How To Get Around Chichijima Island, A World Heritage Site

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1,000 km away from the city center of Tokyo is the Chichijima Island, part of the Ogasawara Archipelago. Use this article as your guide to navigate around this World Heritage Island island at ease.

Written by

Maki

新潟生まれ。事業会社でのマーケティングを経験後、2011年からシンガポールへ移住し、出版社や制作会社で編集に従事。2015年に日本へ帰国しMATCHAのライターに。国内外を旅行する中で見つけた新しい発見を、多くの人とシェアしていきたいです。

Chichijima is an island nearly 1,000 km south of the city center of Tokyo, a part of the Ogasawara Archipelago. As it is an island surrounded by the sea, those wanting to visit the island from Tokyo will need to board the Ogasawaramaru ferry.

Chichijima is a small island that is 23.45 square km with a population of approximately 2,000, while the Ogasawara archipelago is a collection of islands made after volcanic eruptions from the sea. With the islands never connecting to land, there are many plants and wildlife that are unique to the island.

This time, we would like to feature the transportation methods available around Chichijima Island.

Get Information on Chichijima at the Information Center

Transportation Methods on the World Heritage Site, Chichijima Island

At the Futami Port where the Ogasawaramaru ferry lands, you will find the Ogasawara Village Tourist Association's Information Center in the waiting room.

Ogasawara Futami Port Passenger Waiting Area

Higashimachi, Chichijima, Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo 100-2101

Heart Rock Village

This is a spot you will definitely pass once you get off the ferry, so why not stop by? There is a staff member at the counter upon the arrival of Ogasawaramaru ferry, so you can always ask for assistance or recommendations around the island.

You can find tourist maps, and information about food and activities around Ogasawara here. They also have convenient pamphlets in English too.

Outside of the waiting room, you will find a dynamic statue of a whale that lives in the Ogasawara archipelago. This a perfect spot to take a great photo!

About Central Chichijima Island

The main area of the island lies around the Futami Port area where Ogasawaramaru ferry docks.

Along with souvenir shops, you will find supermarkets, izakaya bars, and even shops that are open until midnight. You can also use your cellphone in most areas of the island. In the post office, you can find an ATM where you can use non-Japanese credit cards or cash cards to withdraw yen. For accepted cards, please look at the post office's website.

As you walk down the streets, you will find many travel agencies offering a variety of day tours. It may be good to compare plans and make reservations.

Village Bus Going Around Main Areas of Chichijima Island

On Chichijima Island, there is a village bus that operates from the central areas of the island to the residences around the sea.

There are only a few departures in a day, so it is best to check the timetable and plan your schedule out in advance.
*English Time Table

Use Rental Services Around the Island

To go to places you want to go when you want to go, using rental transportation is very handy. Using a rent-a-cycle service is the most popular transportation method. At Ogasawara Tourism (Japanese), they rent bicycles starting at 1000 yen for 3 hours.

Ogasawara Tourism (Yes)

Higashimachi, Chichijima, Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo 100-2101

Heart Rock Village

If you have a driver's license, a motorbike rental is also recommended. There are plenty of observatories along the mountain roads, so it may be nice to tour around on a motorbike. Motorbike rentals can be done at Ogasawara Tourism (Japanese) and Papaya Marine Sports (Japanese) starting at 1500 yen for 6 hours.

For larger groups or those with luggage, renting a car is another option. However, due to the limited amount of cars, during the peak season reservations get filled very quickly. It is advised for you to reserve in advance. Car rentals can be done at Ogasawara Maintenance and Car Rental Shop (Japanese) and at Sasamoku Rent-a-Car (Japanese) starting at 5000 yen for 6 hours.

The One Taxi on the Island

Did you know only one taxi car operates on this island? During the morning and afternoon, catching a cab is nearly impossible, so if you are in need of taxi please call the Ogasawara Tourism Corporation (Japanese) and make reservations in advance.

In Conclusion

Did you manage to map out a plan to get around Chichijima Island? The island itself is only approximately 25 km and has maintained roads. If you figure out how to get around the island, you can expand your travel range and visit more places. Enjoy mixing and matching the transportation methods to navigate around and get the most out of Chichijima Island.