Aogashima - blue island
Although 222 miles south of Tokyo, Aogashima, a remote island is not inhabited, are under the administration of Japan's capital. But the address is where the similarity ends. In 2010, 9 square kilometers (about 1680 soccer stadium, for all you Super Bowl fans out there) island has 98 households and a population of 165, making it the smallest village in the whole of Japan.
Looks almost like a natural fortress Jurassic Park-like, volcanic island is known as a caldera. In a large crater is a small crater - a cinder cone - formed after the big bang. Steep rugged cliffs layered volcanic deposits rose as high as 1,388 feet.
Origins Shrouded in Mystery
How did people first come to an end on the island is largely considered to be a mystery. The legend of the island itself says that the island was once forbidden to women because it is believed that the man and woman who live together on the island of the gods would be angry. The first written record of the island appeared around the 15th century and many of them are from the wreck so that there is a strong possibility that seafarers may have been sheltering in the island and eventually made their home.
Return After Tragedy
A series of earthquakes in 1780-1781 was followed by volcanic activity two years later. lava flow burned all the houses and residents were forced to flee to a nearby island, Hachijojima. Unfortunately, about half of the 327 residents can not get out in time and killed. Those who survive are forced to undergo the next 40 years of their lives in Hachijojima. Some seek a new life elsewhere but other people can never forget their beloved island. One of the men Jirodayu Sasaki, who, after 18 years of planning, boldly led the expedition back to the island and successfully resettled in 1835. He is considered a hero in the island and there is even a statue of him.
Traveling to Aogashima
In this day and age, getting to Aogashima actually much easier than you might think. They even have their own heliport!
First Class - flew from Tokyo to Hachijojima and then take a helicopter. A one way trip will take just a little more than 2 hours and will cost about $ 240.
Economy Class - sailing from Tokyo to Hachijojima and then take a small boat. A one way trip will take 14 hours and will cost about $ 100.
Entertainment
So what do you actually do once you get this lost paradise? Well what does not exist on the coast of the island makes the starry sky. Photographer Toshihiko Ogawa documented some of this fantastic starry night. Photo taken from two of the caldera, where many people will go for camping. There are also natural volcanic hot water where you rest the muscles from all the climbing you're getting there.
Otherwise there is plenty of fishing, hiking trails and temples to see. And internet may be ugly so it was the perfect place to unplug.