Overview:

Ogasawara Islands (小笠原諸島, Ogasawara-shotō) is an archipelago of over 30 subtropical and tropical islands, some 1 000 kilometers south of Tokyo, Japan. Administratively, they form Ogasawara Village of Ogasawara Subprefecture, Tokyo Metropolis. The UNESCO added the islands to its World Heritage Site list as the Ogasawara Islands in 2011, citing their tropical climate and intact natural environment, where some flora and fauna exist that are increasingly rare in Japan. The islands are also known as the Bonin Islands (相馬烏島, Bonin-tō, lit. "O-bonin Islands"), named after a pre-modern Japanese governor of the region. They are sometimes supported by alternative English spellings such as "Bolin" or "Bonin Islands", which, however, are not the official name. The archipelago consists of three groups, all within the Philippine Sea: * The Mobilian Islands ( 物吉諸島, Mokichijima-shoto) * The Minami-tori-shima ( 南鳥島, Minamitorishima-shō) * The Chichijima Group ( 父島群, Chichijima-guntō). It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Japan
Prominent Features:

1. Volcanic Origin: Ogasawara Islands are made up of 30 islands and islets located in Ogasawara archipelago of Tokyo. These volcanic islands are spread from 900 kilometres South of Tokyo to the Pacific Ocean. 2. Isolation: The island are so isolated from the mainland countries and far away that it has been given a UNESCO World Natural Heritage accolade. 3. Maritime Climate: Ogasrawara Islands have a very unique climatic atmosphere; the area is characterized by a warm marginal sea, low humidity and insufficient precipitation. Strong wind, high waves and sunny conditions on the ocean-facing side of the archipelago create an exceptionally beautiful landscape. 4. Endemic Species: Ogasawara Islands are the home of many endemic species such as bluefin tuna, red-footed booby and the Bonin White-eye. The islands are also known for providing habitats for many indigenous species of plants and fishes. 5. Rich Marine Life:The waters around Ogasawara Islands are rich with manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins and other marine life. The picturesque coral reefs and vibrant marine environment surrounding the islands provide an ideal habitat for many endangered species. 6. Limestone Formations: The limestone formations of Ogasawara Islands date back over six million years. These formations take the form of stunningly beautiful eroded rock formations both above and below water. 7. Island Hopping: Ogasawara Islands are an ideal spot for travelers looking for complete isolation and who would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life. The islands of Chichijima and Hahajima can be explored through ferry services and bicycle rentals. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Japan.

History:

The Ogasawara Islands are an archipelago of over 30 volcanic islands located approximately 1,000 km south of the main island of Japan. Ogasawara has been occupied since prehistoric times. Its first known inhabitants, the Ogasawara people, were a race of Jomon people who are thought to have arrived around 2000 BC. Around 13th or 14th century, the islands were conquered by the Kamakura Shogunate who used the islands as a base of operations. It was also a place of exile for disgraced samurai, criminals and political dissidents. In 1590, the islands were taken by the Tokugawa Shogunate, who used it as a base of operations for controlling the southern seas and trading with the Ryuku Islands. In 1825, the islands were visited by the first European explorer, Frederick William Beechey, who named them the Bonin Islands. From 1853, the area was incorporated into the United States of America and served as an American Colony. The islands were returned to Japan following the Treaty of San Francisco in 1931, and remain under Japanese jurisdiction. Today, the Ogasawara Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. There is a Japanese National Park on the archipelago, boasting large populations of rare and endemic plant and animal life, as well as stunning mountains and sea views. Visit one of the famous monuments of Japan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Ogasawara Islands, known as the Bonin Islands, are a chain of more than 30 islands located in the northwest Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km (620 mi) south of Tokyo, Japan. 2. The islands have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 because of their significant biological and ecological importance. 3. The islands are home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 4. Fishing has been an important part of the local economy for centuries, and the islands are a popular destination for scuba diving and whale watching. 5. The islands were first inhabited in the 1830s by a group of Japanese settlers and the population has remained fairly stable at around 2,500 residents. 6. The isolated geography of the islands also makes them an important listening post for government agencies, as all communication from around the world passes through the area. 7. Ogasawara Islands are commonly called “Japan’s Galapagos” due to their high number of endemic species. One of the historical monuments of Japan, it tells the story of a bygone era