South Iwo Jima
Island Remote volcanic Japanese island, part of Ogasawara chain
A volcanic island in the Ogasawara chain administered by Tokyo, South Iwo Jima is remote and sparsely accessed. Researchers and specialised expeditions visit for seabirds, volcanic topography and isolated terrain; civilian access is limited.
South Iwo Jima (Minami Iwo Jima) is a remote volcanic island in the Volcano Islands chain administered as part of Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. The island is volcanic in origin and largely rugged and steep.
The island’s features are primarily natural - steep cliffs, a central volcanic cone and limited shoreline suitable for landing. It is visited only rarely and generally only by authorised personnel for scientific, military or maintenance purposes.
The island has no long-term civilian population and has been used periodically for meteorological observations and limited strategic purposes. It has no developed tourist infrastructure.
Minami Iwo Jima lies in the northwestern Pacific Ocean as part of the Volcano Islands, remote from Japan’s main islands and administered from Tokyo.
- Restricted access: Part of the Volcano Islands group administered by Tokyo and located in the northwestern Pacific, access is strictly controlled and visits normally require permission.
How to Get to South Iwo Jima #
South Iwo Jima (part of the Volcano Islands) has no regular civilian transport and is subject to access restrictions. There are no scheduled commercial flights or public ferries; visits are only possible via military vessels or specially authorized charters and require prior permission from Japanese authorities (typically the Ministry of Defense or relevant government offices).
If you need to arrange access for research or official purposes, contact the appropriate Japanese authorities or the relevant prefectural office for authorization and logistics; recreational landings are generally not possible.
Tips for Visiting South Iwo Jima #
- South Iwo Jima (Minami Iwo Jima) is not open for routine public visits-access is tightly controlled by Japanese authorities and the Self-Defense Forces, so do not plan an independent landing.
- If you require access for research or official purposes, begin with formal permission from the relevant Japanese ministries and expect strict safety and biosecurity measures; otherwise observe the island from authorized vessels only.
Best Time to Visit South Iwo Jima #
Being subtropical, the island is warm year‑round; avoid the typhoon season (summer-autumn) for more reliable conditions.
Weather & Climate near South Iwo Jima #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1450 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (170 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (180 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (138 mm).
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (171 mm).
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November
November is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (132 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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