Aogashima Island
This is a small volcanic Japanese island in the Philippine Sea. Its area is just 8.75 km², its length is 3.5 km and its width is 2.5 km. The coastline is 9 km and the highest elevation in Otubuntu is 423 m.
The island is located approximately 358 kilometers south of Tokyo and 64 kilometers south of Hachijō-Jima. It is the southernmost island of the Izu archipelago.
This island is known for having a volcanic caldera within a larger caldera, which makes the island’s unique shape resemble a tropical scene from the set of Jurassic Park or Lost. Almost the entire area is covered with greenery.
On the island reigns a subtropical climate. The air is humid enough, but the water of the coastline is very warm. This island is home to several species of birds. In coastal waters can be found the Japanese eel, sea turtles, and, if you’re lucky, flying fish.
It is very isolated, only accessible by boat or helicopter, one could end up trapped here pretty easily if the seas get rough or a tropical storm makes its way in.
Likely the best way for someone to take an adventure here is to fly to one of the larger islands in the archipelago like Hachijō-Jima that has a landing strip and organize a helicopter flight here.
Getting there is an adventure akin to a James Bond mission, which is likely why not many ever make the journey. Land to the island is very difficult, it has no natural harbors, and the flow is too strong. But one small harbor is still available. To it can land the vessel tonnage not exceeding 500 tons.
It is possible to come on the boat, but nobody will give you a guarantee.
These remote islands are truly a great place to relax. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park system which encompasses many of the islands in the area, so a trip would definitely require a bit of island hopping to take in all of the surrounding beauty.
On the island, there is only one village, Aogashima. This is the smallest municipality in the whole of Japan. The place where the village is situated, surrounded by cliffs that were formed as a result of the emission of volcanic magma. People here earn their living doing fishing and agriculture. Slight revenue brings tourists. Almost every family has a volcanic hill, where the salt is extracted (by evaporation of seawater). Soda salt serves as the material for the manufacture of souvenirs.
On Aogashima there isn’t much to do, but the serenity is probably one of the biggest attractions on a visit. In the center of the island lies a geothermal sauna, scuba diving is popular, and the alien landscape is something you will never forget. Be careful though, this is still an active volcano.
In 1785, 140 of the 327 person population perished in a massive eruption. After this disaster on Aogashime, nobody lived 50 years. It has been over 200 years since the last eruption, so the volcano might be in store for an eruption.