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Chichi-jima & Haha-jima

Chichi-jima has a population of 2,000 and is found 1,000 km south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean. Haha-jima is a further 50 km south and has a population of 450. Most animals and plants on these islands have undergone unique evolutionary processes, creating a distinctive environment for endemic species. Ogasawara Islands were registered in 2011 as a World Natural Heritage Site. Whale watching is popular.
Wagjab

Wagjab

Bintori.com is a blog that is said to be the epitome of traveling in Osaka. It is filled with articles about popular local sightseeing spots and gourmet food that you won't find on other travel blogs.

Summer

Day 1

The new OGASAEARA MARU

The new OGASAEARA MARU

This is a new ferry that started sailing from July 2016.
The travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes shorter than the previous version, and the number of passengers has increased.
The facilities are new and clean, with all amenities.
Of course there are clean toilets and bathrooms.
The bathrooms are divided into individual showers, so you can bring your valuables and lock the door!
Hair dryer / shampoo / conditioner / body soap / body cleanser are provided, so you only need to bring your personal toiletries.
Onboard dining

Onboard dining

The onboard cafeteria cost 800 to 1000 yen.
They serve curry, tonkatsu, ramen, etc.
The food was clean and delicious.
Onboard shops

Onboard shops

There is also a shop that sells snacks, drinks, coffee, souvenirs, and more.
Lounge

Lounge

If you want to eat something you bought or brought with you
you can eat at the lounge on the 7th floor.
There are hot and cold water dispensers at the end of the corridors on each floor, where you can enjoy cup noodles and
and cool drinking water.
There are also smoking rooms on each floor.

There are also smoking rooms on each floor.

There are also smoking rooms available on each floor for smokers.
The view from the ship

The view from the ship

You can go out on the stern, on the deck until 22:00.
Because the stars and sunset in the night sky are really, really beautiful,
Most people go out at this time.
I was frustrated that I missed this time because it was actually the prettiest time of day.
An old man I met and befriended on the boat sent me a photo as a gift!
The view from the ship

The view from the ship

You can go out on the stern, on the deck until 22:00.
Because the stars and sunset in the night sky are really, really beautiful,
Most people go out at this time.
I was frustrated that I missed this time because it was actually the prettiest time of day.
An old man I met and befriended on the boat sent me a photo as a gift!

Read more on Day 1

Day 2

I arrived at Futami Port in Chichijima

I arrived at Futami Port in Chichijima

I arrive at Chichijima's Futami Port after a 24-hour sea crossing.
We were greeted by the staff of Ogasawara Tour agency, who would be in charge of our tour.
The staff of PAT-INN, our hotel for the next two nights, greeted us with signs.
Futami Port area

Futami Port area

The area around Futami Port is the bustling downtown of Chichijima,
densely packed with various amenities, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more.
There are two large supermarkets nearby, so if your accommodation is quite far from here,
or if you want to grab some food before boarding the returning ferry, it would be convenient to stop by.
Information Center

Information Center

The place with a picture of a blue whale drawn on it is the information center.
Information Center

Information Center

where you can pick up brochures, maps, and other necessary information.
Since there are hardly any foreign tourists, I remember there were only Japanese and English brochures available.
Mount Mikazuki

Mount Mikazuki

The first destination is Mount Mikazuki
I came by car, but you can also take a bus to the entrance of the mountain
(The bus that circles around Chichijima operates once every hour)
Observatory

Observatory

The next course is the Mikazuki-san Observatory
At this observatory, you can see the western part of Chichijima Island.
You can overlook the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean from here, giving you a feeling of being completely immersed in the scenery.
The refreshing sea breeze gently blowing adds to the invigorating feeling.
It's famous for the beautiful sunset views, and during the winter season, you can also see whales.
Preserving the scenery just as it was back then.

Preserving the scenery just as it was back then.

Ogasawara Islands during World War II
As a strategic hub connecting mainland Japan with Iwo Jima in the central Pacific during World War II
you can find such tunnels or bunkers scattered throughout the islands.
it's considered to have historical value as it has preserved the appearance of that time.
The island's only gas station

The island's only gas station

"This is the only gas station on the main island.
In Japan, fuel prices are generally cheaper than in Korea, but due to the nature of being primarily supplied from the mainland,
there may be differences in prices compared to the mainland. Just something to keep in mind for those planning to rent a car.
Nagasaki Observatory on Mount Denshin (電信山).

