And we all move on...
It has been a while since I have posted on my blog, I got married, went to my honey moon and later on my camera broke. I am saying good bye to this blog because I am moving to a new place in Japan called Beppu.
WHAT TO DO IN OGASAWARA (CHICHIJIMA ISLAND)
If you are someone interested in coming to visit the beautiful islands of Ogasawara, I do sincerely recommend you to hop on that 25 hour boat ride and see its beauty with your own eyes. Now, I am going to be completely honest with my recommendations, I will be as objective as possible.
First of all, do not come during winter time, it is mostly cloudy and when the clouds cover the ocean everything is grey, VERY GREY. It is not that cold but the ocean temperatures are not pleasant. If you are looking to spend some time on your own to relax on a white sand beach with most likely no tourists around, come late June and early July! That is the most spectacular month, the sky stays blue, the ocean water is nice, there are not many tourists and the local islanders are buzzing with summer vibes. If you want to have a taste of what the island is when in peak time, come in August. The summer festival offers a variety of events, cultural, environmental and fun.
Places to stay: My number one place to stay if you have a bit of cash to splash and are looking for a retreat vibe with a more quaint environment go to TETSUYA. This place offers the best food in the island, local and healthy. It has an elegant air to its design and the rooms a very spacious. It has an outdoor bathtub that you cannot miss! If you walk for 5 minutes you arrive to one of the most isolated beaches in the island and it is also one of the most gorgeous beaches to be seen.
If you are looking for a more down to earth, environmentally friendly place, stay at PELAN PELAN. My landlord owns the place and he is a very active and environmentally conscious person. The vibe is completely different here. It has solar showers, you cook a meal and share it with everybody at night, you poo in a bucket... etc. You will definitely get to feel the local island's slow life and friendliness.
Both of these places are located 15 minutes away from town... a place that you don't really need to be at unless your purpose is to drink every night at the IZAKAYAs and buy souvenirs. Now, a bad thing about the island and also a good thing is that buses only run once an hour.
A great thing to do is rent a scooter for a day! Go around the island, up to the mountains to see 360 degree views of green island and blue ocean. There are also some beaches you cannot reach by bus so take advantage of the scooter and go to beaches such as Miyano-hama where you can snorkle or to a private small white sand beach called Copepe.
What to see: Take some snorkeling gear or goggles and swim. You really don't need to go scuba diving to see an amazing variety of colorful and interesting fishes. The best place to snorkel is Tsuri-hama, one thing to take into consideration are the tides. If the tide is low then it is a bit dangerous to swim into the ocean since the corals pop out. You will see another world!!
What not to miss: Sunsets! Every day the skies turn into magical canvases only to be seen on heaven. A camera will never take the image as it is, only the raw eyes can see it. Take a beer or wine and sit with a friend at a beach. Sakaiura beach or Kominato beach, depending on the month.
Where to go: A lot of the mountain paths require of a guide. But some of the most amazing paths don't. Pack a lunch, trekking shoes and go to John Beach. It is a 2 hour walk each way through several mountains (that in the summer heat turn into challenging mountains), but the goal is very rewarding. If you are a bit adventurous check for the current movements and go to Jinny beach. This beach can only be reached by boat, kayak or swimming. The currents from one beach to the other can be very strong sometimes so make sure you are swimming along with them. As soon as you arrive you will see one of the whitest beaches ever to be seen. Your eyes will hurt from the reflection.
What to drink: Don't miss on USK coffee. Located on your way to Kominato beach, the owner grows and makes the most flavorful coffee of the island. Sit at the deck overlooking at the nature, chickens and majestic mountains. Swing on the hammocks and read some of his great magazine collection.
What to eat: Tofu, a local islander makes great tofu and sells it from his car. Take it home and eat it fresh.
Ogasawara does not have much history and the food does not reflect it either.
Since the boat only comes once a week I recommend you stay until the next boat leaves and enjoy a long mellow time. Once you step into this island time is really slow and you will feel how you slowly notice the small things around you, like the birds, the trees, the stars etc.
I hope you have a lovely stay.
