Volcano Islands - Definition and Overview

The Ogasawara Islands (小笠原諸島) are an archipelago of over 30 subtropical islands some 1000 km directly south of central Tokyo, Japan. Administratively, they are a part of Tokyo. The islands are also known as the Bonin Islands, and the southernmost (uninhabited) group is known as the Volcano Islands.

The only inhabited islands are Chichi-jima (父島, lit. "Father Island") and Haha-jima (母島, "Mother Island"). Access to these islands is possible only via a single weekly overnight ferry from Tokyo, although there are plans to open an airport. Tourists are attracted to the islands by scuba diving and whale watching.

The uninhabited Iō-jima (硫黄島, "Sulphur Island"), better known in English as Iwo Jima, is a part of the Volcano Islands. Access to the island requires special permission.

External links

• Bonin Information Service (http://www.bonin-islands.com/)