Is The Miyake Jima Island Safe

Miyake Jima Island, Tokiyo

Miyake Jima Island, Tokiyo

Miyake - Jima is an inhabited volcanic island in the Izu archipelago in the Philippines Sea approximately 180 kilometers ( 110 mi ) southeast of Tokyo, Japan. As with the other island in the Izu Island group, Miyake - Jima forms part of the Fuji - Hakone - Izu National Park.

Here, the land rests atop am active volcanic chain that has erupted six times in the last century. However, the danger isn't just from the highest concentration of poisonous gasses ( primarily sulfur ) in the world regularly leaking up through the ground.

In 2000, a mass evacuation was instituted due to extremely high levels of toxic gas in the area after a series of eruptions from Mount Oyama, the main volcano on the island. All flights into the area were stopped for over eight years due to the high levels of sulfur as well. Miyakejima residents were finally permitted to return to their " normal " routine in 2005 thought residents are required to carry a gas mask with them at all times.

Miyake Jima Island, Tokiyo

Hypothetically speaking, were one to visit the Izu Islands, they might wake to a siren in the middle of the night, only to be met in the dark by a confused, wandering child wearing a gas mask, a hand extended asking " Are you my mother? ".

Although Miyakejima appears frightening and almost post apocalyptic, tourists can, in fact, visit the island. Aside from the dangers of poisonous gas, parts of the island are extremely lush and apparently the scuba diving is a beautiful experience filled with dolphin sightings. For visitors who believe the benefits outweigh the danger, gas masks are available upon arrival at many tourist shops on the island.

Know Before You Go

Visitors can reach Miyakejima by boat or helicopter flight from Tokiyo.