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. This palm tree-covered island is highly recommended for those who are interested in plants, as there are copious amounts of thriving varieties due to the island’s highly fertile volcanic soil, coupled with an ideal climate (it doesn’t get too hot or too cold, which is the reason why Hachijo-jima is dubbed as the “Island of Eternal Spring”). Palm tree cultivation is one of the main industries of the island, growing species such as Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf date palm) and Howea forsteriana (Kentia palm). Hachijo-jima is the world’s largest producer of Phoenix roebelenii, which are exported all over the world.
As Hachijo-jima is located in the path of the Kuroshio tropical sea current, the surrounding sea is blessed with many kinds of coral, tropical fish species and sea turtles, which attracts many divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. There is a very high chance of encountering sea turtles while snorkeling at Sokodo Beach. Be warned that Hachijo-jima does not have any visually idyllic beaches (black sand or lava pebbles), however these conditions make the water clarity amazing. Just like any other Izu island, Hachijo Island is excellent for fishing, particularly great for warm water migratory fish all around the year.
Many parts of Hachijo Island are covered in subtropical rainforest, with beautiful tree ferns and fountain palm trees, as well as waterfalls, making it a great island for hiking and stream trekking. We recommend the jungle streams accessible from Kamogawa Rindo Road (鴨川林道) around Mt. Mihara such as “Sandan no Taki Falls (三段の滝)” and the series of waterfalls in the upper stream of Okawa River. Neoprene felt-sole wading boots (such as the ones from the brand Sea People) are necessary for walking over the slippery boulders.
We also recommend Uramigataki Waterfall Walking Trail. Even though it’s a tourist spot, it’s a beautiful short walk along a stream to a waterfall, surrounded by ultra lush subtropical forest showcasing the beautiful vegetation of Hachijo-jima. There is also a free onsen (natural hot spring bath) with a great view by the trail entrance.
Mt. Hachijo-Fuji is excellent for hiking on a clear day, and it has an interesting volcano crater with a lush forest in the center.
The Hachijo Botanical Park is a surprising gem in the middle of the town, with a large land mass dedicated to tropical and subtropical botanicals from both Japan and overseas. It is well worth a stroll for an hour or two if you like plants (free admission).
Nearby the park, there is a lovely plant store and adjoining cafe called Botanical & Cafe DRACO, which are beautiful and relaxing spaces, and make it easy to appreciate the plant diversity of the island.

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.