Hachijojima: 5 Hidden Gems Where History Meets Breathtaking Scenery! A Traveler’s Essential Guide
Hachijojima, a tropical resort blessed by the Kuroshio Current, is about a 55-minute flight from Tokyo. It’s a charming island deeply rooted not only in dynamic natural landscapes but also in ancient exile culture and unique history.
It would be a waste to simply enjoy the beautiful ocean and leave! This time, we’ve carefully selected ‘deep tourist spots’ that will leave a strong impression on visitors, from short-term travelers to long-term residents who want to truly soak in the island’s atmosphere. We bring you the authentic passion of the island, including historical romance hidden behind the spectacular views and exquisite local gourmet foods you absolutely must taste.
Nago Observatory
📍 Address: Japan, 〒100-1622 Tokyo, Hachijo, Sueyoshi, 2767−1
Located in the Sueyoshi area on the southeastern part of Hachijojima, ‘Nago Observatory’ is one of the island’s premier scenic spots, situated atop a cliff approximately 180m high. Below, you can see the fishing port with Doro Onsen and Shioma Coast spreading out, enjoying a panorama of rugged sea cliffs unique to a volcanic island, intertwined with the wild waves of the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, you might even glimpse the silhouette of Aogashima far on the horizon.
Historically counted as one of the ‘Eight Views of Hachijo’ as ‘Nago Akizuki,’ and famous for moon viewing, the highlight of this place is not just its natural beauty. Walking around the parking lot, you’ll quietly come across the memorial monument for the ’16th Shinyo Special Attack Unit.’
‘Shinyo’ refers to plywood special attack motorboats developed during the late Pacific War. The inscription on the monument was penned by the late politician Shintaro Abe. In fact, Abe himself was once assigned to a naval special attack unit and survived the war just before his deployment. It’s a deeply profound spot where you can not only admire the scenery but also reflect on the heavy history the island bore during wartime and the convictions of the people who endured that turbulent era.
Hachijo Hattori Residence
📍 Address: Japan, 〒100-1621 Tokyo, Hachijo-jima, Hachijo-machi, Kashidate, 2010
This is the former site of the Hattori family residence, who served as ‘Ofune Azukari-yaku’ (keepers of official ships) transporting ‘Ki-Hachijo,’ a high-grade silk textile presented to the Shogunate during the Edo period. Now maintained as a tourist facility, the magnificent 700-year-old sago palm and the stone walls evoke both exotic charm and a sense of historical gravitas.
What travelers absolutely must experience here is the ‘Kashitate Dance’ and ‘Hachijo Taiko’ (Hachijo Drums), designated as a Tokyo Metropolitan Intangible Folk Cultural Property, performed almost daily from 10 AM, weekdays and holidays alike. The performers are not professional troupe members, but local islanders who have their own jobs. They gather for the stage and return to their respective work afterward, making it a traditional art deeply connected to the ‘real lives of the island people.’ At the end, spectators can even join the stage and dance along in an interactive program, filling the venue with unique energy.
And after enjoying the performance, ‘fresh passion fruit juice’ is indispensable. Its overwhelming richness and fresh tartness are irresistible, far superior to the diluted fruit juices sold in supermarkets. Furthermore, the recommended style for savvy travelers and locals is to mix this juice with ‘Shima Shochu’ (island liquor), which can be sampled for a small additional fee. Enjoy the ultimate local experience while browsing Ki-Hachijo small souvenirs available at reasonable prices.
Yaene Ruins
📍 Address: Japan, 〒100-1401 Tokyo, Hachijo, Ogago, 542−16
The Yaene Ruins are historical remnants located around the current Yaene Fishing Port. Archaeological excavations have revealed traces from the Kofun period to the Nara and Heian periods, indicating that people boiled bonito and other fish using earthenware, manufacturing dried fish and katsuobushi (hardened bonito). The livelihoods of islanders who dedicated ‘treasures from the sea’ to the capital since ancient times existed here.
