This Sleepy Little Town Is Built Inside An Active Volcano That Once Killed Half The Population

It looks as if volcanoes are waking up all around the globe. From the Philippines’ Kanlaon volcano to the Costa Rican Poas volcano to Guatemala’s Volcano of Hearth, geothermal exercise is making itself recognized throughout the globe. And that is with out contemplating Iceland, the new volcanic capital of the world, and the plentiful eruptions it has skilled of late.

There is a small island in Japan the place the inhabitants stay inside an lively volcano, seemingly unperturbed by the potential hazard. Contemplating the recent increase in seismic behavior in Japan, this may very well be a problem for some, however not for the residents of Aogashima, an lively volcano in Japan.

The Residents Of Aogashima, Japan, Dwell In An Energetic Volcano

Situated on the southernmost level of the Izu Islands of Japan, north of the Philippine Sea, lies the island of Aogashima. It lies 222 miles south of Tokyo and is probably the most distant inhabited island within the Izu island chain. Curiously, the island is on an lively volcano, and round 170 individuals nonetheless name it dwelling.

Regardless of not having had a significant eruption for the reason that late 18th century, the Japanese Meteorological Company has nonetheless categorized the volcanic island as lively. That is considered one of 110 lively volcanoes in Japan, a lot of that are positioned on the tropical Pacific islands to the south of the principle islands of Hokkaido and Honshu.

Most of the island’s inhabitants stay contained in the outer crater wall. That is away from the height of the geothermal exercise and hazard on the central peak, nevertheless it additionally shelters the residents from the excessive winds and rains of the ocean. There’s only one retailer on the island, a few B&Bs, one publish workplace, a free island campsite, and three bars.

The infamous Ring of Hearth volcanoes are positioned within the Pacific Ocean.

Aogashima’s Final Eruption?

Aogashima final erupted in 1785, in probably the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions within the space. Based on the tales, the bottom began to expertise tremors round Might 18. From then on, the height started to smoke and shoot particles across the island. Nonetheless, just some weeks later, on June 4, the 327 residents needed to evacuate the island. Sadly, this was a lot too late, and solely round half survived.

This has lengthy stood within the reminiscence of the island’s inhabitants. Though it was 230 years in the past, a lot of those that fled and survived are ancestors of the present residents, and the hazard is evident. Regardless of this, many residents take the strategy you can’t cease nature, and also you would possibly as nicely benefit from the pure magnificence and relaxed rhythm of the island when you can.

What Can You See & Do In Aogashima, Japan?

As Aogashima is a really distant island within the Pacific, it does not get a ton of tourism. Nonetheless, just a few intrepid adventurers journey out to this lovely island.

Stargaze

Being so distant, Aogashima is a perfect place to stargaze. With low ranges of sunshine air pollution and uninterrupted night time sky views, it is best for seeing constellations and cosmic magic with no telescope. Each Canopus, the second-brightest star within the sky, and the Perseid meteor bathe have been seen from the island.

Go to the Native Distillery

Regardless of the island’s small dimension, there’s nonetheless room for a neighborhood distillery. The Aogashima Brewery, often known as the Aogashima Shuzo, produces Aochu, a candy potato shochu. It is a specialty of the island, is loved domestically, and is a well-liked memento. You may go to, take excursions, and style straight on the brewery.

Hike Mt. Maruyama

Technically talking, the within crater of the second cone of Aogashima known as Mount Maruyama. This lovely excessive level of the island is a must-visit for hikers trying to get pleasure from spectacular views. Strolling across the ridgeline takes round an hour, and there are only a few individuals alongside the way in which.

Benefit from the Geothermal Waters

After all, as it is a volcanic island, Aogashima has loads of geothermal waters. Among the finest locations to go to is the Aogashima Fureai Sauna. This distinctive sauna is fed by volcanic power, retaining it sustainable and heat, fueled by nature. These sizzling springs and saunas are in style, and you may also prepare dinner meals on prime of the sauna vents. The sauna homeowners present pots and pans.

How To Go to Aogashima, Japan

Visiting Aogashima might be difficult, as it is so distant. The one entry level for Aogashima is the bigger neighboring island of Hachijojima. From right here, it is a two-and-a-half-hour boat journey or a 20-minute helicopter journey, however each are topic to climate situations and reservations.

To get to Hachijojima, you possibly can fly straight from Tokyo Haneda Airport. This takes 50 minutes every method, with three return flights every day. The associated fee might be from $70 one-way. Alternatively, you possibly can board the ten-and-a-half-hour in a single day ferry, and costs begin from $140. Nonetheless, it is value noting you can’t take a automotive or pets with you.

So, if you wish to discover an island the place individuals stay in an lively volcano, head to Aogashima in Japan. Attending to this distant island will take some planning, however the magnificence speaks for itself.