The Ogasawara Islands, rich in nature and inhabited by many endemic species of animals and plants, was registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2011. Hahajima is one of the islands in the Ogasawara Islands. Why not enjoy the beautiful sea and nature at Hahajima for yourself?
Treasures of endemic species · Hahajima
"Hahajima" in the Ogasawara Islands. Because of its subtropical location and little change in temperature throughout the year, Ogasawa, proudly surrounded by one of the clearest seas in the world, is a treasure trove of nature with its own ecosystem, flora, and fauna. Hahajima is 50 km south of Chichijima, a small island with a population of about 500 people. The Ogasawara Islands are a abundant in endemic species, with Hahajima being home to even more than Chichijima. Nature tours are an excellent opportunity to observe rare creatures here.
Hotels in Hahajima
Hahajima has 13 accommodation facilities. There are a variety of accommodation plans including private rooms and sudomari, which is an overnight stay that does not include meals. Minshuku Meguro is a lodging that has one Japanese-style room and three Western-style rooms. It’s a place where guests can stay for a reasonable price, offering homemade coffee and fresh fruit grown from their very own garden. Relax leisurely in an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Spot information
- Spot name: Minshuku Meguro
- Street address: Motochi Hahajima Motochi, Ogasawara-mura, Tokyo
Whale watching at Hahajima
Ogasawara has a strong connection to whales, starting with its history of its settlement that began as a whaling ship supply base. In 1989, after the full ban on commercial whaling, whale watching was held for the first time in Japan. As the home of domestic whale watching, the island attracts many visitors every year, hoping to catch a glimpse of the majestic creatures. During whale watching season, the humpback whale's visiting period is usually between December to May, especially around February to April.
Sperm whales inhabits the seas near Ogasawara throughout the year, but it is often seen from May to November, when watching about 10 km off the island.
If you want to see whales close up, ocean watching is recommended. You might be able to have a whale encounter by participating in one of the local tour company's whale watching tours, viewing humpback whales in a half day course (about 3 hours), sperm whales in a full day course (about 7 - 8 hours). Because these are wild animals, there is no guarantee that you can always come across a whale, but there is a relatively high probability that you will!
Access
To access Hahajima, depart from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo and take the Ogasawara Kaiun regular service, “Ogasawara Maru” ferry. It will arrive first in Ogasawara Chichijima, then continuing on to Hahajima. It takes about 24 hours each way, and there is no air route. From Chichijima to Hahajima it is about 2 hours with the regular ferry, "Hahajimaru Maru." Although the travel time is long, there is no doubt that you will experience an incredible journey that is full of sights and worth your while.
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