Kayaking
Sea kayak to hidden coves and beaches.
A true adventure to Japan, exploring the island archipelago of Ogasawara, hidden in the Pacific Ocean.
This holiday to Japan offers real adventure involving a 25 hour boat journey to reach your destination. Little visited due to their remote location, the Ogasawara Archipelago is an isolated chain of 30 tropical, volcanic islands. Designated a World Natural Heritage area they are home to some diverse and unique flora and fauna as well as stunning mountain and coastal landscapes. Perfect for intrepid travellers with a passion for marine and island life.
Sea kayak to hidden coves and beaches.
Trek through lush forests spotting birdlife en route.
Dive the waters around the islands alongside schools of dogtooth tuna, migratory fish, mantas and turtles.
Spend the nights stargazing with mesmeric star-studded skies.
Days 1 - 2
Tokyo
Day 3
Tokyo - Ogasawara Islands
Travel overnight by boat to Ogasawara Islands
Days 4 - 6
Ogasawara Islands
Day 7
Ogasawara Islands - Tokyo
Return to Tokyo by overnight boat
Day 8
Tokyo
Arrive Tokyo
Days 1 - 2
Tokyo
Spend two days in Tokyo with time to experience the contrasts of the city, from ancient temples to futuristic skyscrapers.
Day 3
Tokyo - Ogasawara Islands
Depart Tokyo for your 25 hour journey by ferry to the Ogasawara Archipelago, staying in an ensuite cabin.
Days 4 - 6
Ogasawara Islands
Spend three days exploring some of these remote islands enjoying a variety of activities. Explore by sea kayak, go fishing or head underwater to dive or snorkel. Above water the lush interiors are easily explored on foot and are rich in birdlife, flora and fauna. With little light pollution the night skies are incredible.
Day 7
Ogasawara Islands - Tokyo
Return to Tokyo by overnight ferry.
Day 8
Tokyo
Arrive into Tokyo for your onward journey.
These remote islands are a haven for wildlife including whales, dolphins and turtles. Both humpback and sperm whales frequent the waters at a certain times of the year, the former between February and April and the latter from July to September. The small uninhabited island of Minamijima, located just one kilometre south of Chichijima is home to many native creatures and is an important breeding ground for green turtle. During your stay it is possible to join a variety of ecotours including whale watching, diving, snorkelling and turtle watching.
The journey to the Ogasawara Island archipelago is not to be undertaken lightly. The islands are located over 1,000 kilometres south of Tokyo and involve a 25-hour journey by ferry across the Pacific Ocean to reach them. Departing from Tokyo you will travel overnight staying in an ensuite cabin. Boats from Tokyo to the island of Chichijima, one of only two inhabited islands within the archipelago, operate once a week throughout the year. It is also possible to stay longer, spending time on the other island of Hahajimamaru offering an even more remote experience.
There are various activities to enjoy during your stay on the islands, many of which involve the beautiful waters of the South Pacific. Explore by sea kayak, go fishing or head underwater to dive or snorkel. Above water the islands have lush interiors with a wealth of birdlife and unique flora and fauna which are easily explored on foot. Being so remote and far from any other land the night skies are spectacular and star gazing tours can also be arranged.
Send us an enquiry
Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. There is a limited choice of accommodation on the islands so this itinerary includes the best available. An ensuite cabin is included on board the overnight ferry.
Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
The weather is generally cool, dry and sunny in many parts of the country. In the north, there is heavy snowfall, making for excellent skiing conditions.
Ski season is in full swing in the north. Winter continues to bring some of the coolest but driest conditions to the rest of the country.
The start of the cherry blossom in southern Japan, as the weather warms. A popular time to visit Japan, especially towards the end of the month.
Perhaps the busiest month, as the cherry blossom spreads northwards across the country. A stunning time, but expect to plan accommodation and excursions in advance.
The cherry blossom reaches the far north of the country around Sapporo at this time, and temperatures are generally warm. It is generally dry in most parts, with vegetation vibrant and lush. It is worth avoiding Golden Week, a national holiday during the first week of May.
Many parts become hot and humid, with the rainy season occurring in Okinawa. A consequence of the rain is that the countryside and most gardens are at their best.
It can get very hot and humid in many parts of the country at this time, making it the perfect time to escape to the mountains. In particular, this time of year has the best conditions for the hike up Mount Fuji.
There are many festivals at this time and locals are on holiday, making it a busy time of year for travel. It is a great time to explore the Sapporo area, with cooler and less humid conditions.
September brings a quieter time for travel, with most locals back at work. The temperatures start to cool off a little, but the humidity generally remains.
The start of autumn for the majority of Japan, showcasing a wonderful array of autumn colours across the countryside. The weather is still pleasantly warm, with less rain.
Across the country, this is the best month to see the beautiful autumn colours. There are fewer visitors, and the temperatures remain mild, especially in the south.
The first couple of weeks of December are some of the quietest times to travel, and you can enjoy the natural thermal hot springs with snow on the ground.
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?