Mount Suribachi
Volcano Volcanic hill on Iwo Jima, WWII flag-raising site
Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima was the scene of the 1945 battle and the famous flag‑raising; visitors to the island encounter war memorials, military cemeteries and strict access controls.
Mount Suribachi is a steep volcanic cone at the southern end of Iwo Jima (Iōtō), one of the Ogasawara Islands administered by Tokyo, Japan, rising to about 169 meters.
A short climb from the island’s southern beaches reaches the summit ridge, which provides views across the island and surrounding ocean; the ascent is relatively brief compared with larger mountains.
The cone was formed by volcanic processes and dominates the southern tip of the island, standing apart from the island’s flatter central areas.
Situated at the southern extremity of Iwo Jima (Iōtō) in the Ogasawara island group, the hill is reached only as part of organized visits due to the island’s restricted access and military administration.
- Elevation: 169 meters above sea level.
- Access: The island is administered as part of Tokyo Prefecture and public visits are tightly controlled, with civilian access limited and subject to permission.
How to Get to Mount Suribachi #
Mount Suribachi is the volcano on Iwo Jima (Iō-jima) in the Volcano Islands, administratively part of Tokyo. There are no regular civilian flights or ferries to Iwo Jima and access is highly restricted; visits are generally only possible via military transport or specially authorized expeditions. There is no public transport or road connection from mainland Japan, and independent tourist visits are not available without prior permission.
Tips for Visiting Mount Suribachi #
- Access to Mount Suribachi (Iwo Jima) is highly restricted because the island is controlled by the Japanese government/military - general tourist visits are not permitted without official authorization.
- If you have a legitimate reason to visit (research, official commemorations, veteran groups), start by contacting the appropriate Japanese authorities well in advance to arrange permission and a guided, escorted visit; there are no public facilities on the island.
Best Time to Visit Mount Suribachi #
Mount Suribachi (Iwo Jima) is on a restricted-access volcanic island; visits are uncommon and typically require authorization - when visits are arranged, spring to early summer (calmer seas) is the likeliest window.
Weather & Climate near Mount Suribachi #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1326 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (69 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 (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (164 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (162 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (121 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 (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.