Journey through the jungle to come out on top
The highest peak on Hahajima Island, Mt. Chibusa has the best views of the island and its crystal blue bays. The trail up the mountain is well-maintained and suitable for beginners—just be sure to bring standard mountain-climbing equipment with you. The trail includes some steep stairs and places where the footing can be slippery, so please exercise appropriate caution. The sub-tropical climate means the weather is often humid, and you will work up a sweat, so take care to pack plenty of water.
Along the four-hour, round-trip trek, be on the lookout for some of the endemic species of the island, particularly the Melastoma tetramerum flowers near the peak, Bonin white-eyes perched in the trees, and the area's unique snails creeping along the forest floor.
Note: As of October, 2023, part of the eastern trail on Mt. Chibusayama is closed. Only the western trail reaches the summit.
Tourist maps are available from the Hahajima Tourist Association. We recommend checking in there before heading out. They also sell commemorative certificates with your name and date of climb for 300 yen, so have a look before you begin.
