As a travel destination, Hachijo is closely associated with the volcanic landscape of Hachijō Jima. The island is part of the Fuji volcanic belt and geographically consists of two mountains: Mihara lies in the southeast, and Hachijō Fuji in the northwest. Their names also help you identify the landscape and activities: Kurozuna is on the outer edge of Mihara, while Hachijō Fuji has a hiking trail to the summit. The island also offers botanical and historic sites as well as coastal activities. When choosing what to explore, you can first consider whether plants and birds, island history or outdoor experiences matter most to you.

Volcanic Landscapes and Botanical Diversity

Hachijō Botanical Park covers more than 20 hectares. Its focus is on tropical and subtropical plants, and it is also home to numerous birds. For nature enthusiasts, the park offers a different focus from the volcanically shaped coastal landscapes. Kurozuna is a dune of black scoria on the outer edge of Mihara. It lies beside steep sea cliffs and offers views of Kashitate and Otochiyogahama. If you are choosing between botanical diversity and a striking geological formation, these places offer distinct experiences: plants and birds in the park, and rock formations and coastal views at Kurozuna.

History and Performance Traditions

The Hattori Residence is the former home of the Hattori family, who managed the shogunate's ships during the Edo period. The residence is associated with performances of the Kashitate dance and Hachijō Taiko. The family's historic role and the named performance traditions offer two different perspectives on the site.

The Hachijō History and Folklore Museum occupies the former Hachijō branch office of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, built in 1939. Unlike the family residence, the focus here is the former administrative role of a metropolitan branch office. This makes it possible to distinguish between a former family home connected to the Edo period and a former administrative building as two different historic sites.

Explore the Mountain and Coast

Hachijō Fuji has a hiking trail to the summit. Conditions on the route may change, so check before your visit. Hachijō Jima also has surf spots. Otochiyogahama has pools and small ponds where visitors can play along the rocky coast. A stretch of coast in Ōgagō is considered a good spot for fishing from the rocky shore and offers views of Hachijō Kojima as well as distinctive sunsets. The two coastal locations offer different experiences: Otochiyogahama is associated with playing in pools and ponds, while the stretch in Ōgagō offers fishing, views and sunsets.

The Umi-kaze Shiitake farm adds tours and harvesting experiences to these nature and culture themes. You can choose between these two types of activities; advance reservations are required for both.

Discover more destinations: Hino, Meguro, Akishima, Chōfu, Chiyoda, Machida, Musashino, Koganei

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