When people think of Tokyo, they rarely picture a remote, isolated volcanic island rising dramatically from the Philippine Sea. Located 358 kilometers south of the city mainland, Aogashima is technically part of Tokyo Metropolis but feels like a different planet. The island is defined by its breathtaking topography: a massive double caldera, meaning there is a smaller volcanic cone nestled within the larger outer crater walls. Reaching Aogashima is an adventure in itself, requiring a flight or ferry from Tokyo to Hachijojima, followed by a heavily weather-dependent helicopter or boat ride. Those who make the journey are rewarded with profound isolation. Visitors can hike the inner Maruyama crater, cook sweet potatoes and eggs over natural geothermal steam vents, and unwind in a sauna powered by the volcano’s heat. With a population of under 200 people and virtually no light pollution, the island also offers some of the most spectacular, uninterrupted stargazing in Japan.
