Hahajima

Welcome to Hahajima, the 'Mother Island' of the Ogasawara archipelago. Located approximately 50 kilometers south of Chichijima and over 1,000 kilometers from mainland Tokyo, Hahajima is officially the most remote inhabited point…

Oki Port is the singular gateway to Hahajima, the point where the Hahajima-maru connects this remote community to the rest of the world. The arrival of the ferry is the most important event in the island's social and economic…

A short walk from the port brings us to the Ross Memorial Museum, a local history museum housed in a building made of the island's unique 'Ross Stone' (Rousu-ishi). This stone is a type of volcanic rock found only on Hahajima,…

The climb to the summit of Mount Chibusa, at 463 meters, is a quintessential Hahajima experience. The trail takes you through a 'sun-dappled jungle' that feels like a scene from a prehistoric era. …

At the southernmost tip of Hahajima lies Minamizaki, an area of stunning coastal beauty and crystal-clear waters. Reaching Minamizaki requires a 40-minute walk through what is essentially a 'beast path' (animal trail), but the…

In contrast to the rugged southern coast, the North Port (Kitanotaka) offers a more sheltered, yet equally fascinating, marine environment. This area was once a bustling settlement during the peak of the island’s sugar…

As we prepare to depart Hahajima and return to the Hahajima-maru for our journey back to Chichijima, let us reflect on the profound sense of isolation and abundance we have experienced. We have walked through the 'Galapagos' of…