Minamijima
A must see when visiting Bonin Islands.
Unique geological karst landscapes combined with pristine blue waters.
MINAMIJIMA (South Island)
The island is spectacular owing to both its fantastic geography and surrounding blue ocean. The white sand on the bottom of the shallow sea around the islands enhances the surrounding waters deep blue colour. In March 2008 Minamjima was designated as a national natural monument under the name of “Submerged Karst Landform of Ogasawara Minamijima” and was selected as one of the New Tokyo 100 Views.
A great many seabirds have made their home on these islands, and it is often possible to spot Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster), Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus), Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica) and of course the Bonin Petrel (Pterodroma hypoleuca), to name a few.
ACCESS TO MINAMIJIMA
Access to the island is controlled to allow nature to recover.
The island was once covered in trees and lush vegetation but deteriorated due to goat grazing and tourism that allowed free movement on the island.
Presently up to 100 people per day can visit the island, and only in the company of a certified guide.
A maximum of 15 people per guide can go, and there are strict rules to stay only on the walking paths and not touch the fossils on the island. If you visit the island, kindly follow the rules and help us protect this sensitive nature. Tours are organised in the spirit of ecotourism.
Note: From November to February every year there is a complete ban on entering the island to support recovery of vegetation.
You can still see the island from a boat but disembarkation is prohibited.
Further, the inlet to Minamijima is narrow and in rough weather with high waves it may be too difficult for a boat to pass into the Sameike area. Even if you try to visit outside of the closed period it may not be possible to enter in the interest of passenger safety.
KARST LANDFORMS
The karst landforms were formed as limestone eroded and slowly weathered.
On Minamijima, sharp lapiés and sinkholes called doline (Ōgiike Pond and Sameike Cove) can be seen.
Submerged karst landforms can also be seen around Minamijima Island. These landforms are uncommon in Japan, and are designated as a national treasure.
MINAMIJIMA GALLERY
!! BRING BACK ONLY MEMORIES !!
On the island there are many semi-fossil shells, but removing them from the island is prohibited.
Please do not bring anything to Minamijima and do not take anything back.
We wish to save this precious nature for future generations.
Your help, heart and consideration is deeply appreciated.