Nagasaki Observatory on Mount Denshin (電信山).

Here, I parked our car midway up the mountain and hiked up lightly.
ou can observe the distinctive dry scrub forest that represents Chichijima, and you may also encounter unique species such as fruit bats and meguro.
Endemic species, Maruhachi

Endemic species, Maruhachi

The destination is Chuo-san, designated as a national park encompassing the entire mountain!
It's said to be the tallest mountain on the Ogasawara Islands.
These fences were set up at the entrance to prevent goats from entering the mountain.
You can also discover diverse endemic species, once again feeling the wonder and beauty of nature
First day of Chichijima, Ogasawara (Japan Trip)

First day of Chichijima, Ogasawara (Japan Trip)

PAT Inn, where we'll stay for two days.

PAT Inn, where we'll stay for two days.

The rooms have such a cozy atmosphere like this!
You can also use free Wi-Fi, and there are quite a few TV channels available!
There's a laundry (washing machine) available on the first floor of the annex for 200 yen,
so I've provided a drying rack at the entrance of the room where I can hang laundry."
The room turned out to be even better than I expected, so I'm really satisfied.
Seems like the most delicious meal I've had in the past three days!

Seems like the most delicious meal I've had in the past three days!

For dinner, we had a neatly arranged kaiseki course
featuring braised fish, tempura, sashimi, and more!

Read more on Day 2

Day 3

The table is beautifully set

The table is beautifully set

My second morning in Chichijima
We started with a sincerely prepared breakfast at PAT-INN.
Not only is it beautifully presented, but it's also delicious!
If I could eat like this every day, I think I'd be slim and healthy *_*.
Joyful start of 2nd day

Joyful start of 2nd day

After enjoying a delicious meal
I put on my rash guard, sun hat, and sunglasses.
Today is a day for enjoying kayaking and snorkeling at the beach!
I was so up in the air while waiting for the pickup by Kaneko-san, who will be in charge of today's activities
From Ougiura to Sakaiura

From Ougiura to Sakaiura

Keep going, keep going
At first, I struggled because I didn't know how to handle the oar and couldn't steer properly
After a few minutes, I started to get the hang of it, picking up speed and heading towards our destination.
Just in case, Kaneko-san is always around, keeping an eye on me!
It feels like meeting the island paradise I've always dreamed of.

It feels like meeting the island paradise I've always dreamed of.

The beach filled with white sand and the transparent emerald-colored seawater make Sakaiura incredibly beautiful.
It was already my favorite place in Chichijima, but seeing it in person will make it a million times.
Moreover, there weren't many people there, so it was serene, truly a place for healing, relaxation, and tranquility.
Next up, snorkeling!!!

Next up, snorkeling!!!

I was worried because I'm afraid of water and can't swim,
but Kaneko-san stayed by my side the whole time, guiding me, so I could relax and enjoy exploring the crystal-clear sea!
The fish were swimming, and there were so many beautiful corals everywhere!!!
didn't even think about coming out of the sea because I never got tired of seeing everything, even after looking at it multiple times.
It was the first time in my life that I enjoyed playing in the water for so long without feeling scared. It was a completely new experience for me.
It was so, so beautiful and fun!
Happier than anyone else

Happier than anyone else

While eating the onigiri I packed for lunch,
Bintori happier than anyone else.
I also visited an island accessible only by kayak from here,
but it started raining, so I couldn't risk my camera to capture photos.
Then, I got back on the kayak and headed back to the starting point, Ougiura!
Tonight's dinner

Tonight's dinner

Perhaps due to playing in the water since morning, I was so tired and when
I returned to the hotel, took a shower, and soon fell asleep.
I wonder if I slept for about 1-2 hours? I headed to the restaurant at the scheduled dinner time.
The dinner was hamburg steak
Delicious coffee jelly

