Your Guide To Hahajima, The Pearl Of The Ogasawara Archipelago

The Ogasawara Archipelago is located nearly 1000 km from central Tokyo. Hahajima Island is located nearly 50 km south of Chichijima Island, which is considered the entrance to the archipelago. This 20 km squared inhabited island stretches north and south and houses about 500 islanders.

This tropical island that can only be reached by ferry is a quiet paradise with plant life that is unique to the island. This time, we would like to introduce the basic information such as access, the wildlife, the local delicacies, and some things to keep in mind before staying on the island.

Access to Hahajima Island

To get to Hahajima Island, you will need to board the Ogasawaramaru ship from Takeshiba, Tokyo and go on a 24-hour boat ride to Chichijima Island first. From Futami port on Chichijima Island, you will transfer to the Hahajimamaru ship and go on a two-hour ride to Hahajima Island.

The Hahajimamaru is connected to the departures of Ogasawaramaru and departs three-four times a week between Chichijima and Hahajima Islands. Departure dates can be found for Hahajimamaru on the Ogasawara ferry website (Japanese).

You do not need advanced reservations for Hahajimamaru. Tickets to the ship can be bought at the ticket window on the day of departure from the Hahajimamaru Waiting Room in the Futami port on Chichijima island. Ferry fare changes monthly, so it is advised to check the website (Japanese) for prices when your departure date is decided.

Ogasawara Futami Port Passenger Waiting Area

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

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Inside the boat, you will find a shared Japanese style room with seats. You are free to use any vacant space in the area to relax.

Hahajimamaru is also called the Whale Liner and during your journey across the sea, you may be able to spot whales from the boat. Along with the indoor space, there is an area out on the deck where you can feel the refreshing sea breeze. On the day we boarded, we spotted two beautiful rainbows extending across the Pacific Ocean right after the rain.

Get Information About Hahajima Island

Once arriving at Hahajima Island, you will find a waiting spot for boats across the port. Inside, you will find a counter for the Ogasawara Hahajima Sightseeing Information Center where you can get pamphlets and information about the wildlife and plant life of the island.

Ogasawara Hahajima Tourism Association

Motochi, Hahajima, Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo 100-2211

Rare Creatures of Hahajima Island

Hahajima Island has a higher number of creatures and plants that are unique to the island, more than that of  Chichijima Island. Animals such as the maimai snail that has gone extinct on Chichijima Island can be found on Hahajima Island. If you are lucky, you may be able to find them in areas with soil. But please be careful to not to step on them by accident.

Another creature is the katsuodori (brown booby) bird that flies around the seas of Hahajima Island. You may be able to also spot a rare akagashira karasubato (Japanese wood pigeon) that can only be found in the Ogasawara archipelago too.

Photo courtesy of Ogasawara Village Tourist Bureau

There are a number of birds such as the Hahajima meguro (Bonin white eye) that can be found flying around between mountains and houses in the area. These wild birds are designated as a special natural treasure of Japan and are considered to be an endangered species.

Hahajima Island is also the home of sea turtles and during the early summer season, the grown mother turtle swims back from the Pacific ocean to give birth on the shores of the island. At Dive Station Hahajima (Japanese), they help incubate the eggs and around August of every year, they release many baby sea turtles back into the sea.

Staying in Hahajima Overnight

The population of Hahajima Island is lower than that of Chichijima Island. This peaceful island only has a few inns and lodging type houses. Please note that reservations must be made in advance and guests are strongly advised to secure a place to stay before visiting.

Hahajima Island only has three shops that provide items such as drinks, alcohol, bread, instant noodles, and standard grocery items. The shops normally close around 18:00, so it is advised to purchase drinks and other necessities earlier rather than later.

Only a handful of inns and shops accept credit cards, so it is best to have cash on hand prior to entering the island too. There is an ATM at the JA Tokyo Island Ogasawara Hahajima Branch, but foreign credit cards are not accepted.

Tokyo Island Agricultural Cooperative Ogasawara Hahajima Store

Motochi, Hahajima, Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo 100-2211

Delicious Local Dishes of Hahajima Island

With only four restaurants on Hahajima Island, most visitors tend to have breakfast and dinner at the accommodations they are staying at. But why not try a special lunch made using Hahajima Island's local ingredients?

At Dive Station Hahajima, you will get a great view of the beach while savoring the famous fish soboro on rice. Taste the delicious fish that has been flavored with soy sauce that matches well with rice. At Tairyo Sushi restaurant, you can try the shimazushi that is a local specialty of the Ogasawara islands.

Dive Resort Hahajima

Shizukazawa, Hahajima, Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo 100-2211

In Conclusion

For those looking for a quiet time on an island in Japan, Hahajima Island may be a point of interest. Getting away from the convenience and luxury of modern technology may be difficult at first, but it is a perfect place to become one with nature. Simply wake up when the sun rises, walk around to get to places, and taste what can be found on the island.

If you are visiting Ogasawara Archipelago, why not take a ferry ride out from Chichijima Island to refresh your body and soul at Hahajima Island?