Aogashima - Living inside the crater of a volcano
Have you ever in your life, tried to imagine how it would be living in a crater of a volcano? Even if this volcano is still active, ready to explode at any moment? Well, it seems utter madness, but you can take this question with some 200 residents of the Volcanic Island of Aogashima.
The island of Aogashima (青 ヶ 島 村), despite being located almost 400 kilometers from Tokyo, is administered by the Japanese capital. It is part of the chain of islands of Izu Peninsula, located in the Philippine Sea. It is surprising to know that there are people who live in such a remote and devoid of technology like this, where you can only get through two ways: by boat or helicopter.
Aogashima Island map
It is considered the smallest city in Japan and as in any small town, Aogashima has a small infrastructure for the residents who live there, with a school, a post office, bars and two restaurants. Another thing that strikes this island is quiet, so it is a great place to relax.
But relax as if the island is simply an active volcano? : Shock: And if that's not enough, in the center there is another smaller volcano, called Maruyama. That is, a volcano inside the crater of another volcano! Could you live quiet, knowing that could occur an eruption at any time?
Volcanic Island of Aogashima
* Aerial view of Aogashima Island
Well, the locals believe it is safe to live there, since Aogashima is considered an active volcano Class-C. The last eruption was in 1785 and killed about 140 people, representing almost half the population of 327 inhabitants who lived on the island at that time. The island was evacuated, but 50 years later, many people ended up returning to the island, attracted by the unspoilt nature of the site.
Aogashima Island 2
* Main Street Aogashima Island
They also say that the night Aogashima is simply a spectacle due to the starry sky that can be seen on the island. Check out the photo gallery on the official website. Anyway, for those who want peace and quiet, this is a perfect island to live. Since the volcanoes remain dormant is clear: lol :.
