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  • Sightseeing Spots in Chichijima

Ogasawaramura Tourist Association & Ogasawara Whale Watching Association (6 minute walk from Futami Port)

The best place to get tourist information. Come here to find out about lodging, eating, guided tours, and more. At the entrance you'll see an array of informative guidebooks and related publications. Ask the folks at the Whaling Association about current whale-watching conditions and prospects.

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Gegege House in Ogamiyama Park
(3 minute walk from Futami Port)

With its hemp-palm thatched roof, it looks Polynesian. Stop in and eat a boxed lunch or just take a break. `Perhaps the first place you should visit as you get ready to explore the area. Locals like to stop by recharge a bit too, looking out at the lovely Omura Beach.

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Ogasawara Visitor Center
(8 minute walk from Futami Port)

Before you start sightseeing, why not stop for a pleasant introduction to the area's nature and culture? See exhibits about local history and nature, and hear a bit about ecotourism in the area. A staff member is always on hand to explain things and answer your questions. There's even a model of the ship you sailed in on: the Ogasawara Maru.

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Mount Mikazuki Weather Station and Lookout
(30 minute walk from Futami Port; 200 meters (656 ft) above sea level)

Located on the west side of the island, this is an excellent place to sit and view the sunset. Come during whale watching season, from February to April, to watch for humpbacks. Look for the spout first; the whale should be underneath it. If you're lucky you'll see a whale breaching (leaping out of the water) or slapping its tail. A great place to relax at midday, too.

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Miyanohama Beach
(5 minute drive from Futami Port)

On the north of the island, this beach is right across the strait from Anijima ("Brother Island"). The coral reefs here make this a great place for snorkeling. Just don't swim past the yellow buoys.
The powerful tidal currents on the other side of the buoys are dangerous.

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Asahidaira Lookout
(10 minute drive from Futami Port)

Located on the east side of Chichijima. The small island off to the right is Higashijima ("East Island"), very close to where the bomber plane flown by future U.S. president George H.W. Bush crashed into the water after sustaining anti-aircraft fire while bombing Chichijima. Bush-the only survivor-bailed out and was picked up by an American submarine.
This lookout is an excellent place for stargazing, as there are no lights in the area.

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Mount Chūō Lookout
(20 minute drive from Futami Port)

A 10-minute walk up from the road, this observation area at the 319-meter (1,043-ft.) summit of Mt. Chūō gives you the full 360-degree view. Just in front of the observation area can see what's left of a radar pedestal used during the war. Perhaps you will also see red-headed woodpigeons in their nearby breeding area.

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Copepe Beach
(20 minute drive from Futami Port)

There are many beautiful beaches on Chichijima, and not enough space here to write about them all. So on this page we will leave it at two: Miyanohama Beach (see above) and Copepe Beach. These two lovely beaches remain quiet and uncrowded even in midsummer, so you can enjoy them in privacy. To the left of Copepe Beach you can see the neighboring Kominato Beach. Why not snorkel over to it, enjoying the beautiful fish and corals along the way; a 20 minute swim should get you there without rushing.

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Minamijima
(20 minutes by boat from Futami Port)

With its very unusual topography featuring submerged karst, this carefully protected island merits an excursion. But note that all tourists here must be accompanied by Tokyo Metropolitan government certified nature guides. Upon arriving at the island, you'll need to rinse your shoes to remove any stray dirt or seeds picked up elsewhere. Please stay to established routes when walking around. On the southwest part of the island there's a nesting area for the seabirds known as "brown boobies." In the summer green turtles come onto the sandy beaches to lay their eggs. The island is truly a nature sanctuary, so extend your visit to it when you come to Chichijima.

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