Into the Wild: Conquering Mikurajima, Japan’s Hidden Dolphin & Hiking Frontier

A dramatic aerial photograph looking down at the rugged, steep, heavily forested volcanic island of Mikurajima, surrounded by deep blue sea and under a dramatic, dark cloudy sky. The text "MIKURA JIMA" and "Tokyo, Japan" are overlaid at the top.

If you’re looking for a perfectly manicured tourist resort with easy access, close this tab right now. But if you crave a true hikyo—an unexplored, rugged frontier that most foreign travelers will never get to see—you are exactly where you need to be. Mikurajima is world-renowned for its wild dolphin swims and ancient, untouched forests. … Read more

Hachijojima: 6 Best Reasons to Visit Tokyo’s Hidden Volcanic Paradise

Panoramic sunset view from Osaka Tunnel Observatory in Hachijojima, Tokyo, featuring a coastal bridge and the silhouette of Hachijo-kojima island.

Hachijojima feels like stepping straight onto the set of Jurassic Park. Think deep sub-tropical jungles, jagged volcanic cliffs dropping into the Pacific Ocean, and massive ferns lining winding mountain roads. While a handful of hardcore adventurers use this island simply as a mandatory transit hub to reach the hyper-isolated Aogashima, make no mistake: Hachijojima is … Read more