OGASAWARA ARCHIPELAGOBy: Leiya SalisFebruary 19th, 2013

What is the Ogasawara Archipelago?

The Ogasawara Archipelago is a group of small islands located 1000km south of Tokyo, on the Pacific Ocean.

It was discovered in 1593 by one of the lieges of the royal families of Japan.

It was recently registered (2011) as a World Heritage Site due to its unique landform and natural evolution.

Map of Ogasawara

Attractions at the sea and coast

Whale-watching and dolphin swimming Snorkeling is also very popular, especially in the

Minamizaki Beach. White sand beaches like Kopepe Beach,

Minamijima Beach and Sakaiura Beach.

Minamijima Beach, south of Chichijima Island.

Kopepe Beach

Minamizaki Coral

Attractions on land One can go to the battle grounds form World War

II in Chichijima, specifically, Sakaiura Beach. Trekking is very popular too, especially in Mount

Kofuji, located in Hahajima and Mount Chuo in Chichijima.

Night tours are also very popular. There are a lot of organisms which cannot be

found on any other place in the world. (eg. the Bonin White Eyes, the Meguro, the Bonin Flying Fox etc.)

Mount Chuo Observatory

Negative Impacts of Tourism in Ogasawara Archipelago

Overfishing is a major problem in Ogasawara due to the popularity of sushi and other Japanese fish dishes with both foreign and local tourists.

Many footpaths in Mount Chuo have been eroded due to the ever increasing number of tourists.

The sea turtle population is diminishing since it is a major source of income for the locals.

Positive Impacts of Tourism in the Ogasawara Archipelago

All natural habitats are protected by UNESCO and the Japanese government. Logging and felling of trees, destruction of plants for souvenirs and camping is illegal.

Tourism has actually saved some animal species. Recently a the Bonin pigeon conservation programme was enacted, to protect these endangered birds.

Due to the Ogasawara Management Committee, the number of people allowed to come to the Archipelago was controlled. This has decreased the number of damaged footpaths and littered beaches. One cannot stay in Ogasawara for more

than 4 days.

More Positive Impacts About 10 years ago, a new law was made in

Ogasawara; no foreign seeds, plant embryo or animal is allowed in the island. This is to protect the natural balance of the fragile ecosystem in Ogasawara.

All forests and mountains are off-limits to tourists if they have no tour guide. This is so that the plants and animals can be protected from them.

Animals which were known to be endangered before the tourism boom in Ogasawara are now tracked and conserved by the authorities. This is to sustain the tourism industry for the future.

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