Delicious coffee jelly

I had coffee jelly for dessert, made from beans grown in the town
I was pleasantly surprised by how refreshing and sweet it was
When in Japan, you can easily find coffee jelly, but personally, I didn't quite like it.
But after this day, I totally fell in love! I couldn't believe it could taste this good
During the night tour, we released baby turtles

During the night tour, we released baby turtles

One by one, we carried styrofoam boxes containing baby sea turtles to a dark beach with no light, where the release began
To allow the babies to follow the light, all illumination was turned off, but for safety,
minimal dim lights were used to see the ground
I hope all the babies we released that day grow up healthy and roam the vast ocean freely to their heart's content.
Fruit Bat (Ko-mori)

Fruit Bat (Ko-mori)

Giant Fruit Bat (Ko-mori) - Unique to the Ogasawara Islands
The giant fruit bat, also known as Ko-mori, has a wingspan of about 1 meter when fully spread out. It primarily feeds on fruits hanging from trees, as it is an herbivore.
Their gestures and appearance are very cute, so they are not scary at all.
The highlight of the night tour

The highlight of the night tour

Chichijima is so beautiful at night with countless stars filling the sky, it's truly enchanting.
There are a few spots where you can capture entire constellations at once.
We moved to the spot and made numerous wishes upon the shooting stars, capturing commemorative photos along the way.

Read more on Day 3

Day 4

Today's breakfast is also satisfying!

Today's breakfast is also satisfying!

My third morning in Chichijima,
Today we had to travel to Hahajima, which is about 60 kilometers away from the main island.
so we woke up early, had breakfast, and got ready to check out~
To Hahajima

To Hahajima

7:30 AM, Chichijima Futami Port
I boarded the cruise to Hahajima.
The one-way fare is about 4500 yen for an open seat, and it takes about 2 hours.
The size of the boat is not very large, so there is some rocking motion. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended to take medication in advance or rest during the journey.
Greeting the guests

Greeting the guests

Upon arrival at Oki Port, just like when we first arrived at Futami Port,
representatives from various accommodations and tours were welcoming guests, holding up signs.
After leaving our luggage with the Nanpu accommodation representative,
we embarked on our trekking adventure with Kitahara-san, an expert on Hahajima Island!"
Minamizaki Mountain Hike

Minamizaki Mountain Hike

Hike from the port is about a 10-minute drive away.
We started trekking from the southernmost point of the island.
The entire island is designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

The entire island is designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Compared to Chichijima, due to the higher humidity here, there are many unique indigenous species that thrive in damp areas.
The tall trees provided shade, making it pleasant to walk and avoid the sun.
Scenery seen from Mount Kofuji

Scenery seen from Mount Kofuji

We arrived at the southernmost point of the island, Kofuji. Enjoying the refreshing breeze and beautiful scenery, here is a quick snapshot
Checking

Checking

When you visit Kohuji, you'll find numerous wooden stakes with unique patterns called "Tre ring" engraved on them.
If you place paper over the tree ring and color it, the distinctive patterns remain vividly
They all make sure to take a photo as proof of their visit to the southernmost point before leaving.
Spotting the Meguro

Spotting the Meguro

We explored the coffee farm run by Mr. Kitahara, enjoying a refreshing canned coffee.
While exploring the farm, we stumbled upon a Meguro!
This farm is known for having more frequent sightings of Meguros compared to other places.
The reason is that they collect rainwater in PET bottles to provide water for the Meguros!
Ogasawara Limited Gacha

Ogasawara Limited Gacha

I also tried the Ogasawara Limited Gacha at the port's information center.
I ended up getting a dolphin and a pigeon instead of a fruit bat or a Meguro.
In front of the tunnel, there are large palm leaves.

In front of the tunnel, there are large palm leaves.

The large palm leaves are blocking the way in front of the tunnel, so…
Kitahara-san and I cleared it together, but the size was enormous, wasn't it?
The first night on Hahajima, where stars pour down from the sky.

The first night on Hahajima, where stars pour down from the sky.

So enchanting that it's unforgettable for a lifetime.

So enchanting that it's unforgettable for a lifetime.

