TAMASHIMA.tokyo - Tourist information site for the Tama area and islands of Tokyo
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TAMASHIMA TOP

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.
'Left-handed person'

"Left-handed person"

Film critic and blogger who writes about travel and food. His movie and travel blog content is extremely popular.

Autumn

The first day

The Battle of Iwo Jima was adapted into two movies by directors.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was adapted into two movies by directors.

Many people have heard that "The Battle of Iwo Jima" was made into a movie by Clint Eastwood, but they may not know that, in fact, this battle was made into two movies by the director: "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Letters from Iwo Jima." It's actually a two-part series depicting different perspectives of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Ogasawara Islands Map

Ogasawara Islands Map

In fact, Iwo Jima is just a part of the Ogasawara Islands. The main islands are Chichijima and Hahajima, which are approximately 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo. Iwo Jima is located about 100 kilometers north of Chichijima, in the area marked as the 'Volcanic Islands' (Kita-Iwo-Jima, Iwo-Jima, Minami-Iwo-Jima) on the map above.
The history of Iwo Jima

The history of Iwo Jima

Although Iwo Jima has been returned to Japan, the islanders are still unable to return to live there because there are still over ten thousand unexploded bombs. Currently, only a military garrison is stationed there.
The worldview of Iwo Jima and the world of Harry Potter

The worldview of Iwo Jima and the world of Harry Potter

The Japanese wizarding school is Mahoutokoro, located on the southern tip of Minami-Iwo Jima, just south of Iwo Jima.
The wizarding school is located to the south of Iwo Jima, there is a link.

The wizarding school is located to the south of Iwo Jima, there is a link.

For Muggles, Minami-Iwo Jima is an uninhabited island, but its highest point is adorned with a magnificent palace.
You can directly see the Tokyo Tower from Zōjō-ji Temple.

You can directly see the Tokyo Tower from Zōjō-ji Temple.

The connecting port is located in the Tokyo Port area, near Takeshiba Station. On the side, there is Zojoji Temple, which is a filming location for "The Wolverine" Arriving at Zojoji Temple, besides taking in the scenic views of the Japanese temple, you can also directly see the Tokyo Tower in the background.

Read more on Day 1

The second day

The scenery on the way to the Ogasawara Islands.

The scenery on the way to the Ogasawara Islands.

When boarding the ship, we need to step on disinfectant and adhere to sticky pads to prevent the introduction of foreign species to the outlying islands.
Here, you can see the Japanese government's meticulous efforts and commitment to nature conservation.
Before boarding ship

Before boarding ship

This ship is soooo huge!
And actually, 48 hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Introduction to the ship:

Introduction to the ship:

This is a second-class cabin, and there is also a second-class berth available. I personally prefer the cabin. Despite having bunk beds, the curtains can be drawn, preserving individual privacy.
While moving, you can see many famous landmarks.

While moving, you can see many famous landmarks.

Because along the entire Tokyo Bay area, you can see many famous landmarks, such as Rainbow Bridge, Asahi TV Tower, the underwater tunnel, Mount Fuji, and so on.
Meals on board the ship:

Meals on board the ship:

My top recommendation is the Udon Tempura! The udon noodles are incredibly chewy, and the tempura is freshly fried, including fried shrimp.
Plus, you get to enjoy an unbeatable ocean view with every meal.

Plus, you get to enjoy an unbeatable ocean view with every meal.

And you get to enjoy an unbeatable ocean view with every meal! Like the eel tempura rice bowl mentioned above, I also add a bottle of cold sake, and the total cost is around 1500 Japanese yen.
Sake on the ship for a late-night snack, cheers!

Sake on the ship for a late-night snack, cheers!

We passed the time casually chatting during the evening.
There are many beautiful views to see.

There are many beautiful views to see.

Actually, there's really no need for everyone to worry about seasickness or enduring a long journey on the ship; time really flies by quickly.
Not only you won't go hungry, but you can also sleep well and enjoy beautiful views!

Read more on Day 2

The third day

A secluded and remote paradise.

A secluded and remote paradise.

Upon arriving at this isolated island, I truly discovered many enchanting things.
We were very lucky to see some birds.

We were very lucky to see some birds.

Pour water, and birds will come to drink and bathe.
On this secluded island, I discovered many magical things.

