What to know
Chichijima Island (父島, Father Island) is the largest of the Ogasawara Islands. This mountainous island is covered in subtropical forest, white sand beaches, and rocky cliffs. Its remoteness and natural beauty—green forests and blue ocean—combined with a relaxed island vibe make Chichijima an ideal escape from the fast pace of modern life.
After the long ferry ride from Tokyo, all visitors to the Ogasawara Islands arrive at Futami Port in northern Chichijima. The port is surrounded by the only major village on the islands, where most hotels, pensions, shops, and restaurants are located. Here you'll also find the B-Ship tourist information office, where you can book outdoor activity tours.
Tours around the islands are mainly conducted in Japanese, but a few operators offer English-speaking guides. The Ogasawara Village Tourist Association provides a helpful English guide map listing all licensed guides and tour companies, along with their English proficiency and credit card acceptance.
Chichijima is popular for whale and dolphin watching. Humpback whales are frequently seen between February and April, while sperm whales are often spotted from July to September. Bottlenose and spinner dolphins are present year-round, and you can swim with them or watch them from boats. Half-day (around 9,000 yen) and full-day (around 14,000 yen) tours can be arranged at the B-Ship office or directly with operators.
Along Chichijima's rocky coastline are many picturesque beaches with clear blue water, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The best season for beach activities and snorkeling is June to October, when air temperatures consistently top 25°C.
Some of the best beaches on Chichijima include:
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Ogasawara Kaiun
- Original name
- Chichijima Island
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.