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Fuji-Hakone-Izu NP, Tokyo
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Ura-Sabaku is the only place in Japan labeled “desert” on Geospatial Information Authority of Japan maps. It’s on volcanic Izu Oshima, part of Tokyo—not on the mainland.
In 1931, 2 camels and 11 donkeys were brought in for rides across the desert landscape. Early visitors could also hurtle down a slide here—a rather different way to explore a volcano!
Southwesterly winds blow Mt. Mihara’s ash and scoria onto its northeast flank. Wind and rain keep the loose surface shifting between eruptions, making it hard for seeds and sprouts to settle.
The 1986 eruption laid about 20–60 cm of scoria over the desert. Nearly 40 years later, plants are gradually returning; volcanic gas, once another obstacle to growth, stopped being emitted in the early 1990s.
Ura-Sabaku once had a companion called Omote-Sabaku, or “front desert,” on the caldera’s northwest side. Lava from the 1950–51 eruption covered much of it, erasing its desert landscape.
Hachijo itadori is one of the first plants to take hold here. Its seeds have 3 wings to catch the wind, and its fallen leaves slowly build soil—helping make room for other plants.
