The Tokyo Islands Access Diversification Project

Discovering the Tokyo Islands

Tokyo is widely recognized as one of the world’s most compelling cities, where centuries-old tradition blends seamlessly with cutting-edge innovation. Yet few people realize that the Tokyo metropolitan area also includes 11 inhabited islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean. Known collectively as the Tokyo Islands, these remote destinations offer landscapes, histories, and cultural identities that differ dramatically from those of mainland Tokyo. Among them, Hachijojima, located approximately 286 kilometers south of central Tokyo, stands out for its well-developed aviation infrastructure and exceptional potential as a tourism and business aviation destination. Hachijojima Airport features a 2,000-meter (6,560-foot) runway capable of supporting a wide range of aircraft types. In addition to daily scheduled services to and from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, regular inter-island helicopter operations are also conducted. This balance of connectivity and remoteness positions the island as an appealing destination for premium travelers and aviation operators seeking distinctive experiences beyond Japan’s major cities.

Challenge of a Demonstration Project

To evaluate Hachijojima’s suitability as a destination for overseas business jet operations, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducted a demonstration project in the summer of 2025 using a U.S.-registered business jet. Operating as an ad hoc international flight directly from the United States to Hachijojima, the mission represented a first-of-its-kind effort to assess both the feasibility of international business jet operations at the airport and the island’s potential as a high-end travel destination. While Hachijojima Airport does not yet have permanent CIQ (customs, immigration, and quarantine) facilities, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government worked closely with national authorities to establish a temporary CIQ system for the demonstration. This arrangement enabled the aircraft, crew, and passengers to complete full entry and exit procedures entirely on-site.  Against this backdrop, based on the results of this demonstration, future directions for the internationalization of Hachijojima Airport will be examined. Following their seamless arrival procedures, participants embarked on a four-night, five-day familiarization tour across Hachijojima and another inhabited island, Oshima. Hachijojima, a lush subtropical island defined by two volcanic mountains, offers a warm climate shaped by the Kuroshio Current, striking “Hachijo Blue” coastlines, and dramatic lava-sculpted landscapes. During their visit, participants experienced traditional crafts such as Kihachijo weaving, snorkeled alongside sea turtles, joined a retreat-style yoga session at a scenic coastal viewpoint, and enjoyed preparing island-style sushi together with local residents. Oshima, by contrast, is known as a “living volcanic island,” where black volcanic terrain, wind-carved cliffs, and exposed strata bearing the marks of past eruptions underscore the power of nature. Participants traveled from Hachijojima to Oshima by charter helicopter, enjoying a scenic aerial tour before landing on the island. Activities included trekking across the island’s iconic black desert, visiting a camellia oil workshop that uses seeds harvested from wild camellia trees, and exploring a historic port town that has served as the backdrop for various Japanese novels. Together, these experiences highlighted the remarkable diversity of the Tokyo Islands and their potential to attract discerning travelers seeking authenticity and rare, off-the-beaten-path destinations. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of accessing pristine, culturally rich destinations directly by business jet—an experience that combines exclusivity, convenience, and deep immersion in Japan’s natural and cultural heritage. The demonstration underscored the unique value that remote islands such as Hachijojima and Oshima can offer to business aviation users seeking new high-end travel experiences.

Watch our youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLGqVilQfrA

Exhibiting at NBAA-BACE 2025

The results of the project were subsequently presented at NBAA-BACE 2025, held in Las Vegas in October 2025. At the convention, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government introduced the Tokyo Islands and their developing aviation accessibility to an international audience of operators, aircraft manufacturers, service providers, and aviation professionals. The presentation drew significant attention, with many attendees expressing strong interest in incorporating island destinations into broader itineraries for travel to Japan. Stakeholders anticipate that this rising awareness will encourage more travelers to explore the Tokyo Islands, supporting tourism growth and regional revitalization. In summary, the Tokyo Islands—anchored by Hachijojima and Oshima—offer a rare combination of accessibility, cultural richness, natural beauty, and uniqueness. For the aviation industry and sophisticated travelers alike, the region represents a promising new frontier. As global travelers increasingly seek destinations that provide authenticity, seclusion, and premium experiences, the Tokyo Islands stand ready to play a transformative role. For operators, charter brokers, and business jet owners exploring new opportunities within Japan, now is the ideal moment to discover these remarkable islands—where tradition, innovation, and the Pacific’s natural splendor converge in extraordinary harmony.

For Reference：Airport Data

Hachijojima Airport (RJTH)

• Runway: 2,000 meters × 45 meters
• Operational Hours: Typically from 08:00 to 18:00 local time

Oshima Airport (RJTO)

• Runway: 1,800 meters × 45 meters
• Operational Hours:
  • March 1 – September 30: 08:30–17:30 local time
  • October 1 – February 28/29: 08:30–16:30 local time