Minamijima (Ogasawara)

Minamijima - a Tiny Gem in the Galapagos of Asia

Minamijima is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Chichijima in the Ogasawara Islands chain, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Its unusual features, including submerged karst (limestone) terrain and the azure Ogi-ike lagoon, make it a beautiful destination for diving and snorkeling.
The island is protected as a nesting-ground for seabirds and sea turtles, so you will need to be accompanied by a guide when you visit.

Eco-Tourism

There are various guided tours and cruises to Minamijima from Chichijima. To protect the delicate natural environment, only 100 visitors are allowed per day, for a limit of two hours each. Ogi-ike lagoon is a popular snorkeling spot with white coral sands and vivid blue water. It is separated from the sea by a natural stone arch.

A Haven for Turtles

The fine white sands are scattered with semi-fossil sea snail shells that have been extinct for over 1,000 years. In summer, the sands are pitted with the tracks of the sea turtles that traverse the beaches. During nesting season, the turtle nests are indicated by wooden markers to protect them from being trampled on.

How to get there

Chichijima can be accessed by overnight ferry from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo. The trip takes around 24 hours. From Chichijima, there are boat and kayak tours to Minamijima.