Although it is now a well-developed port facility with no apparent ‘ruin’ structures at first glance, the greatest advantage of visiting here is its ‘calmness and clarity of the sea.’ Even when the main entrance to the island, Sokodo Port, is rough due to easterly winds, Yaene, located on the island’s leeward side, often remains calm, making it an excellent escape point for snorkeling and sea activities.
Peering into the transparent ‘Hachijo Blue’ sea, you can observe colorful fish and crustaceans swimming even from the pier. At night, it’s also known as a mecca for night diving. Around the area, you can also spot local cats leisurely gathering, making it a soothing space where ancient historical romance and the current peaceful island time intersect.
Nagatomo Road
📍 Address: Japan, 〒100-1511 Tokyo, Hachijo, Mine
Along Tokyo Metropolitan Road 215, which circles Hachijojima, near Lead Park Resort Hachijojima and Yuyu Ranch, quietly exists a steep slope about 250m long. This is the legendary spot, commonly known as ‘Nagatomo Road,’ where Yuto Nagatomo, one of Japan’s leading professional soccer players, underwent intense self-training during the off-season from around 2008 when he joined FC Tokyo.
Nagatomo repeatedly used this grueling hill for 10 consecutive sprints, building incredible stamina and powerful lower body strength necessary to compete on the world stage. Along the road, a monument with his autograph and the famous quote ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’ (意思あるところに道あり) is enshrined.
Traffic is light, and it’s a quiet place, but if you actually get out of your car and try running it, the gradient is so brutal that ordinary people’s thighs scream after just one round trip, leaving them breathless. However, the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean that greets you when you look back from the top of the slope is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s a power spot where you can feel strong energy, imagining how numerous athletes pushed past their limits while gazing at this scenery.
Ubai Homei Shrine
📍 Address: Japan, 〒100-1401 Tokyo, Hachijo, Ogago, Hachijojima, Hachijo-machi, Ogago, 660−1
Ubai Homei Shrine, the general guardian shrine of Hachijojima, is a venerable old temple with over 1000 years of history, its name recorded in the ‘Engishiki Jinmyocho’ of 927. It enshrines Ubai-hime, the consort of Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto (Mishima-Okami), who appears in the Izumo myth of transferring the land, and her son Kohoumaru.
In the tranquil space slightly inland from the main road, beautiful ‘tamagaki’ (stone walls made of natural river stones) unique to Hachijojima and a cluster of giant sago palms symbolizing the tropical nature of the island create a distinct sacred atmosphere entirely different from shrines on the mainland. The contrast of the main hall, built with red basalt, is also magnificent.
And for history-loving travelers, two ‘Christian lanterns’ quietly standing in the inner precincts beside the main hall are a must-see. These were not made out of Christian faith but were crafted by Senjiro, a stonemason who was exiled to Hachijojima in the late Edo period. Their modern, rounded, and artistic form conveys the resilience and pathos of a nameless craftsman who lived on the island, utilizing his skills even after being exiled as a criminal. It is a deeply Hachijojima-esque shrine, where mythology and the culture of exiles beautifully merge.
Summary: Embark on a Journey to Touch Hachijojima’s History and Passion
Hachijojima’s tourist attractions cannot be fully described by merely ‘beautiful scenery.’ The memories of war remaining at Nago Observatory, the vibrant island culture at Hachijo Hattori Residence, the ancient livelihoods told by the Yaene Ruins, the sweat of athletes etched into Nagatomo Road, and the aesthetic sense of exiles alive at Ubai Homei Shrine—knowing these will make your island trip richer, more profound, and truly unforgettable.
Since spots on the island are spread out, renting a car is overwhelmingly recommended for efficient touring. Also, Hachijojima is often windy and the weather can change quickly, so the trick to a successful trip is to flexibly re-plan: enjoy indoor programs like the Hattori Residence on rainy days, or head to the calm Yaene Fishing Port if the sea is rough. Be sure to dive deep into Hachijojima’s profound charm with exquisite passion fruit juice or island shochu in hand.
