The typhoon caused me to leave a day later than planned, but I was just glad to be able to leave at all. Since I always thought of myself as a "Lucky Guy", I knew the weather would clear up.

But... From the very start, the waves were so high that I passed out on the boat for 24 hours. I heard that there were showers, restrooms, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, etc. on the boat.

I thought the weather would be nice, but it's cloudy, which surprised me. Anyway, there's nothing I can do about it. I'll unpack first and then start the tour.
Ogasawara Islands are located approximately 1000km away from Tokyo, and its latitude is similar to that of Okinawa Island. It offers a mild tropical climate, where you can experience warm temperatures.

I went to Miyano Beach and experienced Chichijima's first sea
At Chichijima, because turtles come to lay eggs, you can also see turtle eggshells around.

Despite the heavy rain on the way to the Weather Station Observatory, the sky was clear with blue color.
This place is known as a spot where you can enjoy stunning views of the sea, and locals sometimes come here to stargaze.

Moving to the observatory, I found myself naturally exclaiming 'Wow' at the breathtaking scenery.

It seems like this building used to be a power plant for the Japanese military back in the day.

Throughout the summer season, the fever on this island never subsides. With over 10 festivals, from my experience participating, it seems that the island residents dance, sing, and enjoy tranquility not for the sake of tourists, but for the everyday pleasure of the community.

However, I'm still a lucky guy! Thanks to the unfavorable weather, I was able to appreciate the beauty of Ogasawara Islands even more.
On one side, it was clear and sunny, while on the other side, I could see an island shrouded in mist over the water.

The color of this sea... Its purity... Is this for real?
I was able to see the clearest, cleanest, and most beautiful colored sea I have ever seen.

I wondered if people would believe me if I showed them pictures and said, 'I've been to Tokyo!'
In fact, most people just think of it as any other ordinary city, but upon closer look, it has such beautiful natural scenery as well.
From the previously introduced Oukutama to these distant islands, there are truly many charming places.

It's enough to be amazed and awed just by looking, but it was so impressive that I couldn't help but keep pressing the camera shutter without realizing it.

Sea turtles appeared halfway through! Unfortunately, we couldn't see any whales.
Will you come to us next time we visit?

The tour concludes with a visit to Minamijima
In the case of Minamijima, not everyone can enter, and it is mandatory to visit with a guide.
It is said to be an island with a high geological value due to its submerged karst topography.

Finally, we take one last souvenir photo at Minamijima and reluctantly head back to our accommodations, leaving our regrets behind.

Feeling tired, but still reluctant to let the last night slip away, we decide to head up to the Weather Station Observatory.
It looks as if a bright streetlight is shining from the left, but in fact, that light is the moon.

A night where everything - the sky, the land, the sea - is well illuminated by the moonlight…
Despite the difficult and tedious moments of walking alone for about 2km uphill, I am rewarded with the beauty that makes me forget them all.

As I descend the mountain path... Along the dark road where even moonlight doesn't penetrate, I take a photo of the village.
It's truly a small coastal village, isn't it? But it's a place full of warmth, kindness, and passion.

The last tour before boarding the boat was kayaking.

It feels like one of the most beautiful swings in the world.

On the island, our last meal is sushi! And among them, there's exactly one piece of turtle sushi.
Since it's a specialty dish only available on the island, if you happen to visit, I encourage you to give it a try.

In a moment, something truly moving begins.
They accompany us by boat, waving and saying goodbye as we depart, going as far as they can.

In the Ogasawara Islands, they don't say 'goodbye' when parting ways. Instead, they say 'have a good trip'.
I, too, consider our parting not as an end, but as preparation for the next time. I look forward to the day when I can come back to experience the beauty of Ogasawara Islands once again.