AogashimaAogashima at a Glance#
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 10° - 15° | 13° | 130 mm | overcast | 72% | 5.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| February | Poor | 9° - 15° | 12° | 136 mm | overcast | 73% | 5.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Acceptable | 11° - 16° | 14° | 179 mm | overcast | 73% | 5.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.9h |
| April | Acceptable | 14° - 19° | 17° | 203 mm | overcast | 76% | 5.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 17° - 22° | 19° | 261 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.7h |
| June | Good | 20° - 24° | 22° | 325 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.1h |
| July | Very Good | 23° - 27° | 25° | 168 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 4.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.9h |
| August | Very Good | 24° - 28° | 26° | 198 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 5.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.2h |
| September | Very Good | 23° - 27° | 25° | 259 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Good | 19° - 24° | 22° | 328 mm | overcast | 77% | 5.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| November | Acceptable | 16° - 21° | 18° | 211 mm | overcast | 72% | 5.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Acceptable | 12° - 18° | 15° | 136 mm | overcast | 72% | 5.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
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.