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Nature And Traces Of War On Hahajima: Historical And Sightseeing Spots

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Hahajima is an island located nearly 1000 km away from the center of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Ogasawara Archipelago and part of UNESCO's Nature Heritage sites for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity.

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Nearly 1000 km south of Tokyo, you will find a group of islands known as the Ogasawara Archipelago. After taking a ferry ride for 24 hours from Takeshiba, Tokyo, you will reach the island of Chichijima. From there, if you go 50 km further south by boat, you will reach an inhabited island called Hahajima.

Hahajima Island developed as a whaling island and was also used as a war site during World War II. After the war came to an end, nearly 500 people on the island worked to protect and restore the natural sites of the island and managed to make the island a recognized Natural Heritage site in 2011.

In this article, we would like to introduce some of the natural highlights of the island along with its history of whaling and war.

Read also:

24 Hours By Boat: Reaching The Ogasawara Islands From Tokyo

Exploring The Natural Wonders Of Mount Chibusa On Hahajima Island

1. History of Whaling in the North

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

At Kita Port, you can see the remnants of the history of whaling on the island. Formally, there was a village of whalers here, but now, only the decaying wharf remains.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

From the wharf, you can see the pristine waters and the fish that swim about in them from above. Along the bay which is covered in small rocks, you will spot some crabs and other creatures such as the leaping blenny making the shore their home.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

The Higashi Port that is located right by the Kita Port was used as a whaling site until 1985.

2. The Scars and Remnants of War Within the Forest

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You can find the Higashi Port cannon under the searchlight that was formally used by the Japanese army. After walking about five minutes into the forest from the streets, you will find the long cannon left behind after the war still pointing to the sea.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

Right by the cannon, you will find the base of the massive searchlight that was set in the trench by the former Japanese army. Formally, there was a rail set to move down this tunnel, but after such a long period of time, it deteriorated and only the remains of it can be seen.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

Now at the former base you will find also a small shrine with a Jizo statue. The Jizo on the right has six fingers, which gave it its name: the Ropponyubi Jizo (six-fingered Jizo).

3. Panoramic Scenery of the Sea, Sky, and Untouched Nature

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

The Miyuki no Hama bay got its name after the Showa Emperor visited the shore and the Ogasawara islands in 1927 (*1). From the observation deck, you can see whales spouting or show their faces from the surface of the water at times.

*1: Spots where the Emperor visits are referred to as Miyuki.

戦争の遺構や絶景の展望台など、小笠原「母島」の歴史&自然スポット

The shore where the Emperor collected specimens are now a specially protected area and there is an ocean park with a wonderful view here.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

Beside the Miyuki no Hama is a beach called Nankinhama and both areas are connected by a path.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

Within the waters of the Nankinhama is a group of coral and, from time to time, you may be able to spot a small whitetip reef shark taking a nap. The whitetip reef shark is a calm shark and would not attack people necessarily, but it is a good idea to leave them alone.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

The spot to see a gorgeous sunset amid the forest is from the Shin-Yuhigaoka hill, which is located in the central area of the island.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

If it is a clear day, you will be able to witness the bright red sun setting into the Pacific Ocean.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

On the southern part of the island, you will find a flat area called the Former Heliport; this area is special in that there is absolutely nothing blocking the view of the sky. The illuminated sky filled with glittering stars will spread before your eyes, creating an all-natural planetarium right overhead.

4. Trekking Course for Great Views

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

After going south of the island, you will find a point where the road reaches a dead end. This is considered to be the southernmost tip of Tokyo.

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From here, there is a path to trek through the vast natural area to see unique plants and animals.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

This mountain in the southern area of Hahajima Island is called Mt. Kofuji. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the summit and requires you to go up steep stairs and ladders. If you plan on going on a hike, it is a good idea to wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

Upon reaching the top, you will see an area called Minamizaki where you can see the coral garden within the clear blue waters from above.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

The uninhabited islands known as Anejima and Imotojima can be seen in the distance from here. During the spring and summer, you will be able to see some brown booby birds soaring between the two islands.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

After returning from Mt. Kofuji, continue down the path until you see a sign pointing to Minamizaki. Turn here and continue down the designated path.

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

You will then reach the coral garden you saw from the top of Mt. Kofuji. This is also a great snorkeling point where flat, table-like corals grow in large groups. However, the rapids are fast by the shores of Minamizaki, so it is best not to leave the bay.

Precautions When Going Around Hahajima Island

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Public transportation is not available on Hahajima Island. To go to the spots mentioned in this article, it is best to rent a car or motorcycle. For those who do not have a driver's license, you can use the transfers provided by your accommodation or go in a shared taxi. For reservations, you can call the Hahajima Tourism Association at +81-04998-3-2300 (Japanese).

In Conclusion

【下書き】世界自然遺産・小笠原最南端の有人島「母島」に残る歴史と自然のスポット

Did any of the locations pique your interest in Hahajima Island? This island has a rich history of war and whaling along with nature that can be enjoyed from the sea, mountains and even the skies. Why not enjoy the picture perfect scenery the next time you visit Hahajima Island?

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24 Hours By Boat: Reaching The Ogasawara Islands From Tokyo

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Written by

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。

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