouse. Prices range from ¥5,000 per person per night without food up to ¥9,000 with three meals. Call the owner Hiroshi Sasaki at 04996-9-0162 to reserve a room. He’ll pick you up at the heliport or ferry terminal.
It’s easy to spend a day just walking around and getting lost (if possible since the island is so small). Something that must not be missed is going to Otonbu, the highest point of the island with a height of 423 meters. From there you can try to absorb the impossible natural beauty. You will witness Ikonsawa caldera and Maruyama cone imposing over the infinite water and endless sky. At the western slope of Maruyama you can observe a dry piece of land. Soft-boiled eggs and sweet potatoes are prepared here using the heat from the fumaroles in the area.
If you are looking for a marriage partner don’t forget to visit Todaisho Shrine close to Otonbu. A stone monument with a figure of a woman is said to have special powers for those in search of love.
Whatever your plans end up being while staying in Aogashima, one thing is for sure. You will never forget this island. It will be hard to beat the remoteness and beauty of it. Additionally, the uniqueness of having six cats for every person in the island is something not too easy to compete with.
