Ogasawara Islands
Take a ship from Tokyo to swim with dolphins, snorkel and scuba
When it comes to Tokyo, if stunning beaches are the last thing on your mind, the Ogasawara Islands will change that — in a big way.
Packed with coral reefs, subtropical terrain and rocky cliffs, the islands are also a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. While the island group is filled with plenty of small, remote islands, the largest is Chichi-jima. Some of the other main islands are Nishinoshima, Mukojima and Hahajima, which stretch outward from mainland Tokyo.
Although technically part of Tokyo, the furthest island spans 1,000 KM from Tokyo Bay. That much coastline means an abundance of beaches.
Photo by: Panoramio
A notable one is Sakaiura beach, where you can see a real-life shipwreck just off the coast. As well as Kopepe beach and Kominato beach, which provide ample sightseeing and, of course, snorkeling.
But if snorkeling isn’t your thing, other activities include:
- Fishing
- Whale watching
- Scuba Diving
- Dolphin watching and swimming
- Kayaking
With nearly 50 different companies offering tours, rentals and other activities, it’s likely you’ll find something enjoyable. Summer is high season for the islands, so book your trip early!
