Ogasawara Islands

A group of islands in the Pacific Ocean 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo. Consisting of more than 30 islands of varying sizes including Iwo Jima and Okinotorishima, the Ogasawara Islands have been designated a World Heritage Site in recognition of the endemic plants and animals and precious natural environment of the area. The islands are administered as a part of Tokyo, but reaching them requires a 24 -hour ride on a scheduled ship which leaves from Takeshiba Pier once every six days (more frequent trips may be scheduled depending on the season).