Iwo Jima
Island Small volcanic island, site of famous WWII flag-raising
Iwo Jima (Iōtō) is a small volcanic island administered from Tokyo, noted for the World War II battle, military memorials and rugged volcanic terrain; civilian access is regulated and often restricted.
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!["Butch", a Doberman Pinscher Marine War Dog stands guard as his partner, Pvt. Rez Hester, of Liberty, N.C., snatches a few winks in a sandy foxhole on Iwo Jima. (49482847102).jpg](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/"Butch",_a_Doberman_Pinscher_Marine_War_Dog_stands_guard_as_his_partner,_Pvt._Rez_Hester,_of_Liberty,_N.C.,_snatches_a_few_winks_in_a_sandy_foxhole_on_Iwo_Jima._(49482847102).jpg?width=1200)
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Iwo Jima, officially Iwo-tō, is a volcanic island in the Ogasawara island chain administered by Tokyo, Japan, located in the northwestern Pacific. The island is most widely known for the World War II battle fought there in 1945 and the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi.
The island is dominated by volcanic cones, the best known being Mount Suribachi which rises to 169 m above sea level. It remains largely uninhabited and is used for limited military, administrative and memorial purposes rather than permanent civilian settlement.
Major combat operations took place there in February and March 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima, after which the island was occupied and later administered by Japan. Much of the island’s landscape remains shaped by volcanic features and wartime remnants.
Iwo Jima lies roughly 1,200 km south of Tokyo as part of the larger Ogasawara (Bonin) island group, surrounded by open ocean and isolated from large population centers.
- Mount Suribachi: Mount Suribachi is the island's prominent volcanic cone, rising to 169 m and the site of the iconic WWII flag-raising photograph.
- Administration and status: The island is uninhabited except for military and administrative personnel and is administered as part of Tokyo's Ogasawara subprefecture.
How to Get to Iwo Jima #
Iwo Jima (Iwo To) is not served by scheduled commercial transport and access is restricted. There are no regular public flights or ferries; visits are allowed only with official permission from Japanese authorities and are normally limited to authorised military, research or specially arranged trips.
Tips for Visiting Iwo Jima #
- Be aware that access to Iwo Jima (Iōtō) is highly restricted and controlled by Japanese authorities; civilian landings are rare and require official permission or participation in authorized visits.
- If you hope to visit, coordinate well in advance with licensed tour operators or the relevant Japanese government/JASDF offices to obtain the necessary clearances and follow all instructions on-site.
Best Time to Visit Iwo Jima #
Visit Iwo Jima between November and April when seas are calmer and the typhoon risk is lower for more reliable access.
Weather & Climate near Iwo Jima #
Iwo Jima's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1369 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (173 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (126 mm).
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (163 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 26°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
