Hachijō-jima
Island Volcanic island south of Tokyo with subtropical climate
An Izu island administered by Tokyo, Hachijō-jima has volcanic hills, warm coastal waters, and natural hot springs. Visitors come for diving and snorkeling, coastal hikes, local seafood in small guesthouses, and seasonal flora on island trails.
Hachijō-jima is a volcanic island in the Izu archipelago administered as part of Tokyo Metropolis, located to the south of the Izu Islands chain. The island has a subtropical climate, volcanic landscapes and coastal beaches, and serves as a local tourist destination for hiking, diving and hot springs.
Its central feature is Mount Hachijo-Fuji, a conical volcanic peak rising to about 854 metres that dominates the island’s topography and provides hiking routes to panoramic viewpoints. Other attractions include seaworthy reefs for diving, coastal scenery and small hot-spring facilities.
Hachijō-jima was used as a place of exile during the Tokugawa period and later developed as a local fishing and agricultural community before gaining a tourism role in the 20th century. Modern transport links include scheduled ferry and air services to the mainland and Tokyo.
The island lies in the Philippine Sea as part of the Izu Islands chain, several hundred kilometres south of central Tokyo, and is one of the larger inhabited islands in the group.
- Administration and access: Administratively part of Tokyo Prefecture, the island is reached by ferry or air services from Tokyo and has a subtropical climate with beaches and hot springs.
What to See #
- Mount Hachijo-Fuji (c. 854 m): Mount Hachijo-Fuji, the island's central volcanic cone rising to around 854 metres, is the principal landmark and a popular hiking objective.
How to Get to Hachijō-jima #
Hachijō-jima (Hachijo Island) is part of Tokyo Prefecture and is reached by air or sea from the Tokyo area. Regular flights operate from Tokyo Haneda to Hachijojima Airport (about 45-60 minutes), and overnight/long-distance ferries depart from Tokyo (Takeshiba) to Hachijō-jima (several hours; schedules vary by season). On the island the port and airport are a short taxi or local-bus ride from the main settlement (a few hundred metres to a couple of kilometres depending on drop-off).
Tips for Visiting Hachijō-jima #
- Book ferry or flight reservations in advance and check schedules carefully: connections to Hachijō-jima from Tokyo (ferries and flights) are limited and change seasonally, so confirm outbound and return services before planning activities.
- Rent a car or scooter soon after arrival when possible - public buses are infrequent and many of the island's beaches, hot springs and viewpoints are easiest to reach by private vehicle or bicycle.
- Avoid peak typhoon season when scheduling (typically late summer) and plan outdoor activities (snorkelling, hikes) for mornings when winds and seas tend to be calmer.
Best Time to Visit Hachijō-jima #
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather and fewer typhoon disruptions; summer is hot, humid and carries higher typhoon risk.
Weather & Climate near Hachijō-jima #
Hachijō-jima'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 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2611 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (252 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (321 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (176 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (202 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (279 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (332 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
