Aogashima, a small Japanese island 320 km from Tokyo, is home to a village of 170 inhabitants who live inside the crater of an active volcano, surrounded by cliffs and hot springs.
Located about 320 kilometers south of Tokyo, Aogashima is one of the most curious islands on the planet. Belonging to Japan, the small territory is home to a village with approximately 170 inhabitants who live inside the crater of an active volcano.
The scenery is breathtaking. Surrounded by cliffs, the island rises above the Pacific Ocean and holds the Ikenosawa volcano, 1,5 kilometers in diameter, at its center.
Aogashima is located 358 kilometers from the Japanese capital and combines lush landscapes with a daily life marked by direct contact with nature and its risks.
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A history marked by eruptions.
According to historical records, the Ikenosawa volcano has already caused major tragedies. According to the Clarín website, the first eruption occurred in 1781 and the second in 1785, when the population was around 300 people.
These events left dozens dead and forced the complete evacuation of the island. However, five years later, about 100 residents decided to return and rebuild the community inside the crater.
History shows the resilience of those who live there. Even with the risk of new volcanic activity, the inhabitants remain, generation after generation, in one of the most isolated and fascinating places in Japan.
Difficult and controlled access
Getting to Aogashima is no easy task. The geographical isolation and rugged terrain make the journey a challenge. There are two main ways to access it: by boat or helicopter.
Those opting for air travel depart from Hachijojima Island, located 64 kilometers away. The service is operated by the “Tokyo Island Shuttle,” which makes only one trip per day, with a maximum capacity of nine passengers.
The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs over US$100.
Another option is the ferry “Aogashira Maru”, which makes between four and five trips a week. The journey takes longer, but it is also cheaper.
However, sea conditions do not always allow for anchoring, because the island’s coastline is surrounded by volcanic rocks.
A daily life between fire and sea.
Despite the risks, living inside a volcano offers surprising advantages. The hot springs, active year-round, provide natural heat and energy.
Locals even use the ground vapors for cooking: a local tradition is to fry eggs directly on the crater’s rim.
Furthermore, geothermal heat drives the production of artisanal salt made with seawater rich in minerals and calcium.
This delicacy is considered one of the main sources of income for the community, along with tourism.
The island has basic infrastructure including paved roads, a school, post office, bars, restaurants, saunas, and camping areas.
Tourism and natural phenomena on the island
Tourism is one of the main economic activities in the region. August is the busiest month because it coincides with the Japanese summer and the peak of the meteor showers, which can be observed at an observatory located at the top of the island.
Due to its unique geography and history marked by resistance, Aogashima is today a destination that blends adventure, isolation, and beauty. A place where life literally pulsates over fire.
Based on information from Metroworldnews.
AloJapan.com