Hachijo Botantical Garden

The Hachijo Botanical Garden (八丈植物公園) is a sprawling, 20-hectare verdant oasis that serves as the perfect introduction to the island’s unique subtropical ecosystem. Opened in 1962, this lush park is meticulously divided into specialized zones, including volcanic rock gardens, exotic greenhouses, and dense woodland trails. It offers a condensed version of the island’s wild interior, making it an essential stop for nature enthusiasts and those looking to understand the diverse flora that thrives in the humid climate of the Tokyo Metropolis’s distant frontier.

One of the garden’s most unexpected residents is the Kyon (Reeves’s muntjac), a small species of deer that has become a beloved local mascot. You can find them in a dedicated enclosure near the center of the park. However, for many, the true “shining” star of the garden is the Yakoushitake, or glowing mushrooms (Mycena chlorophos). While these bioluminescent fungi sprout naturally in the island’s forests during the humid summer months, the on-site Hachijo Visitor Center often features them in a controlled darkroom environment. Seeing their eerie, neon-green glow in person is a surreal experience that feels more like science fiction than botany.

The Visitor Center itself is a goldmine for travelers; it is the best place on the island to pick up topographical maps, check current hiking trail conditions, and learn about the volcanic history of Mount Hachijo-Fuji. After gathering your info, take a stroll through the tropical greenhouse to see rare hibiscus and ferns, then head to the park’s elevated viewpoint for a panoramic look at the island’s coastline. Whether you are beginning your journey or seeking a quiet afternoon among the palms, the garden is a beautifully curated sanctuary of island life.

Visitor Information
Address	2843 Okogo, Hachijo-machi, Hachijojima, Tokyo 100-1401 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Greenhouse closes at 4:00 PM)
Price	Free
Website	Visit Website

Access Information
Method	Transport	Access Details
Bus	Hachijo Town Bus	Get off at the “Shokubutsu Koen-mae” (Botanical Garden) stop.
Rental Car	From Airport	A very short 5-minute drive from Hachijojima Airport.
Walking	From Airport	Approximately a 15-to-20 minute walk from the airport terminal.