Otōtojima, Desert island in Ogasawara Village, Japan.
Otōtojima is an uninhabited island rising from the Pacific with steep cliffs and thick plant growth, forming part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It sits within the Chichijima island group where the surrounding waters hold distinctive marine ecosystems.
The island held strategic military importance during World War II in protecting the wider region. Traces of this period remain visible along the coastline in the form of old fortifications and military structures.
The island carries marks of both Japanese and Western settlement across its history, visible in how different groups shaped the land. Walking around reveals how these influences left their imprint on the landscape and its patterns.
Reaching the island involves a lengthy boat journey from Tokyo, with ferries running on limited schedules throughout the year. Visitors should prepare for open ocean conditions and rough seas, making good physical fitness important.
Researchers study the waters around the island, documenting rare fish and coral species found nowhere else on Earth. These marine creatures evolved in isolation, making their presence here scientifically valuable and irreplaceable.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
