Nestled in the heart of the Philippine Sea lies a small island that defies ordinary living standards. This town built inside an active volcano can be found on Aogashima, the most remote island in the Izu archipelago in the Philippine Sea about 222 miles south of Tokyo, Japan. Home to around 500 residents, Aogashima offers a unique combination of natural beauty, geothermal resources, and adventure.
This village is a giant volcanic crater itself living inside its caldera. When it last erupted it killed nearly half of the island’s population and the remaining fled away to save their lives. However, largely untouched by tourism, Aogashima is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, explorers, and outdoorsy types. Let’s dive into the details of this remote island and the life within a volcanic crater!
The last eruption of the volcanic island
1785 was an unforgettable year for the residents of Aogashima. Unfortunately, most of them were not alive to witness the most tragic event of the island’s history. The islanders know the story very well and still choose to live inside an active volcano. It is said that on May 18, the ground began to shake and heaps of gas and smoke came out from the mouth of the island’s volcano. By June 4, out of 327 residents of the island, 130-140 people perished. The remaining had to escape from the shooting rocks, mud, and hot smoke.
Living in a town built inside an active volcano
Blessed with hot springs and geothermal energy from the volcano, the lifestyle of its people is adapted accordingly. At the center of the island lies a geothermal sauna and a free public facility utilizing geothermal power and gas for cooking. Steamed fresh vegetables, potatoes, or eggs using geothermal power is one of the specialties of Aogashima.
Many of the residents here are farmers and fishermen. Besides acres of greenery, the island is home to a shochu distillery; the national spirit of Japan, a salt manufacturer, several general stores, a bed and breakfast, and an automobile repair factory. Most of its residents travel by car rather than biking or walking despite the island’s small size.
If you are a tourist visiting one of the island’s natural saunas, you can experience cooking food by placing it on top of one of the sauna’s steam vents. Moreover, the sauna has a collection of pots and pans for boiling eggs and other snacks for your liking. As the island is in the middle of the Philippine Sea, Fishing is a popular leisure activity for many residents. Hiking, camping, and swimming are also popular pursuits in this tropical serenity.
Will the volcano revive?
The Japanese Meteorological Agency, the governmental authority responsible for monitoring the nation’s 110 active volcanoes, has the volcano still registered as active. The islanders are willing to take the risk knowing that there’s always the chance that history could repeat itself.
The most adventurous community in the world
According to what residents believe, they try to avoid being too bothered by the possibility of another eruption. As it happened over 230 years they seem to think that no one can go against nature and focus on the luxury of being able to live on such an island. This brave community living inside this remote volcanic island prioritizes living with nature’s blessing rather than the deadly risk.
Conclusion
Every new day is another one in paradise for islanders with the willingness to embrace the extraordinary even though it comes with inherent risks. The town built inside an active volcano offers a compelling choice to those who seek adventures for life connected with natural sources. The community here is living proof that amidst the potential disaster, life can be wonderful and precise with its unique characteristics. Yet, the question remains: would you choose adventure and live on this remote volcanic island?
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