Distributor :  ONLY in JAPAN

Far out to sea from the city of Tokyo, over 1,000 kilometers away are Tokyo's hidden islands called the Ogasawaras. Few tourists have ever heard of them. It's off the tourist radar. Why?

There is no plane ー only a 24 hour ferry ride from Takeshiba Port in the city to Chichijima once a week. When you make a trip to the Ogasawaras (also known as the Bonin Islands) you make a commitment to stay for a while. What you find on the other side is a tropical island paradise that many call the Galapagos of the East.
The deep blue water here even has its own name ー Bonin Blue.
Most of the islanders can speak native English and this is where Chichijima's history comes in.

In 1830, Nathaniel Savory came from Hawaii with about 30 colonists to settle on an island known as the Bonins.
The island was made up of American, Europeans and Pacific Islanders - a diverse island in Japan.
In 1853, Commodore Perry of the US Navy stopped here with the Black ship on his way to Edo (Tokyo) to open up Japan and made Nathaniel Governor of the island.
In 1862 Japan claimed the islands and renamed in Ogasawara in 1876. After World War II, the US took possession of the island and returned it to Japan in 1968. Now, the islands are an example of how a diverse Japanese island can live peacefully together.

In this episode we'll explore the jungles, cross the island by motorcycle, learn the history and see why this is the most amazing island you've never heard about.

★ RULES on Ogasawara you should know:

▷ DRONE use on the island is strictly prohibited ◁
You must use drones from off shore, not on land.
I used my drone from a boat which is permitted. Unlawful Drone use is against the law and you may be fined.

▷ 7:45 to 8:12 ◁
This area is prohibited and off limits.
Please do not enter this building.

▶︎ HOW TO GET TO OGASAWARA (Chichijima)
There is only one way - ferry
It's about $250 each way / 1000km / 24 hours
OGASAWARA (Chichijima)

WHERE DID I STAY?
▶︎ Townhouse Mitsu
▶︎ Eco Village Pelan
RESERVE 1 months in advance! ★ More about Ogasawara / Chichijima

Thank you to Kenny at Townhouse Mitsu, Mana-san (the island's best photographer and professional fixer), Rance at Yankeetown, Yokoyama-san at the Ogasawara Tourism office and Okubo-san at Visit Ogasawara office in Tokyo. I could not make this episode without you and hope to see you again soon.

See more from a recent visit of mine to Aogashima, another Tokyo Volcanic Island
Aogashima is the Jurassic Park of Japan - this island will amaze you! It's amazed YouTube viewers 3 million times!

Music credit:
Ross Bugden - Music - THE END SONG!
♩♫ Happy and Inspirational Music ♪♬ - Bedtime Stories
(Thank you for sharing your beautiful music with us Ross!)

Dark Hallway by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license
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Artist

Attack of the Mole Men - Stings by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license
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This show has been created and produced by John Daub ジョン・ドーブ. He's been living and working in Japan for over 20 years and regularly reports on TV for Japan's International Channel.