⚠️ Opening hours, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, establishments or local authorities). Before each trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers.
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British Airways, Japan Airlines and ANA fly nonstop from London to Tokyo. Arrive at least the day before the boat leaves: the Ogasawara-maru usually departs Takeshiba at 11 am.
Official websitejal.co.jp→The terminal is 1 minute from Takeshiba station (Yurikamome line) and a 7-minute walk from JR Hamamatsuchō station. From Haneda, the monorail reaches Hamamatsuchō in about 20 minutes; from Narita, allow 1 to 1 h 30 by train.
Official listingogasawaramura.com→The only scheduled link: it leaves Takeshiba at 11 am, arrives around 11 am the next day and usually sails back three days later, so roughly one round trip every 6 days. A one-way 2nd-class ticket costs ¥28,610 (October 2026); tickets go on sale about 2 months ahead.
Official websiteogasawarakaiun.co.jp→Shuttle to Hahajima with 4 to 5 return trips a week, timed with the Ogasawara-maru. Tickets are sold on the day at Chichijima (¥5,020 one way in October 2026).
Official websiteogasawarakaiun.co.jp→How long does it take to get to the Ogasawara Islands?
The Ogasawara Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lie about 1,000 km south of Tokyo in the open Pacific. They have no airport: the only scheduled access is the Ogasawara-maru, 24 hours at sea from Tokyo. From London, allow at least two days of travel, with a night in Tokyo before boarding. Japan is 9 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 8 hours in summer.
| Leg | Airlines | Time |
|---|---|---|
| London → Tokyo (Haneda), nonstop | British Airways, Japan Airlines, ANA | ≈ 14 h |
| Haneda → Hamamatsuchō | Tokyo Monorail | ≈ 20 min |
| Narita → central Tokyo | JR Narita Express, Keisei | ≈ 1 h–1 h 30 |
| Hamamatsuchō → Takeshiba terminal | On foot | ≈ 7 min |
| Takeshiba → Chichijima | Ogasawara-maru | ≈ 24 h |
| Chichijima → Hahajima | Hahajima-maru | ≈ 2 h |
A trip of at least six days
The boat usually stays three days at Chichijima before sailing back, so a round trip takes about six days, two of them at sea. Book your accommodation first, then the boat, as rooms are scarce and camping is not allowed. Typhoons can delay a sailing: keep a margin before your international flight, as the next boat leaves about a week later. See our boat page and our accommodation.
Entry and budget
UK citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days; complete immigration and customs online with Visit Japan Web. Allow about ¥57,000 for a 2nd-class return on the Ogasawara-maru (October 2026), plus a night in Tokyo. At Takeshiba terminal, clean your shoes on the mats provided against invasive species.
When to go?
The climate is subtropical all year. January to April is humpback whale season; summer is ideal for swimming with dolphins, but it is also the busiest period and typhoon season (July to October). Book very early for Golden Week, summer and New Year.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an airport on the Ogasawara Islands?
No. You fly to Tokyo, then take the Ogasawara-maru from Takeshiba terminal: a 24-hour crossing to Chichijima.
How many days should I plan?
At least six days from Tokyo, as the boat usually makes one round trip every six days.
When should I book the boat?
Tickets go on sale about two months ahead; book your accommodation first, as it is very limited.
Do I need a visa for Japan?
No, not for tourist stays under 90 days; a valid passport is enough.