The Ogasawara World Heritage Centre opened in May 2017 as a dedicated facility for introducing the values and conservation efforts of the Ogasawara Islands, which received UNESCO World Natural Heritage status in 2011. Located in Nishimachi, Chichijima, Ogasawara Village, Tokyo, the center serves as the primary information hub for understanding this remote archipelago that lies approximately 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo.
The center educates visitors on the region's diverse plants and animals and carries out conservation activities. The Ogasawara Islands are notable for their exceptional biodiversity and high rate of endemic species that evolved in isolation. The archipelago consists of more than 30 islands clustered in three groups covering a surface area of 7,939 hectares. The islands are often called the "Galápagos of the Orient" due to their unique evolutionary processes and rare wildlife, including critically endangered species like the Bonin Flying Fox.
The facility houses several rooms conducting conservation work, with the Exhibition Hall and Multipurpose Room open to the public. Visitors can explore displays, replicas, and audiovisual presentations that detail the cultural and environmental history of the islands. The center also offers opportunities to participate in nature observation meetings and conservation activities, providing hands-on experiences for those interested in the ongoing preservation efforts.
Access to the center requires traveling to Chichijima Island first. The island has no airport and can only be reached by ship, with the liner "Ogasawara Maru" departing almost once weekly from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo. The ferry journey takes approximately 24 hours each way. Once on Chichijima, the center is accessible within the main settlement area. Admission to the Ogasawara World Heritage Centre is free, making it an essential first stop for anyone wanting to understand the islands' exceptional natural value before exploring the archipelago further.
