Conducting a Press Tour to Experience the "Present" of Recovery in Tokyo's Island, Hachijo-jima

Just 55 minutes from Haneda Airport. Hachijo-jima is a remote island surrounded by such magnificent nature that it's hard to believe it's in the same Tokyo.

Recently, Hachijo Town conducted a press tour inviting four media personnel from news agencies, web, and travel/tourism specialized media, along with three influencers who excel at disseminating travel content, with the purpose of having them actually visit and experience the "current Hachijo-jima," which has recovered from the typhoon damage in October last year and is now in a state where it can welcome tourists with peace of mind.

Tour scenes

Participants searching for whales

Background of the Implementation

Hachijo-jima is a tourist destination that boasts good accessibility, being about 55 minutes from Haneda Airport, while still retaining rich nature and a unique culture. On the other hand, due to the impact of two typhoons that occurred in October 2025, a stagnation in its tourism image was seen in some areas.

Therefore, through this tour, by disseminating the "realistic state after recovery" and the "tourism value unique to spring," we aimed to foster a sense of security as a travel destination and stimulate the desire to visit the island among tourists.

Aim of this Initiative

While Hachijo-jima has the highest number of visitors in the summer, it also has diverse charms unique to this season in the spring.

In this tour, by multiplying the dissemination power of both media and influencers, we aimed to realize information dissemination that balances "reliability (media)" and "empathy (SNS)," aiming to create spring tourism demand.

Main Contents of the Tour

This tour was conducted centering on contents where you can experience spring tourism.

・Whale watching that can be observed from land from winter to spring (November to April) ・"Fureai Bokujo" (Petting Pasture) where a spectacular panoramic view spreads out ・"Island Gourmet" utilizing ingredients unique to the island ・Hot spring experience enjoyed together with spectacular views ・Harvesting experience of the island ingredient "Umikaze Shiitake" mushrooms ・Highly transparent sea praised as "Hachijo Blue" ・Hachijo-jima Shochu certified as GI (Geographical Indication) "Tokyo Island Sake"

Hachijo-fuji and participants

Participants photographing Hachijo-kojima

Jersey milk parfait

Whale visible from land

Stroll along the cobblestone walls

Rainbow seen during the tour

Future Prospects

Up until now, Hachijo-jima has promoted tourism branding centered on SNS, targeting "Millennial generation women" who have a high frequency of travel and a high desire to post on SNS.

In this press tour, we strengthened media exposure aimed at the masses for the purpose of appealing to safety and security. Moving forward, starting from the articles and SNS posts disseminated through this tour, we will continuously transmit the latest information on Hachijo-jima.

Centered on the value of "nature," "gourmet food," and "healing" that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons unique to Hachijo-jima, we will aim to create tourism demand throughout the year.

Hachijo-jima is about a 55-minute flight from Haneda Airport. Despite being an island of Tokyo, it is an island where untouched nature and a tranquil time flow.

・An "island of gastronomy" where you can enjoy island sake and sweets in addition to seafood and mountain produce

・In winter, you can sometimes see humpback whales from the land (usually around November to April)

・Hot springs where you can enjoy spectacular views along with beautiful sunsets are dotted around

・Many sophisticated cafes that betray the image of the island in a good way

HELLO! HACHIJOJIMA Main Visual

In October 2025, due to direct hits from two typhoons, massive damage occurred to the island's infrastructure such as water supply, public facilities, and hot spring facilities, and many tourism operators were forced to suspend or close their businesses.

However, as a result of the islanders working together on restoration work, water and power outages have both been resolved, and currently it has recovered to a state where we can welcome tourists with peace of mind. The island is now taking steps towards the next season while gradually regaining its daily life and tourism.