Torishima, Volcanic desert island in Izu archipelago, Japan.
Torishima is a circular volcanic island measuring approximately 2.5 kilometers across and rising about 394 meters above sea level. It sits atop a submarine volcano that extends roughly 3000 meters below the ocean surface.
A devastating volcanic eruption in 1902 claimed approximately 125 lives and ended permanent human settlement on the island. After this catastrophe, it remained unpopulated and was later placed under protected status.
The island serves as a breeding ground for short-tailed albatrosses, known locally as ahōdori, which are protected by law. Visitors can observe from a distance how these rare seabirds establish their nesting sites on the rocky slopes.
Access requires special permits from Tokyo Metropolitan Government due to the island's protected status and ongoing volcanic activity. Visits are restricted and require careful advance planning.
The island harbors one of the few surviving populations of short-tailed albatross, a species that was nearly extinct worldwide. These rare seabirds maintain their main breeding colony here and return each year to the same nesting sites.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
