Description:

This archipelago of over 30 subtropical and tropical islands lie in the Pacific Ocean some 540 miles south of Honshu.

Because the Ogasawara Islands have never been connected to a continent, many of their animals and plants have undergone unique evolutionary processes. For this reason, the islands are often referred to as the 'Galapagos of the Orient' and in 2011 gained a World Heritage Natural Site listing.

The islands have an interesting history of being claimed by various countries, with the first permanent settlement established by ex-whalers from the USA in the 1830s. The islands changed sovereignty a couple of times through various colonial period machinations and Pacific activities of the second world war, with them being returned to Japan in 1968.

Chichijima is the main island in the group.

If you are voyaging to Japan from the East, this is a natural Port of Entry to Japan - however - it is not possible to get Naikosenpaku here - see Clearance for more details. It is also the administrative center of the island group, with most major government agencies located here.

Position:

27° 05.72'N, 142° 11.93'E (Chichijima harbour entrance)