Mount Chibusa Hahajima
Hike to breathtaking panoramic views of Hahajima and surrounding islands, with historical remnants along the way.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy cooler temps
Mount Chibusa Hahajima
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to breathtaking panoramic views of Hahajima and surrounding islands, with historical remnants along the way.
"The view from the east in particular is so beautiful it's almost frightening."
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Bring at least 2L per person, especially in warmer months. Hydration is key!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Good shoes are essential for the steep and varied terrain. Avoid sandals!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Hahajima, surrounding islands, and the vast ocean. Absolutely stunning, especially from the east.
Gajumaru Tree
Ascent path
An impressive, gigantic Gajumaru tree stands as a notable landmark on the way up.
Military Battlefield Remains
Descent path (clockwise)
Discover remnants of former military battlefields on the descent, adding a historical layer to the hike.
Ridge Walk Overlooks
Descent path (clockwise)
Enjoy open ridge walks with stunning vistas of Obure Bay and Minamizaki.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key
Gear Up for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Bring at least 2L per person, especially in warmer months. Hydration is key!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Good shoes are essential for the steep and varied terrain. Avoid sandals!
📜 Get a Climbing Certificate
Pay a small fee at the tourist office for a task and certificate upon return.
🔄 Recommended Clockwise Route
Many find the clockwise route offers the best views on the descent.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Bring at least 2L per person, especially in warmer months. Hydration is key!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Good shoes are essential for the steep and varied terrain. Avoid sandals!
📜 Get a Climbing Certificate
Pay a small fee at the tourist office for a task and certificate upon return.
🔄 Recommended Clockwise Route
Many find the clockwise route offers the best views on the descent.
⛰️ Steep but Manageable Climb
It's not a high mountain, but the gradient is steep. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise Mount Chibusa for its spectacular panoramic views and the rewarding experience of reaching the summit. The clockwise route is frequently recommended for its scenic descent, featuring unique historical remnants and beautiful ridge walks. While the climb is steep, visitors find it manageable with proper preparation, especially regarding hydration and footwear. The option to earn a climbing certificate adds a fun, commemorative element to the adventure.
"We have climbed Chibusayama in September 2025. It was very hot, so do not forget to bring about 2l water per person.
The loop-course was open. We did the tour clockwise.
While going up, there is not so much to see except a gigantic Gajumaru Tree.
But on the way down a lot of great viewpoints are on the way with great views of all Hahajima, its surrounding islands and Chichijima.
Bring good shoes and wear good clothes.
If you go to the tourist office before starting and pay a little (300 yen per person in our case), you will receive a certificate upon returning after you fulfilled a task on the top.
Absolutely worthwhile going there."
Stefan Kunz
"You can take a ferry from Chichijima and quickly climb up and return on a day trip. When you descend clockwise from the summit, there are many remains of the former military battlefields below the summit, which is a great place to see."
Agility
"You can get a panoramic view of Hahajima from the summit. I don't recommend going there in sandals, but it's a great mountain to enjoy as a hike."
絆哀
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Chibusa is located on Hahajima island. You can reach Hahajima by ferry from Chichijima. Once on Hahajima, local transport or a taxi can take you to the trailhead. Some visitors opt for a day trip from Chichijima, combining ferry travel with the hike.
Yes, it's possible to do Mount Chibusa as a day trip from Chichijima by taking an early ferry and returning on a later one. Plan your ferry times carefully to allow ample time for the hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets for Mount Chibusa itself. However, you can pay a small fee (around 300 yen) at the tourist office to participate in a program that earns you a certificate upon completion of a task at the summit.
Mount Chibusa is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible at any time. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Check ferry schedules for access to Hahajima.
It's a good idea to inform or apply with the tourist association in advance, especially if you're interested in the climbing certificate program. They can also provide advice on the best routes.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
While not a high mountain, the gradient is steep, requiring a moderate level of fitness. It's recommended not to rush the climb.
The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of Hahajima, its surrounding islands, and the ocean. The descent, especially clockwise, provides views of Obure Bay and Minamizaki.
The summit itself is not an open area with facilities, but it provides excellent vantage points for viewing the landscape.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are highly recommended due to the steep and potentially uneven terrain. Comfortable, breathable clothing is also advisable.
Yes, on the descent, particularly when going clockwise, you can find remains of former military battlefields, adding a historical dimension to the hike.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no dining facilities directly on the mountain, the tourist association can advise on good places to eat lunch on Hahajima after your hike.
Bringing your own food and water is recommended, especially for longer hikes. There are no facilities on the mountain itself. Remember to pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most expansive panoramic shots. The open ridge sections on the descent also provide incredible photo opportunities, particularly of Obure Bay.
Mornings often provide softer light and potentially clearer skies. The views from the east in particular are described as 'almost frighteningly beautiful,' suggesting sunrise or early morning light might be ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Engaging children with the idea of earning a climbing certificate from the tourist office can add an extra layer of fun and motivation. Pack snacks and be prepared for a moderate physical challenge. The panoramic views from the summit will be a fantastic reward for the whole family's effort. Ensure children are supervised at all times, especially on steeper sections and near any ridge areas.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The climbing certificate program offers a low-cost souvenir (around 300 yen) that adds value to the experience. Informing the tourist association in advance is free and provides valuable, cost-saving advice. By utilizing public ferries and self-catering for food and water, Mount Chibusa offers a high-value natural experience without significant expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Chibusa Hiking Experience
The summit provides breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, allowing you to survey Hahajima, its neighboring islands, and the expansive Pacific Ocean. The eastern views are particularly lauded for their stunning beauty. As you descend clockwise, the trail leads you past remnants of former military battlefields, adding a unique historical layer to the natural scenery. The open ridge sections during the descent offer further opportunities for incredible vistas, including Obure Bay and Minamizaki.
To enhance your visit, consider engaging with the local tourist association. They can offer guidance on the best direction to hike for optimal views and can even provide a task to complete at the summit, earning you a certificate upon your return for a small fee. This adds a fun, commemorative element to the hike. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring ample water, as conditions can be hot, especially during certain times of the year.
Planning Your Day Trip to Hahajima
Upon arrival on Hahajima, you'll need to arrange transport to the trailhead of Mount Chibusa. Local taxis or pre-arranged transport can be options. Before starting your hike, a visit to the Hahajima tourist office is highly recommended. Not only can they provide valuable advice on the trail and best viewing directions, but they also offer a unique program where you can earn a climbing certificate for a small fee and by completing a task at the summit. This makes the hike more engaging and provides a memorable souvenir.
Remember to pack essentials for your day trip: plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person is advised), snacks, and appropriate hiking gear. The hike itself can be steep, so comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. After your hike, the tourist office can also point you towards local eateries for lunch before you catch your return ferry to Chichijima. Planning your ferry times and local transport in advance will ensure a smooth and enjoyable day exploring Mount Chibusa and Hahajima.
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