Hachijojima is well-known for being part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, having an average high temperature that allows support for a variety of wildlife such as birds, mammals and other plants. This volcanic Japanese island has only one municipality, namely Hachijo with the total population of 7,522 people as of 2018. With the multitude of Japanese inns, hot spring resorts and hotels, Hachijojima is a popular spot for visitors coming over to surf, dive and even hike. Hachijojima also has a unique take on culinary with multiple variations of typical Japanese dishes such as shimazushi which is a sushi that is prepared differently by dipping the sliced fish in soy sauce or infusing with green chili peppers, as well as the prominent use of ashitaba which is planted locally. It is only about 287 kilometers away south of Tokyo's Special Wards and is accessible within one hour of flight from Haneda Airport. The island has been inhabited as early as the Jomon period and has been used as a banishment place for convicts and defense strategic point throughout its establishment.

Airports in Hachijojima

1. Hachijojima Airport

Hachijojima Airport is yet another main airport in the southern Izu Islands of Japan that serve the city of Hachijojima and nearby areas in general, being operated by Toyoko Municipal Government. It is located only 4.3 kilometers away from the city, formally established as an airfield in 1926 by the Imperial Japanese Navy. It is only by 1954 that control was ceded from the military to the public and private flights would take off from the airport. At an elevation of 92 meters, its runway is of 2,000 meters long and is made of asphalt. As of 2015, the airport would cater to about 180,000 passengers annually with 3,872 aircraft movements. While supporting local flights such as to and from Tokyo, there are connecting flights from Manila that is being handled here.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Hachijojima?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travelers to find the cheapest flights to Hachijojima. All you need to do is to key in the information in the search box and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Don’t hesitate to use Traveloka’s price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Hachijojima.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Hachijojima?

The off-peak season is during December due to the early start of winter which is very cold than usual. If you do not mind cooler weather, accommodation prices can be lower around this time but do not expect it to go down too much. Peak season in Hachijojima is during January, March and April because of the much better weather and decent temperature which is the peak time for people to go out. The best time to visit Hachijojima is certainly around spring to summer from April to July, which also happens to be the time when the cherry blossom would go on a full bloom on other parts of Japan, so you can go to view sakura blossoms before coming over to the island.

Hachijojima has a humid subtropical climate which implies hot, humid summers and generally cool winters. Just like the rest of Japan, Hachijojima too experiences seasonal lag, with the hottest month being August and the coldest month being January as well as much rarer and sporadic winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year with an average of 3,073.4 millimeters, but they are slightly lower during the winter season. Average humidity throughout the year is around 60 to 90 percent with a minimum of 90 hours of monthly sunshine.

When in Hachijojima, there is one large festival that is held annually which is certainly worth coming over if you are going to Hachijojima, which is the Freesia Festival. Happens from late March to early April, this is the period when the freesia flowers will bloom in line with the sakura blossoms, which is undoubtedly a sight to behold. While enjoying the view of the flowers, can anticipate to join the outdoor tea ceremony or even go to the market to buy some freesias for your own keep.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Hachijojima?

Being a popular tropical destination among the locals and foreigners alike, Hachijoima does have its own attractions that can be interesting to check out.

1. Nishiyama - Also known as Hachijo-fuji due to the similar cone shape as the legendary Mount Fuji, this composite volcano is among the highest of its kind in the Izu Islands. A popular activity here is certainly to hike, with a total time of one hour and 15 minutes needed to reach the top. The peak has a 500-meter hole which is the mount of the volcano.

2. Hachijo Botanical Park - Given the unique environmental setup of the island, the Hachijo Botanical Park takes the factor as its advantage to provide almost 100 species of different flora over its 22 hectares of space including hibiscus and bougainvillea. The pathways are covered with red volcanic gravel, and there are an athletic playground, greenhouses and visitor center.

3. Sodoko Beach Resort - Sodoko Beach Resort comprises of a beach which is the largest on the island and a tourist magnet, as well as the resort which is known for providing activities such as diving and snorkeling, which is undoubtedly worth it due to clear waters and vibrant coral reefs and fish.