Japan’s Ogasawara Islands trip

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Claim your place in the secluded Pacific on our Ogasawara Islands journey, one of the most distinctive Japan trips for travelers who want something truly remote. With local experts at your side, we design a tailor-made experience that follows your curiosity and your rhythm.

From pristine ocean and ancient forests to starlit skies, each day becomes a personalized canvas for discovery. Start planning now to secure local guidance and thoughtful details that turn this far-flung corner of Japan into a story written just for you.

Japan’s Ogasawara Islands trip highlights

  • Pristine marine encounters: Snorkel and dive in crystal-blue waters of Ogasawara, meeting dolphins, manta rays, and vibrant reefs.
  • Whale and dolphin watching: Board a small-boat cruise for intimate whale and dolphin sightings.
  • Village culture and local flavors: Meet islanders, taste home-cooked cuisine, and design authentic cultural experiences with local hosts.
  • Hiking and hidden beaches: Explore volcanic trails and secluded beaches on privately guided hikes.
  • Conservation and night skies: Participate in conservation activities and stargaze under pristine, pollution-free skies.
DayLocationActivityOvernight
1Tokyo → Ogasawara (ferry)

• Board Ogasawara Maru at Takeshiba Pier

• 24-hour ferry crossing, deck views, and onboard meals

Ferry
2Chichijima

• Arrive Futami Port, transfer and check in at Papa’s Diving Studio

• Beach time or village walk

• Welcome dinner and dive briefing

Chichijima
3Chichijima

• Introductory scuba dive with instructor

• Guided snorkeling in coral gardens

• Guided night forest tour

Chichijima
4Chichijima

• Two tank guided boat dive

• Whale and dolphin watching cruise, seasonal sightings

• Ogasawara World Heritage Center

Chichijima
5Chichijima (Omura)

• Omura free time

• Beach snorkeling or kayaking

• Village shops for crafts and souvenirs

Chichijima
6Chichijima → Tokyo (ferry)

• Morning at leisure in Omura

• Board Ogasawara Maru at Futami Port

• 24 hour ferry back to Central Tokyo

Ferry

Places you'll visit

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Central Tokyo
Central TokyoTokyo
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Day01

From Central Tokyo to Ogasawara

Begin your Japan travel adventure at Central Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier, boarding the Ogasawara Maru ferry for the 24-hour crossing to the remote Ogasawara Islands.

Settle into the spacious lounges, head out on deck to watch seabirds and wide ocean sunsets, and enjoy hot meals along the way with an onboard cafeteria and small shop for essentials and souvenirs.

Ogasawara Islands, Japan
Day02

Welcome to Chichijima

Arrive at Futami Port on Chichijima and step into warm tropical air in one of the best places to visit in Japan for truly remote island life. Transfer to Papa's Diving Studio to check in, then take time to unpack, walk to a nearby beach, or wander the laid-back village streets.

At sunset, gather at Papa’s for a welcome dinner and dive briefing. Meet your guides, review the schedule, and get ready for the underwater adventures ahead in Japan’s far-flung Ogasawara Islands.

Ogasawara Islands, Japan
Day03

Introductory scuba dive and guided night tour

Begin your day with an introductory scuba dive with a certified instructor in the calm, clear waters off Chichijima. Learn the essentials, explore shallow reefs, and look for green sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. Later, join a guided snorkeling trip through vibrant coral gardens.

After dark, head out on a guided night tour through Ogasawara’s subtropical forest. Watch for bioluminescent mushrooms, listen for native wildlife, and keep an eye out for the Bonin flying fox for a rare, unforgettable glimpse of island life.

Ogasawara Islands, Japan
Ogasawara Islands, Japan
Day04

Two-tank dive and whale watching

Spend the morning on a two-tank guided boat dive off Chichijima with local instructors. Explore coral walls and reef gardens filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, and, with luck, reef sharks. The clear water and generally gentle conditions keep the experience relaxed yet unforgettable.

In the afternoon, join a seasonal whale and dolphin watching cruise around Ogasawara. Humpback whales are typically seen in winter, sperm whales in summer, and spinner dolphins may appear at various times. End the day at the Ogasawara World Heritage Center for self-guided exhibits on local flora, fauna, and conservation.

Ogasawara Islands, Japan
Ogasawara Islands, Japan
Day05

Free day on the island

Spend a relaxed morning in the Omura area, a gentle finish to your Japan itinerary. Snorkel from the beach, rent a kayak to explore calm coastal waters, or browse village shops for island crafts and souvenirs.

Take in a last glimpse of the reef, enjoy a few friendly conversations, and soak up Chichijima’s easygoing rhythm before departure.

Omura Bay, Japan
Day06

Back to Central Tokyo from Ogasawara

Spend the morning at leisure in Omura. Snorkel from the beach, rent a kayak for calm coastal waters, or browse village shops for island crafts and souvenirs. Paddle the shoreline, spot reef fish, and enjoy a few friendly chats with locals.

In the early afternoon, board the Ogasawara Maru at Futami Port for the 24 hour ferry back to Central Tokyo. Settle in on deck to watch Chichijima’s coastline fade, then take in the Pacific sunset and starlit skies as you reflect on your Ogasawara memories.

Senso-ji Buddhist temple at dusk in Asakusa, Tokyo © FenlioQ/Shutterstock