Hachijo Jima Island

Hachijo-Jima Island is an uninhabited island located in the Inland Sea of Japan. It is the largest and southernmost island in the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Administratively, it falls within Aichi Prefecture. The island is known for its abundant wildlife, including deer, macaques, wolves, and wild boars. The island also contains a small number of buildings used by researchers affiliated with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, as well as a few residences used by volunteers from the Japanese Red Cross.

History

Hachijo-Jima Island is a volcanic island located in the Seto Inland Sea, near Kobe. The island was first visited by Europeans in 1543 when it was charted as part of the Japanese charts. The island became a possession of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1613 and remained under their control until the Meiji Restoration of 1868.

Hachijo-Jima Island was then administered as part of the Satsuma Domain. In 1876, it became part of the newly created Kansai Prefecture. After World War II, Hachijo-Jima Island came under the control of the United States military, who used it as a bombing range until 1957. After being returned to Japan, it became a part of Kagawa Prefecture in 1964.

Geography

Hachijo-Jima Island is located in the Ogasawara Islands, which are part of the Izu Islands chain in the East China Sea. The island is about 19 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide, with an area of about 1.2 square kilometers. The main town, Hachijo, is located at the south end of the island. There are other small towns and villages scattered around the island. The climate is humid subtropical, with a mean temperature of 24 degrees Celsius in January and a mean temperature of 31 degrees Celsius in July.

Ecosystem

Hachijo-Jima Island is dominated by rainforests. The island also contains a small number of plantations, as well as some natural ecosystems, including wetlands and beaches. There are few terrestrial animals on the island, although it is home to numerous seabirds and marine mammals, including endangered species such as the Pacific black lemur and the Japanese macaque.

Hachijo-jima has many plants that grow there which are used in Traditional Medicine. Some of these plants are Jimson Weed, which is known to cause amnesia; the Grewia orientalis, also called “Dewey Apple” because it has a sweet smell like apples when crushed and the Alstonia scholaris or some similar plant which gives off white Radicals (Chemical that attacks cancer cells).

Population

As of 2010, the population of Hachijo-Jima was 2,299.

Economy

The economy of Hachijo-Jima Island is mostly based on agricultural production, with a smaller portion devoted to fishing. The main crops are rice, sugar cane, and corn. Agricultural production is generally done by small farmers who own their land and engage in subsistence farming. The government has been trying to promote diversification by attempting to increase the production of other crops such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers. In addition to agricultural production, the island also relies heavily on tourism as a major source of income. The island receives around two million visitors annually, most of whom are Japanese citizens.

Climate

The climate of Hachijo-Jima Island is tropical, with a warm and humid climate year-round. The average temperature ranges from 18 degrees Celsius in winter to 33 degrees Celsius in summer. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, usually reaching 100 mm per month in March and April.

Culture and Religion

The culture of Hachijo-Jima is based on traditional Japanese values. The people are known for their etiquette, politeness, and a strong sense of community. There is a large Buddhist population on the island, with many monasteries and temples. The main religion is Shintoism which plays an important role in social life and daily rituals.

Languages

The predominant language on Hachijo-Jima is Japanese. However, there are also a number of native dialects spoken on the island.

Education

The education system on Hachijo-Jima Island is based on the Japanese educational system. The school calendar runs from April to March, with a two-week summer break in July. The school year consists of three terms, with a two-week winter break in December. There are six months in a year.

As for tuition, it ranges from ¥11,000 to ¥21,000 per term, with an average of ¥15,000. Homework is not assigned and is instead left up to the student. The school does not offer any financial aid.

Politics

The political landscape of Hachijo-Jima Island is dominated by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The largest opposition party is the Democratic Party of Japan. There are also a number of small, independent parties present on the island.

Government Services

The government services on Hachijo-Jima Island are largely based in the capital, Hakodate. There is a post office, police station, and other basic services available. Additionally, there are several clinics and hospitals located throughout the island.

Tourism

Hachijo-Jima Island is popular for its natural wonders, including stunning coral reefs and abundant wildlife. A number of attractions are available on the island, including museums, botanical gardens, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tourist spots can be found all across Hakodate and other major settlements on the island.

Hotels and Resorts List

Here is a list of hotels and resorts on Hachijo-Jima Island:

1. Hachijo-Jima Island Hotel- This hotel is located on the west coast of the island and has a variety of facilities, including an outdoor pool, a spa, and a casino.
2. Hotel Sunroute – This hotel is located on the southernmost tip of the island and features a number of modern amenities, such as an outdoor pool and a gym.
3. Hotel Hachijo – This is the largest hotel on the island and offers a wide range of facilities, including an outdoor pool, a spa, and a casino.
4. The Izu Port Resort – This resort is located on the east coast of the island and features a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a casino.

Attractions

Hachijo-Jima Island is home to a number of attractions, including the following:

1. Hachijō Entrance Station – This station is located in Hakodate and features a number of attractions, such as an amusement park and a zoo.
2. Ōmachiya – This temple is built on top of Mount Inasa and offers stunning views across the island.
3. Tanabe Gaku en – This school is located in the town of Ōmachi and offers a range of activities, including hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.
4. Hakodatearium – This aquarium is located in Hakodate and features a variety of exhibits, such as a coral reef section.

Activities

There are a number of activities that can be enjoyed on Hachijō-Jima Island, including the following:

1. Kayaking – This is an excellent way to explore the various waterways and coves that dot the island.
2. Cycling – This is another great way to get around the island and see all of its scenic spots.
3. Hiking – The trails that run throughout Hakodate are perfect for exploring and are a great way to get some exercise.
4. Rock Climbing – If you’re feeling adventurous, try climbing some of the impressive rocks that dot the island.

Transport

Hachijo-Jima Island is well connected by road and rail, making it easy to get to wherever you want on the island. There are several transport options available, including:

1. The Hakodate Bus Terminal – This terminal is located in the city of Hakodate and offers a number of services, such as buses to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.
2. JR Hokkaido – This railway company operates a number of trains that make it easy to get to and from the island.
3. ferry services – There are a number of ferries that travel between Hachijō-Jima Island and other islands in the area, such as Ōsumi-Shima and Yakushima.

Cuisine

There are a number of excellent restaurants that offer both Japanese and international cuisine, making it easy to find something to your taste. Some notable places to try include:

1. Yakuza – This popular restaurant is known for its steak dishes and offers an impressive view of the Hakodate harbor from its premises.
2. Kiyomizu – This traditional Japanese restaurant serves delicious sushi options such as tuna tataki and avocado nigiri.
3. Udon Noodle Bar – This busy establishment offers delicious udon noodles and other Japanese dishes at very reasonable prices.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our blog post on the conclusion of Hachijo-Jima Island. As you can see, this is an interesting place with a lot of history and interesting attractions. We hope that this has provided you with some useful information that will help you make a better decision when it comes to visiting this location. Thanks again for reading!

FAQs

1. When Is the Best Time to Visit Hachijo-jima Island?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people have different preferences for when they want to go on holiday. However, we would recommend visiting during winter when the island is covered in snow and ice. Alternatively, try visiting in spring or autumn when there are more flowers and foliage present.

2. Is There Any Accommodation Available on Hachijo-jima Island?

Yes, there are a number of hotels and hostels that offer reasonably priced rooms. Keep in mind, however, that the island is relatively small so you may have to stay in one area for an extended period of time if you want to explore it all.

3. Is the Food on Hachijo-jima Island Good?

Yes, the food is generally excellent and there are a variety of options to choose from. Make sure to try some of the local dishes such as udon noodles or sushi rolls!