Ogasawara
Ogasawara Islands Family Hotels: A World Heritage Sea
About 24 hours by boat from Tokyo — an island getaway to Chichijima and Hahajima, where families meet dolphins, sea turtles, and a sky full of stars
The Ogasawara Islands are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site located about 1,000 km south of Tokyo. Known as the "Galapagos of the Orient" because they've never been connected to a continent, they're home to plants and animals found nowhere else, surrounded by crystal-clear seas. The only way there is the regular ferry Ogasawara Maru from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo, a roughly 24-hour crossing that runs about once every six days, so a stay of several nights or more is the norm — making this a truly special family destination.
The main hubs are the inhabited islands of Chichijima and Hahajima. In the ocean, unforgettable experiences await kids, from dolphin swims with Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, to snorkeling where you might meet sea turtles, to humpback whale watching from winter into spring. Kominato Beach and Miyanohama, with their calm waves and shallow, gently sloping shores, are also well suited to tide-pooling and playing in the sand with young children.
At night, with so few streetlights, the islands offer a sky full of stars, letting families gaze at the Milky Way and shooting stars together. If you take the ferry Hahajima Maru, which connects Chichijima and Hahajima, you can venture further to enjoy the even more untouched forests and seas of Hahajima.
Places to stay are mostly small-scale, ranging from resort-style villages to homey family-run inns and pensions. Being close to the island's residents, who are often happy to help with planning tours, is part of the appeal. Since ferry sailings are limited, the key to planning a trip to Ogasawara is booking both your accommodation and ferry tickets well in advance.
Highlights
- checkSwim with dolphins and meet sea turtles and whales in a UNESCO World Heritage sea
- checkEnjoy a sky full of stars as a family, thanks to the island's lack of streetlights
- checkThe calm, gently sloping Kominato Beach and Miyanohama are great for tide-pooling with young children
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Nearby attractions
Travel tips
The only way to reach the islands is the ferry Ogasawara Maru from Takeshiba Pier, a roughly 24-hour one-way crossing that runs about once every six days. Booking your ferry and accommodation together well in advance is essential. Since you'll spend a long stretch of time on board, come prepared with seasickness remedies and things to keep your kids entertained. Activities on the islands are mostly ocean tours, so it's reassuring to bring rash guards, sun protection, and kid-sized marine gear.
Best season
Ocean activities are best in summer (June–September), and whale watching runs from winter into spring (February–April). Plan your trip around the ferry's sailing schedule.
Getting there
About 24 hours to Chichijima on the regular ferry Ogasawara Maru from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo, running about once every six days. From Chichijima to Hahajima takes about 2 hours by the ferry Hahajima Maru.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to the Ogasawara Islands?
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It takes about 24 hours to Chichijima on the regular ferry Ogasawara Maru from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo. There are no regular flights. Because sailings run about once every six days, you'll typically plan a trip of several nights or more around the schedule. From Chichijima to Hahajima takes about 2 hours by the ferry Hahajima Maru.
What are some family-friendly ways to spend time in Ogasawara?
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Ocean experiences are the main draw, including dolphin swims, snorkeling where you might meet sea turtles, and whale watching from winter into spring. Tide-pooling at the calm, shallow Kominato Beach and Miyanohama, and stargazing under the night sky, are also popular with families.
Can you visit Ogasawara with a baby or small child?
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Yes, you can, but since the crossing takes about 24 hours each way, you'll need to prepare for seasickness and a long journey. Ocean tours sometimes have age restrictions, so it's a good idea to check with the tour operator or your hotel in advance whether your child can join. Since sailings are limited, it's best to plan a relaxed, generous schedule.
What kinds of places to stay are there in Ogasawara?
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Most places to stay are small-scale, ranging from resort-style villages to homey family-run inns and pensions. Many let you get to know the islanders and are happy to help arrange ocean tours. Since ferry sailings are limited, be sure to book your accommodation early alongside your ferry tickets.