Hachijojima Island Guide: Tokyo’s Subtropical Escape

Mount Hachijo-fuji on HachijojimaPhoto: akabane_hiro2 / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Areas
Photo: akabane_hiro2 / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026

Hachijojima, 287 kilometers from Tokyo, is a subtropical island with onsen resorts, surfing and diving spots, and hikes up Mt. Hachijo-Fuji, the tallest peak in the Izu Islands. It is only about 50 minutes by plane from Haneda, making it Tokyo’s easy tropical escape.

Quick answer

Getting there: Flight from Haneda (about 50 minutes) or an overnight ship from Takeshiba (about 10.5 hours)

Time needed: 2 to 3 days

Best time: Summer for the sea; winter for whale watching from the hot springs

Good for: Hiking, diving, hot springs, a tropical feel

Plan Your Visit to Hachijojima Island

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Overview

Black sand and cliffs on the coast of Hachijojima
Photo: Matryokeshi / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Getting thereFlight from Haneda (about 50 minutes) or an overnight ship from Takeshiba (about 10.5 hours)
Time needed2 to 3 days
Best timeSummer for the sea; winter for whale watching from the hot springs
Good forHiking, diving, hot springs, a tropical feel

Best Things to Do

A misty path through dense green plants inside a volcanic caldera on Hachijojima
A path inside the caldera of Nishiyama on Hachijojima. Photo: Izawa Ryu / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mt. Hachijo-Fuji

Hike up past cattle grazing on the grassy plateaus of the Fureai Ranch for wide ocean views. You can also cycle or drive the Hachimaki Road from the mountain’s seventh station.

Nanbara Coast of Volcanic Rocks

A lava field stretching 500 meters along the coast.

Swimming, snorkeling and diving

Several coastal sites with about 700 species of sea life, including sea turtles if you are lucky.

Miharashi-no-yu

Open-air hot-spring baths with views over the Pacific, open day and night. In winter you may see humpback whales.

Stargazing and glowing mushrooms

Recommended spots for stars and sunrises, and in summer the island’s famous bioluminescent mushrooms glowing green.

Food & Drink

  • Ashitaba and other native plants used in local dishes.

Shopping

  • Local products made with ashitaba.

Where to Stay

Accommodation on the island is mostly small inns, minshuku (family-run guesthouses) and some campsites, and rooms are limited, so book before you buy your ferry or flight. Ferries leave from the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal near Hamamatsucho, and night ships depart in the evening, so you may want a hotel in central Tokyo before or after your trip: see Hamamatsucho and Best hotels near Tokyo Station and Ginza.

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Getting There

  • By plane: about 50 minutes from Haneda Airport.
  • By boat: the large passenger ship leaves Takeshiba Pier at night, calls at Miyakejima and Mikurajima, and reaches Hachijojima the next morning, about 10.5 hours.
  • Aogashima is reached from Hachijojima.

New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.

Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1Fly from Haneda
  2. Rental car
  3. AfternoonNanbara Coast lava field
  4. EveningMiharashi-no-yu
  5. Day 2Hike Mt. Hachijo-Fuji
  6. Day 3Snorkeling or diving

Travel Tips

  • Renting a car or bicycle makes it easier to get around.
  • Camping and BBQ sites are available; check rules locally.
  • Ferries and flights can be cancelled in bad weather, so leave a spare day in your plans.
  • Bring some cash, as small shops and inns may not accept cards.
  • Book accommodation first, then transport, especially in summer and holidays.

Comparing islands? See all eleven side by side in Tokyo’s islands compared.

FAQ

How do I get to Hachijojima?

Fly from Haneda Airport in about 50 minutes, or take the overnight ship from Takeshiba (about 10.5 hours).

Can you see whales from Hachijojima?

In the winter whale-watching season, you may see humpback whales, even from the Miharashi-no-yu hot spring.

What is the tallest mountain in the Izu Islands?

Mt. Hachijo-Fuji on Hachijojima.

Travel Essentials

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Sources

Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.