Ogasawara in Golden Week - tips welcomed!

[Geoff_H]

Hi guys and girls

Well we're off to Ogasawara at the start of May, and I'm very excited! Just wondered if anyone has any useful tips on any aspect of the trip? Don't think I'll be popping back to the mainland if I forget anything.....

Any gear that should be taken, what kind of shops/restaurants are on the island, water temperatures etc?

I see Thomas has been, other than that I couldn't find any information on the Zen Divers forum. Really excited about visiting the "Galapagos of East Asia"!

Cheers
Geoff

 

[japan-diver]

Thats one place I haven't dove yet, but am looking forward to a full report when you get back.

 

[Kevrumbo]

Will you be touring the big island Chichi-Jima as well? (If you haven't yet, read Bradley's Book Flyboys on the trip out there). I too would like to dive the Ogasawaras, Okinawa and Izu Peninsula some day . . .(looking forward to your report).

 

[Geoff_H]

Wow, if doug hasn't dived it then it must be *really* remote.... found a picture to explain why I am going...

 

[TJO]

You will love it Geoff! (Thanks for reading my article!). There are several dive services and they all have accommodation as well. Similar prices as to Okinawa. I can recommend Fisheye (owner Kasai-san). He speaks some English. Some really nice restaurants along the main road in the harbour. Several open until late - we had lots of fun there. Spend some time exploring the island as well. You can call me if you want to get more info.

Thomas
090-6506-7580

 

[Geoff_H]

Kevrumbo - thanks and I will pick that book up for the 25 hour ferry ride over. though, not too sure the sections on cannabalism will be too pleasant, especially if there is a swell on the ocean!

Thomas - cheers.. we are diving with Urashiman, http://www.urashiman.com Pretty sure every place on the island should be booked out already in Golden Week.

Any tips on what to take - are there shops, combini's, widespread beer availability (this seems not a problem). With 2,400 people spread out over 2 islands, I guess there should be at least some small shops for the essentials.

 

[The Mushroom King]

Wow, sounds just great !!! I've heard that both chi chi and ha ha are wonderful above and below the water.

but 25 hours on a boat to get there.... egads

 

[iflylow]

I got the chance last October to spend a few days on Iwo Jima but we didn't get to dive there. The island was beautiful and I was almost drooling to think about how it would have looked underwater...

On Iwo, we had absolutely NO cell phone coverage but I would expect that you would on the inhabitated islands. The only inhabitants of Iwo are the 400 of so Japanese military and civilian support staff that run the airfield.

I am looking forward to the trip report after you get back. Enjoy!

 

[TJO]

There is a convenience shop with limited number of products and you will have coverage on the islands at least on your Docomo. There are several hotspots as well. You can always buy beer in the vending machines! If you send anything by takkyubin, there is one company using Tokyo prices (=dirt cheap), could be Sagawa.

 

[jagfish]

Hey Goeff
Have a great time! Take lots of photos! Looking forward to the report.

Jim