Aogashima
Island Remote volcanic island in Tokyo prefecture, small village
Aogashima, a tiny volcanic island administered from Tokyo, sits inside a double-caldera with a small, remote community. Tourists arrive by ferry or helicopter for steep-route hikes, simple guesthouses and dark-sky views.
Aogashima is a small inhabited volcanic island in the Izu Islands chain, administratively part of Tokyo Metropolis. It is notable for its double-caldera structure and very limited, remote settlement.
The island’s main settlement sits by the shore and is served by occasional ferries and a helicopter link to the Izu mainland; services are basic and weather-dependent. A central volcanic crater contains a smaller cone and fertile slopes that are traversed by short hiking routes used by visitors and locals.
Historically Aogashima has been a small fishing and agricultural community with intermittent contact to the larger islands; its volcanic geology has shaped settlement patterns. The island remains sparsely populated and subject to volcanic monitoring.
Geographically Aogashima lies in the Philippine Sea as part of the Izu Islands, administered from Tokyo, and is several hundred kilometres south of central Tokyo in a remote oceanic setting.
- Access restrictions: Aogashima is an inhabited volcanic island in the Izu archipelago administered by Tokyo; access is by infrequent ferry or helicopter services and subject to weather cancellations.
- Visitor logistics: The island's volcanic caldera provides short but steep hikes and dramatic views; facilities are minimal so visitors should plan supplies and accommodation ahead.
What to See #
- Village and port: The inhabited village cluster and port on Aogashima where the small local population live and which receives occasional ferries and helicopter services.
- Volcanic caldera and summit cone: A central volcanic caldera with a smaller central cone inside the crater, offering hiking routes and panoramic views for visitors fit for steep terrain.
How to Get to Aogashima #
Access is by local ferry from Hachijō-jima (irregular and weather-dependent) or by helicopter services from Tokyo/Hachijō when scheduled; bookings must be made in advance.
Tips for Visiting Aogashima #
- Aogashima is tiny and highly weather-dependent-book boat or helicopter travel well in advance and expect cancellations.
- Respect local rules-the island has a small community with specific arrangements for waste, lodging and limited guest capacity.
- Bring cash; card facilities are minimal or absent.
Best Time to Visit Aogashima #
Best visited in late spring to early autumn when sea conditions are most forgiving; confirm travel plans closely with operators.
Weather & Climate near Aogashima #
Aogashima's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 9°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (2534 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (203 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (261 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (325 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (168 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (198 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (259 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (328 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (211 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.