Tonight, I will go on a night tour with Shimura-san from Nampu.
The first destination of the night tour is Old Haripota, the best stargazing spot on Okagawara Island.
You lay down and listened to interesting stories and explanations from Shimura-san about the stars and constellations while enjoying the night sky filled with countless stars and shooting stars.
Green Pepe

Green Pepe

Finding the Glowing Mushroom Greenpepe

Read more on Day 4

Day 5

Strolling around the neighborhood

Strolling around the neighborhood

Today was another sunny day! We had already visited most of the sightseeing spots that can be reached by car yesterday, so we took a short walk around the hotel and harbor.
Los Memorial Hall

Los Memorial Hall

The building, constructed with stones called "Ross Stone" discovered by a German named Rolfuss in 1869, initially served as a warehouse for sugarcane during the Taisho era. After being returned to Japan from the United States, it was used for various purposes such as agricultural cooperatives and post offices before finally opening as a local heritage museum in 1992. Admission is free.
Even if you don't speak Japanese, there are simple explanations in English provided below, so it would be worth visiting at least once.
It was small in scale, but I ended up staying longer than I thought.
It felt like a resort destination overseas.

It felt like a resort destination overseas.

The landscape, with tall coconut trees, emerald-blue sea, and azure sky, creates a breathtaking scene.
It feels more like a resort destination abroad than in Japan, doesn't it?
It feels like a resort destination abroad, doesn't it?

It feels like a resort destination abroad, doesn't it?

The scenery created by tall palm trees, emerald-blue sea, and azure skies…
It feels more like a vacation spot abroad than in Japan, doesn't it?
It feels more like a vacation spot abroad

It feels more like a vacation spot abroad

The scenery created by tall palm trees, emerald blue sea, and azure sky gives off the feeling of a resort destination abroad.
It feels more like a vacation spot abroad than in Japan, doesn't it?
Samegasaki Observatory

Samegasaki Observatory

If you climb up here, you can overlook Oki Port and the surrounding village at a glance.
It's said that Hajijama is the best spot to witness beautiful sunsets and to see black-tailed gulls during the winter months.
Saying farewell to Hahajima

Saying farewell to Hahajima

As the ferry departed for Chichijima, all the islanders gathered at the port to bid farewell.
It's a heartfelt and warm farewell…
Goodbye! Mata aimashou~
The farewell that touched my heart on the last day in Hahajima

The farewell that touched my heart on the last day in Hahajima

Farewell Letter

Farewell Letter

Arrived at Chichijima after a 2-hour journey
At Futami Port, the Ogasawara Maru bound for Tokyo was waiting to depart today.
Today, Hiroshi and the staff from Ogasawara Tours came out to see off Bintory
For Bintory, who struggles with reading and writing in Japanese, they write into English and Korean.
I'm touched once again by their heartfelt writing.
Chinese Restaurant Kagayatei

Chinese Restaurant Kagayatei

Chinese Restaurant Kagayatei
We're having Chinese food for the first day and today as well.
Chive Stir-Fry Set Meal
I personally love it so much that even when I lived in Osaka,
I used to enjoy it at Chinese restaurants as a set menu.
The savory flavor made the rice go down smoothly, so I ended up mixing the remaining sauce with the rice and enjoying every last bit.
The guide complimented me on how well I ate the rice, saying I enjoyed it so much. LOL
The accompanying soup was also very clean and highly recommended!
Shopping before boarding

Shopping before boarding

Shopping at BITC Ogasawara Agricultural Cooperative.
The exterior of Super Koi, where we shopped on the first day, looked more beautiful to me.
The interior of the co-op was much cleaner, and they had more items available.
I looked around inside, and they had everything from dog treats to groceries.
Kaneko-san who is guide for kayaking

Kaneko-san who is guide for kayaking

The busy islanders who came to see me off
The place is bustling with people exchanging farewell greetings.
As we exchange greetings and take pictures, departure time is approaching.
I hurriedly boarded the boat.
The farewell from the islanders is considered one of the major events of Chichijima,
The place was already filled with people who had secured their spots and were observing the scene.
Bye Ogasawara, the touching farewell

Bye Ogasawara, the touching farewell

Until the end

The farewell didn't end at Futami Port
So many boats were chasing us across the sea like this
People were waiving their arm continuosly
Even after we set sail for about 10 minutes, they followed us quite far, almost to a considerable distance

Read more on Day 5