Where do the Flying Fox and the Honeyeater live together? It sounds like a riddle from a Dr. Seuss story, but both species are endemic to the Ogasawara Islands – also known as the Bonin Islands – off the coast of Japan.

The variety of unique species on the islands has earned them World Heritage recognition and the nickname "Galapagos of the Orient." The islands attract visitors from around the world who come to explore the breathtaking landscapes and experience a secluded, calm way of life.

Comprised of 30 islands scattered across the Pacific, the Ogasawara Islands are scientifically valuable because they show a range of species from southeast and northwest Asia as well as a number of endemic species, says UNESCO. Nature-lovers can revel in the experience of seeing whales, snorkeling around coral reefs, and hiking across the many different islands.

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The islands aren't only famous for their biological diversity, but also for the strange role they play in American history. For years, especially during and after World War II, the islands were caught in a tug-of-war between the U.S. and Japan. For a while the island was ruled by the United States Navy, and even today there are a limited number of Westerners who live on the islands and speak English, reported the New York Times.

Despite being 600 miles away from Tokyo, the islands are part of the same prefecture and can be reached by ferry, though the ride is 25 hours long. Lonely Planet recommends spending some time at Pelan Village on the populated island of Chichi-jima, where the operators grow their own food and provide guests with wooden cabins complete with solar showers and bush toilets.

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