HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hachijojima is an island shaped by volcanoes, softened by forests and warmed by the ocean. Located 55 minutes by plane from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, this subtropical island is often called the “Hawaiʻi of Japan”. The nickname comes from its black sand beaches, hot springs and friendly year-round weather.
But Hachijojima is not only about beauty. It offers a slower way of life, one that has remained deeply tied to nature.
There are no convenience stores. Public transportation is limited. The rhythm here moves at the pace of ocean tides and mountain winds. Visitors come for quiet, for adventure and for the sense that time on Hachijojima is something different.
If you are planning a visit, here are the most important things to know before you go.
1. Expect subtropical weather and a lot of rain
Hachijojima is sometimes called “the island of everlasting spring”. Its weather stays warm and humid, with frequent rainfall throughout the year. Bring light clothes that dry quickly. Pack shoes for mud. The rain supports rich plant life while palms grow on hillsides, and tropical flowers bloom in mountain forests.
The frequent fog and strong winds also make flying to Hachijojima a challenge for pilots. Weather conditions may delay flights; so, it’s wise to plan with flexibility.
2. There are no convenience stores, so plan ahead
Unlike other parts of Japan, Hachijojima has no convenience stores. That means no last-minute stops for snacks, drinks or simple supplies. Visitors should bring what they need or prepare to shop at smaller local stores with limited hours.
Most restaurants and shops open during the day and close early. Check times in advance. Carry cash. Some places may not accept credit cards.
3. Visit Hachijo Fuji for one of the best island views
Hachijo Fuji, also known as Mt. Nishi, rises 854 meters above the island. To reach the top, you will climb 1,280 steps. The hike takes under an hour. From the summit, the views are extraordinary where you can see the city below, Mt. Mihara in the distance and the ocean all around.
At the summit, a circular path around the caldera leads you past forests, ponds and the quiet Asama Shrine. Descriptions of the majestic experience indicate that when walking the rim, it feels like walking in the sky.
4. See emerald water and waterfalls on Mt. Mihara
Mt. Mihara, also known as Mt. Higashi, has gentler trails than Hachijo Fuji. The hike to two main sights takes about two and a half hours total. First is Iounuma. It’s a deep green pond surrounded by trees where the water reflects the forest in mirror-like stillness.
Keep walking and you will reach Karataki, a 36-meter waterfall that flows down cliffs rich in moss and moisture. The sound of the water and the feeling of being deep in nature make this a hidden favorite amongst hikers.
5. Walk behind Urami-ga-taki Fall and soak in nearby onsen
Urami-ga-taki, which means “view from behind”, is a waterfall that you can walk behind. The path takes you under the fall’s mist. Combined with the nearby onsen, or hot spring bath, this spot brings the kind of refreshment that only nature can offer.
6. Explore natural rock formations like the pothole
Designated a natural monument, the pothole is a natural formation created by flowing water over time. While some of the holes are small, there are others are wide enough to step inside. Morning sunlight brings out reflections and colors in the water that are especially striking.
7. Find island life past and present at Fureai Farm and Hachijo Kojima
Fureai Farm is located on the way to Hachijo Fuji. It is a simple farm with a beautiful view; and from the hill, you can see the ocean, the airport and the port.
Hachijo Kojima, just offshore, is an uninhabited island. People lived there until 1969; but now, it holds the remains of homes, shrines and a school. One of the easiest ways to be sure you experience everything the island has to offer, you can opt for a guided tour.
8. Take part in island life through crafts and diving
Hachijojima offers many ways to explore beyond sightseeing. Try scuba diving or snorkeling in warm waters that are full of coral and fish. Yuu can go fishing, join a weaving or handcraft workshop, learn how to make traditional island fabric and do yoga outdoors with the ocean wind in your hair. An extra added treat is the adventure of camping or barbecuing under the stars.
At night, you can take advantage of the island being far away from city lights by taking a glowing mushroom tour or look out for constellations that fill the sky.
9. Try traditional island flavors made from land and sea
Island food is both a challenge and a reward for travelers. One must-try dish is shima zushi, a kind of marinated sushi flavored with mustard instead of wasabi. Another is kusaya, a fermented fish that is known for its strong smell. It may not suit every taste, but it is deeply tied to the island’s history.
Also look for ashitaba, a green leaf used in cooking, and local milk, cheese and shōchū. Hachijojima lemons and passion fruit are grown on the island and are used in sweets and drinks that can quench any thirst.
10. Let Hachijojima shape the pace of your visit
Hachijojima does not move quickly. Flights are short but the experience is not. This is a place where the air smells like rain and trees, roads follow the coast without rushing and hikes end in still water or windblown peaks.
You can click here for an English language site that provides more information.
Experience why Hachijojima is called the “Hawaii of Japan” through its sweeping views, rich natural beauty and the strong sense of community that defines island life.