Aogashima: The Sleepy Japanese Town Built in an Active Volcano

230 years ago the last eruption killed half of the population. But the inhabitants of Aogashima won’t let the volcano dictate their future.

1785 was a year the residents of Aogashima, an island about 200 miles due south of Tokyo in the Philippine Sea, will never forget. On May 18, the ground began to shake, and the island’s volcano started to emit giant plumes of gas and smoke, shooting rocks, mud and other debris into the sky. By June 4, the island’s 327 residents had no choice but to evacuate, but only about half succeeded and the rest perished.

Aogashima is known for having a volcanic caldera within a larger caldera, which makes the island’s unique shape resemble a tropical scene from the set of Jurassic Park or Lost. The volcano, which basically makes up the entire island, is still registered as active by the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the governmental agency responsible for monitoring the nation’s 110 active volcanoes.

The 170 locals who live on the island today are aware that there’s always the chance that history could repeat itself, but they are willing to take the risk. Instead of pondering about the possibilities, they focus on the benefits of living in this lush paradise.

Much of the village is located inside the outer crater wall. There are several roads, with the majority zigzagging throughout the island’s center, but apart from that, Aogashima stands in stark contrast to the vibrant city lights and bustling atmosphere of Tokyo, which it is officially part of. You can reach the metropolis by a ferry that makes a 200-mile journey across the sea, or by helicopter.

However, the crush they feel being just a speck amongst Tokyo’s some 13.4 million residents, is often enough for islanders to crave the solitude they experience back home on their island.

Many residents enjoy fishing, given the island’s central location in the Philippine Sea. Additionally, hiking, camping, and swimming are favored activities, even though the steep, rocky cliffs around the island can pose challenges for accessing the water, except within the harbor area.

The village has a school, a post office, a store, and three bars. Beside fishing, the islanders are mostly engaged in agriculture and tourism. The island has a few small bed and breakfasts and a free campsite for visitors.

“We’re also blessed with hot springs and geothermal energy because of the volcano,” Masanubu Yoshida, a government worker who has lived on the island for the past 15 years, told Smithsonian.

The local Aogashima Fureai Sauna has showers and a communal bath, as well as some vents where visitors can cook eggs and sweet potatoes using steam from the ground.

The island is also a paradise for stargazers, as it has very little light pollution and a clear sky. On a good night, one can see the Milky Way, Canopus, and even meteor showers.

A prime spot for breathtaking views is the Oyama Observation Park. Here, you can take in the stunning double caldera, with Mt. Maruyama situated in its midst, along with the island’s highest peak, Otonbu. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the distant Hachijojima island.

Aogashima is not for everyone, as it is remote, rugged, and prone to volcanic activity. However, for those who seek adventure and tranquility, it is a hidden gem that offers a rare opportunity to experience life inside an active volcano.

Every new day is another one in paradise for islanders – at least for now.

Sources: 1, 2, 3