Hachijo Island (Hachijo-jima) of the Izu Islands

Hachijo Island (also known as Hachijo-jima) is a subtropical volcanic island, located 290km directly south of Tokyo. Hachijo-jima is located in the path of the Kuroshio tropical current, and so the surrounding water of the island is blessed with many kinds of coral and tropical fish species, which attracts many divers and snorkelers. There is a very high chance of encountering sea turtles with snorkeling at Sokodo Beach. Many parts of Hachijo Island are covered in subtropical rainforest with beautiful tree ferns and fountain palm trees, and is great for hiking and stream trekking with many waterfalls (we recommend the jungle streams accessible from Kamogawa Rindo Road/鴨川林道 around Mt. Mihara). Mt. Hachijo-Fuji is excellent for hiking and it has an interesting volcano crater with lush forest in the middle. Be warned that Hachijo-jima does not have any sandy beaches (black lava pebbles), which is great for water clarity though. Just like any other Izu island, Hachijo Island is excellent for fishing, particularly great for warm water migratory fish all around the year.

About the Tokyo/Izu Islands:
Apart from the Ogasawara Islands, the Tokyo Islands (also known as the Izu Seven Islands) are a great weekend getaway for Tokyo locals. Usually people aim for the Friday night overnight passenger ferry which arrives early on Saturday mornings, where they can enjoy nature activities for the weekend. It is usual to take the high-speed jet ferry on the return to Tokyo on Sunday afternoons, or a flight depending on the island. All these islands of Tokyo are excellent for anglers of all skill levels as the surrounding sea is very rich in fish due to the Kuroshio Current and rugged underwater topography.

PrefectureTokyoSize69.5 sq km PopulationApproximately 8,000AccessOvernight ferry from Tokyo or plane (operated by ANA)Getting aroundCar rental