On this secluded island, I discovered many magical things.

Fearless little creatures and an incredibly pristine forest, that's why I call this place the enchanted forest! Definitely worth a visit.
Heart-shaped moss.

Heart-shaped moss.

The moss on the ground is incredibly beautiful, accompanied by white flowers, scattered everywhere.
In one particular spot, the moss forms a beautiful heart shape.
The view from the mountaintop.

The view from the mountaintop.

After reaching the summit, there are special activities available.
At the mountaintop, you can also see a secluded beach.

At the mountaintop, you can also see a secluded beach.

From the mountaintop, you can also see a deserted beach below.
A rare sight of a black sand beach.

A rare sight of a black sand beach.

The beach here is also a black sand beach. Black sand beaches are a characteristic feature of volcanic islands; hence, the sand is black.
Comparisons of black sand beaches around the world.

Comparisons of black sand beaches around the world.

Similarly, Iwo Jima also has black sand beaches!
Eating a boxed meal while enjoying the scenery.

Eating a boxed meal while enjoying the scenery.

When climbing towards the summit, we always find a spot to have our boxed meals. The boxed meals are prepared by the accommodation, with elaborate dinners and thoughtful lunches!
The homestay introduction

The homestay introduction

The homestay is named "Nanfeng" in English. A completely wooden cabin, although the room has air conditioning, whether it's on or off doesn't make much difference.
Dinner is splendid.

Dinner is splendid.

Their cuisine is very diverse and meticulously crafted! Whether it's Japanese or Western cuisine, they prepare both quite well.
You can see a starry sky without light pollution.

You can see a starry sky without light pollution.

However, what I highly recommend is the evening! The nights here are not only comfortable but also offer a view of a starry sky free from light pollution.
A great place for photography.

A great place for photography.

The air is fresh and comfortable, the island residents go to bed early, there's no light pollution – I believe this would be an excellent spot for many people to take photos.

Read more on Day 3

The fourth day

The farewell culture of the Ogasawara Islands.

The farewell culture of the Ogasawara Islands.

And there are flags with the word "farewell" written on them!
It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, perhaps a meeting that happens only once in a lifetime.
Even if the time spent is short, it leaves a small but touching impression.
I discovered on the side a drum ensemble formed by the island residents themselves, quite adorable.
The island residents waving goodbye continuously during the farewell.

The island residents waving goodbye continuously during the farewell.

As the ship departs, you can see the island residents waving goodbye non-stop. I mean really non-stop! They keep waving until you can no longer see them.
Turtle meat sashimi.

Turtle meat sashimi.

The specialty is …... that they have sashimi made from turtle meat.
A larger drum ensemble for a grander farewell.

A larger drum ensemble for a grander farewell.

More island residents participating in the farewell, with an even larger drum ensemble!
A bunch of boats sailing out to send us off.

A bunch of boats sailing out to send us off.

A bunch of boats accompanied us as we sailed out, and the key point is that the people on them kept waving non-stop!
The island residents kept waving and shouting to us continuously.

The island residents kept waving and shouting to us continuously.

This non-stop drumming and waving farewell show must have lasted for about 30 minutes!
Using this as the conclusion to the once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Ogasawara Islands, it's not only deeply moving but also allows you to experience the rich warmth of the Japanese people. It's truly worth documenting and capturing in photographs.
I believe that this kind of tourism experience is not solely reliant on investing in software or hardware but rather a culture built through continuous heartfelt efforts. I truly admire and find it worth learning from.

Read more on Day 4

The fifth day

Peak Conquest Commemorative Certificate

Peak Conquest Commemorative Certificate

Climbing a mountain not only allows you to experience the enchanting 'Dreamy Forest' like never before, but also rewards you with a summit achievement certificate bearing your name upon completing the ascent!
The Memories of the Ogasawara Islands

The Memories of the Ogasawara Islands

Not only do you have 48 hours on a boat without internet to engage with others or simply enjoy a moment of relaxation. On the island, you step into a pristine haven of nature, an untouched sanctuary that you've never experienced before. Upon leaving the island, you can still feel the most sincere emotions exchanged between people.
These three points, I believe, constitute an itinerary that the vast majority of us have not experienced.

Read more on Day 5