Hachijojima

7/5/2024 - 7/8/2024

Directly south of mainland Tokyo lies the Izu Archipelago, a series of more than a dozen volcanic islands that stretch nearly 200 miles into the Pacific Ocean. One such island, and one of seven famous Izu Islands, is the picturesque “tropical paradise” of Hachijojima.

Accessible in just an hour from Tokyo’s Haneda airport, Hachijojima is the perfect destination for one who desires to indulge in sweeping ocean views, top-notch maritime recreation, and delectable dairy products from local free-roaming Jersey cows. Although remote, the island is far from lacking in surprises — such as the abandoned Hachijo Royal Hotel that, once one of Japan’s finest resorts in the 1960s, has now been forsaken to a fate of slow reclamation by the surrounding elements for the past twenty years. With ample opportunity for both exploration and relaxation alike, the allure of Hachijojima is undoubtedly challenging to escape.

This collection features photos from the four days I spent exploring the island, including a visit to the Hachijo Royal Hotel and a hike up Mount Hachijo-fuji.

Additionally, while not pictured, I would like to give thanks to Ren, Kyouko, and Saki-chan who took me in during my visit and showed me what true Hachijojima hospitality was like.