Hachijō jima

Geology

Hachijō-jima is a compound volcanic island 14.5 kilometres (9.0 miles) in length with a maximum width of 8 kilometres (5.0 miles). The island is formed from two stratovolcanoes. Higashi-yama (東山), also called Mihara-yama (三原山), has a height of 701 metres (2,300 ft), and was active from 100,000 BC to around 1700 BC, has eroded flanks and retains a distinctive caldera. Nishi-yama (西山), also called Hachijō-fuji (八丈富士)) is the highest point on the island and is the tallest peak of the entire Izu island chain, with a height of 854 metres (2,802 ft). The summit is occupied by a shallow caldera with a diameter of 400 metres (1,300 feet) and a depth of around 50 metres (160 feet). It is rated as a Class-C active volcano by the Japan Meteorological Agency with eruptions recorded in recent history in 1487, 1518, 1522–1523, 1605 and 1606. In between these two peaks are over 20 flank volcanoes and pyroclastic cones.

History

Hachijō-jima has been inhabited since at least the Jōmon period, and archaeologists have found magatama and other remains. Under the Ritsuryō system of the early Nara period, the island was part of Suruga Province. It was transferred to Izu Province when Izu separated from Suruga in 680. During the Heian period, Minamoto no Tametomo was banished to Izu Ōshima after a failed rebellion, but per a semi-legendary story, escaped to Hachijō-jima, where he attempted to establish an independent kingdom. Muromachi period documents indicate that the Kantō kubō appointed a daikan (代官) to govern Hachijō-jima on his behalf.

During the Edo period, the island became known as a place of exile for convicts, most notably Ukita Hideie, a daimyo who was defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara, but also for common criminals, especially repeat offenders and murderers. Its use as a prison island ended with the Meiji Restoration. During the Pacific War, the island was regarded as a strategic point in the defense of the ocean approaches to Tokyo, and in the final stages of the war, a base of operations for the Kaiten suicide submarines was founded on the southern coast. Following the end of World War II through the 1960s, the government made attempts to promote Hachijōjima as the "Hawaii of Japan" to encourage tourist development, and tourism remains a large component of the island's economy to date.

Climate

Hachijō-jima has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with very warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year, but is somewhat lower in winter.

Transportation

Hachijō-jima is accessible both by aircraft and by ferry. A pedestrian ferry leaves Tōkyō once every day at 10:30 p.m., and arrives at Hachijōjima at 8:50 a.m. the following day. Air travel to Hachijojima Airport takes 45 minutes from Tōkyō International Airport (Haneda).

Accommodation

Accommodation on Hachijō-jima is plentiful. There are many Japanese-style inns, hot spring resorts and several larger hotels. There is also a free campsite that is open year-round; reservations are not required. The campsite has numerous BBQ pits, cold showers and full cooking facilities.

Activities

Hachijō-jima is popular with surfers, with three reef breaks and consistently warmer water than mainland Japan because of the warm water Kuroshio Current. Due to the fact Hachijō-jima is a volcanic island there are a few black sandy beaches. The main one is next to the main harbour of Sokodo. There are various skin diving/snorkeling points. Hachijō-jima's scuba diving points are many and varied. Nazumado is the best known, and is considered to be one of the top ten dive points in Japan. Sea turtles are common and underwater lava bridges are typical features for a volcanic island. Hachijōjima is also known for its hiking, waterfalls, and natural beauty. Other activities for visitors include visiting the botanical gardens, exploring wartime tunnels and hiking to the top of Hachijō-fuji.

Between the months of May to September seven varieties of bioluminescent mushrooms can be seen. Rainy season is the best time for viewing them.

Kihachijō silk cloth is woven on the island, and one of the workshops is open to tourists. There is also a free geothermal power museum.

Sport fishing could be a rewarding experience since there are many different locations allowing people to catch fish.

Since November 2015, humpback whales gather around the island, far north from the known breeding areas in the Bonin Islands. All breeding activities except for giving births have been confirmed, and ongoing researches by the town of Hachijo-jima and the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology to detect whether or not Hachijo-jima will eventually become the northernmost breeding ground in the world, and possible expectations for opening a future tourism attraction.

Food

Hachijō-jima is famous for its sushi and kusaya. Local cuisine also makes use of the ashitaba plant in dishes such as ashitaba soba and tempura.

Language

The Hachijō language is the most divergent form of the Japanese; it is the only surviving descendant of Eastern Old Japanese. The number of speakers is not certain, and it is on the list of endangered languages.

Education

The town operates its public elementary and junior high schools.

Tōkyō Metropolitan Government Board of Education operates Hachijō High School.