Angama Mara Airport

Overview

Hachijojima Airport (also known as Hachijo Jima Airport) is a small regional airport serving the island of Hachijojima, one of the seven inhabited Izu Islands in the Philippine Sea. Located approximately 290 kilometres south of Tokyo, the airport is the main aerial gateway for visitors and residents alike. The airport primarily handles scheduled flights from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) and its subsidiary ANA Wings, using turboprop aircraft such as the Bombardier Dash 8. Seasonal charter flights also connect the island to other Japanese cities. With a single runway and a compact terminal, the airport is designed for efficiency and simplicity, reflecting the remote nature of the island it serves.

Location & Access

Hachijojima Airport sits on the eastern coast of Hachijojima, near the town of Mitsune. The island itself is about 14 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide, dominated by two volcanic peaks: Mount Hachijo-Fuji (854 metres) in the north and Mount Mihara (701 metres) in the south. The airport's location offers convenient access to the main population centre and key attractions.

By Bus: A local bus service connects the airport to the main port town of Kaminato (about 20 minutes) and other parts of the island. Buses are timed to coincide with flight arrivals and departures. The route passes through scenic coastal areas and low-rise residential neighbourhoods.

By Taxi: Taxis are available at the terminal. The ride to central Kaminato takes roughly 15 minutes, and to the island's major hotels and hot spring areas about 20 to 30 minutes. Fares are metered and reasonable by Japanese standards.

Car Rental: Several car rental agencies have desks at or near the airport. Given the island's limited public transport, renting a car is a popular option for exploring the rugged coastline, hiking trails, and remote beaches. Roads are well-maintained but winding in places.

Sea Access: While most visitors fly, Hachijojima is also reachable by overnight ferry from Tokyo (Takeshiba Terminal) operated by Tōkai Kisen. The ferry arrives at Kaminato Port, about 6 kilometres from the airport. A local bus or taxi can bridge the final leg.

Facilities

The terminal is compact but provides necessary amenities for travellers. All confirmed facilities are designed with accessibility in mind:

• Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: Designated parking spaces are located close to the terminal entrance, with level access paths.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: The main entrance is step-free and wide enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Toilet: A unisex accessible restroom is available inside the terminal.
• Baggage Storage: Luggage lockers or a baggage counter allow passengers to store bags for a fee. This is useful for those with time before check-in or after arrival.
• Toilet: Standard male and female lavatories are kept clean.

Note that the airport does not have a restaurant or café, though vending machines offer drinks and snacks. For meals, the nearby town of Kaminato has several eateries. There is no duty-free shop, as flights operate only domestically.

About the Region

Hachijojima is a volcanic island with a subtropical climate, earning it the nickname "the Hawaii of Japan." The island's dramatic landscape features lush green mountains, black sand beaches, and rugged cliffs sculpted by the Pacific swell. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, known for its biodiversity and volcanic activity.

The island has a rich cultural history. It was historically used as a place of exile for political prisoners and criminals from the Edo period through the early Shōwa era. The former penal colony and its artifacts are now a museum open to visitors. Local traditions include Hachijo silk weaving, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and a distinct dialect of Japanese.

Popular activities for travellers include:

• Hiking: Ascend Mount Hachijo-Fuji or Mount Mihara for panoramic views over the Pacific. Trails range from easy walks to strenuous full-day hikes.
• Diving and Snorkelling: The waters around Hachijojima are renowned for clarity, coral reefs, and abundant marine life including sea turtles and dolphins.
• Hot Springs: Several onsen (hot spring) facilities are scattered across the island, many with ocean views.
• Beaches: Nagahama Beach and Sokodo Beach offer swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the island's night skies are exceptionally dark, ideal for astronomy.

The island's population is about 8,000, primarily living in fishing and farming communities. The local economy relies on tourism, fishing (especially skipjack tuna), and agriculture (pineapples, bougainvillea). Hachijojima is also a popular destination for Tokyo residents seeking a weekend escape from urban life.

Practical Information

• Address: 751-1 Mitsune, Hachijo, Tokyo 100-1621, Japan
• Website: https://hachijoapo.net/ (Japanese and English versions available)
• Phone: +81 4996-2-3311 (airport information desk)
• Operating Hours: The airport is not open 24 hours; it operates during flight times. Peak activity occurs around 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm, when multiple flights may arrive and depart. Check your airline's schedule for exact timings. The terminal building opens approximately one hour before the first flight and closes after the last arrival.
• Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available free of charge for the first hour, with a small fee thereafter.
• Wi-Fi: The airport offers free Wi-Fi; ask at the information desk for the network password.
• Accessibility: As confirmed, the airport is wheelchair-accessible throughout. Assistance can be arranged through your airline in advance.

Travellers are advised to confirm flight status online before heading to the airport, as weather conditions—especially fog and strong winds—can cause cancellations or delays. The airport has a small observation deck offering views of the runway and the surrounding ocean.