A Walking Guide To Chichijima, An Island In The Ogasawara Archipelago

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The Ogasawara archipelago, A UNESCO world heritage site, can be found almost 1,000 km away from Tokyo. Let us introduce you to best sites of Chichijima Island, which is located nearest to Tokyo.

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 Island is one of the islands in the Ogasawara archipelago. It is located nearly 1,000 km south of Tokyo and can be reached by ferry from the busy metropolis.

Today, we would like to feature some of the sightseeing spots located within walkable distance from the Chichijima ferry port, the Futami port.

Get Information About the Island First

Chichijima Island's Walkable Tourist Spots in the Ogasawara Archipelago

On the main street of Chichijima Island, you will find a spot called B-Ship. It serves as the front desk of the Ogasawara Village Tourist Association and the Whale Watching Association. Not only is it the main hub for tourists, but you can also get information regarding whale or dolphin watching here.

Ogasawara Village Chamber of Commerce

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

Heart Rock Village

Inside the building, you will find plenty of guidebooks, pamphlets, and information about tours. You will also find a replica of UNESCO's World Natural Heritage Certificate.

White Sandy Beaches Only Walking Distance from the Inn

Parallel to the main street lined with inns, you will find the white sandy beaches of Omura Kaigan shore. Isn't it wonderful to have a lovely beach only walking distance from your inn? There are plenty of coral gardens as well, so it is recommended to go snorkeling and take a peek at them too.

On the beach, you can find rest spaces and bathrooms, so you can spend time playing in the sea without worry.

Tourist Spots in the Middle of Town

At Futami Port, you will find the Ogasawamaru boat casting its anchor at the port where the iconic Ao Todai lighthouse can be seen. You will probably see this spot multiple times during your stay.

At the Ogasawara Visitor's Center, you can learn more about the wildlife of Ogasawara, along with the history and culture of the island. Discover unique displays of endemic species, models of plant and wildlife along with the history of Chichijima Island when it was still a base for whaling.

Ogasawara Visitor Center

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

Heart Rock Village

The current structure of Ogasawara St. George Church was built when the island was under American rule after World War II. You can get the feel of the post-war period around that area.

Viewing Spots to see the Mountain and the Sea

Once you climb the mountain behind the town, you will find the Ogamiyama Shrine. It is a shrine where locals of the island go to worship the Goddess of the Sun, Amaterasu.

Around the shrine is a park and there are four observatories from which you can see the surrounding scenery.

Oogamiyama Park

Chichijima Nishimachi, Ogasawara Village, Tokyo 100-2101

Heart Rock Village

This is an ideal scenic spot to see the grand panorama of the mountains of Chichijima Island and the Futami port. The path leading there is quite rocky, so it is a good idea to wear shoes meant for walking or hiking in.

A Spot to Meet Sea Turtles and See Colorful Coral

After a 10 minute walk from town, you will find the Ogasawara Marine Center. It is a small aquarium that has displays of creatures from the surrounding seas of Ogasawara, rivers of Chichijima and Hahajima, and the reservoir lake.

Ogasawara Fisheries Center

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

Heart Rock Village

You can say hello to the green sea turtle, Mannen, who was born in the Marine center in 2011!

A fun and unique activity that you should try is the Akaba. Here, you will be able to brush a fish's teeth! Once you stick the toothbrush in the water, the fish begin to gather asking you to brush their teeth. It is fun to feel the brush going against the fish's teeth.

At walking distance from the marine center, you will find the Tobiuo wharf where many small boats for marine activities park.

Underneath this wharf is where you find plenty of branched coral. You can clearly see the fish swim lively within the colorful coral from above. There are cars and boats at work in the area, so if you plan to take a peek in the water, be careful of your surroundings.

In Conclusion

How did you like the points of interest around the Futami Port in Chichijima Island? You can easily find a wide variety of natural spots within walking distance of the port. On the days when the Ogasawara-maru ferry stops at the port, only a half-day is available for those wanting to tour around so these spots are highly recommended.