Okinawa Prefecture is home to nearly 700 islands, approximately 40 of which are inhabited. These islands, accessible by air or ferry, each boast unique natural landscapes, cultures, and lifestyles, offering a distinctly different travel experience from the main island. This article features a selection of recommended islands accessible from Okinawa's main island, including the Miyako Islands, Yaeyama Islands, and Daito Islands. We'll provide tips for a special trip where you can truly experience the island's unique atmosphere.
List of articles about remote islands
10 unique and unusual spots in Okinawa. How many have you been to?
Okinawa Prefecture is rich in nature, and you can enjoy it thoroughly even with a regular sightseeing trip, but some people may be getting a little tired of it.
For those of you looking for something unique, this time we'll introduce 10 unusual spots in Okinawa that may not be the main tourist attractions, but are sure to play a quiet, understated role.
These spots are quite different from the usual choices; how many of them have you been to?
Ie Island Tourist Attractions | A 30-minute boat trip from Okinawa Main Island
Ie Island is an outlying island connected to Okinawa Main Island by ferry. Its popularity stems from its easy accessibility, requiring only a 30-minute boat trip.
Ie Island is small enough that you can drive around it in a day, making it possible to fully enjoy it on a day trip.
The relaxed pace of life on the island makes you forget the usual hustle and bustle, and you might find yourself selfishly saying, "Ah, I don't want to go home..."
In this article, we'll introduce nine carefully selected tourist spots on Ie Island!
Ie Island Car Rental Information | Reservations, Rates, and Comparison with Taking Your Car on the Ferry
This page summarizes information about car rentals on Ie Island, including reservations and pricing.
In the latter half, we also compare the costs of taking a rental car on the ferry with the cost of transporting your own vehicle.
A new mecca for road cycling! Scenic cycling around Kumejima Island in Okinawa.
Sports bicycles (road bikes and hybrid bikes) have become popular in recent years. The exhilarating feeling of pedaling and the maneuverability that allows you to move freely make them well-suited for travel, and are ideal for experiencing the charm of a place with your whole body.
Amidst all this, Kumejima, which we'll be introducing today, has become a mecca for road cyclists, even hosting cycling events. Not only does it offer stunning scenery, but it also provides a challenging and rewarding ride, captivating many cyclists.
This time, I took my own bicycle to Kumejima Island and cycled around it in two days and one night, so I'd like to share my experience.
Iejima Ferry Information | Reservations, Timetable, and How to Ride
The only way to access Ie Island is by ferry.
Ie Island is a remote island that can be reached by a boat trip of "just 30 minutes" from Motobu Port, which is near Churaumi Aquarium, making it perfect for day trips to the beach or hiking.
This article will cover everything from the Iejima ferry timetable and fares to how to make reservations, boarding points for cars and on foot, and what Motobu Port and Ie Port are like!
*Currently, there are some important points to note when visiting the island.Ie Village HomepagePlease check the details provided there before boarding.
A short 20-minute hike to Iejima Tacchu offers stunning views of Shiroyama Mountain.
Iejima Tacchu (written as "城山" in kanji) is a spot where you can enjoy easy hiking, located in the heart of Iejima, one of Okinawa's remote islands.
On clear days, you can see it from the Churaumi Aquarium, so you've probably seen it before.
From the mountaintop, you can see all around Ie Island, and you'll be captivated by the scenery that reflects the island's true, unadulterated beauty.
I recently climbed Iejima's Tacchu, so here's my report!
Two recommended beaches on Ie Island: Ie Beach or GI Beach - which one would you choose?
Ie Island, accessible by a 30-minute boat trip from Okinawa Main Island, boasts attractive beaches! The white sandy beaches and blue sea are exactly the kind of scenery you imagine when you think of "Okinawa's sea."
This article introduces Ie Beach and GI Beach, two of Ie Island's most representative beaches, providing detailed information from their characteristics to parking facilities and more!
We'll also introduce some hidden gems perfect for those times when you just want to play by the water's edge for a little while and enjoy the ocean to the fullest!
My target was hammerhead sharks! I went diving in Yonaguni Island.
Yonaguni Island, the westernmost point of Japan, is surrounded by the Kuroshio Current and is one of the best diving areas in the country where you have a high chance of seeing schools of hammerhead sharks!
It's a world-famous spot, attracting divers from Europe, America, and Asia.
During the diving season, if you're lucky, you can encounter more than 100 hammerhead sharks, commonly known as the "hammerhead river."
This time, I, a first-time visitor to Yonaguni Island, tried my hand at diving in search of hammerhead sharks.
I'll share my experiences, the appeal of diving, how to dive, and important points to keep in mind.
The closest restaurant to Tokashiki Port | Cafe Sea Friend Jr.
While waiting for the ferry from Tokashiki Island to Naha, I felt hungry and wandered around the Tokashiki Port area looking for something to eat, or at least something to drink.
I was naive to think that I'd find something at the port.
There are no vending machines within a three-minute walk of Tokashiki Port. And the shops aren't open yet.
And there's only one restaurant.
The name of that one shop is "Cafe Sea Friend Jr."
The location is on the second floor of the former ferry waiting room at Tokashiki Port.
With no other options, I climbed the narrow stairs and entered the shop, finding myself in a space that felt just like a neighborhood cafe.
We finished three bottles of wine! We had island Italian food at "café Shimamun+" on Tokashiki Island.
Tokashiki Island in winter is quiet with few tourists. Temporary closures of restaurants are not uncommon.
On the day I visited Tokashiki Island, all the restaurants in the Aharen district, the center of Tokashiki's tourist area, were closed for the day, as if they had all coordinated their closures.
I went to "café Shimamun+" simply because there were no other restaurants open. However, in the end, it far exceeded my expectations and left me extremely satisfied!
I'm convinced that staying on Tokashiki Island was worthwhile, even during the off-season.
This time, I'd like to introduce "café Shimamun+", an Italian restaurant on Tokashiki Island.
Ranking of tourist spots on Tokashiki Island, categorized by accessibility!
Tokashiki Island is just a 35-minute high-speed ferry ride from Tomari Port in Naha. While swimming at Aharen Beach and Tokashiku Beach is a popular activity, what other tourist spots should you visit besides swimming?
This time, we'll introduce the tourist spots on Tokashiki Island that we actually visited by rental car, ranked by ease of access.
A summary of information on transportation to Tokashiki Island, including reservations, fares, and timetables for high-speed boats and ferries.
Tokashiki Island is located about 35 minutes from Naha by high-speed ferry.
Combined with its exceptionally beautiful sea and easy access, the resort is fully booked every day during peak season with tourists looking to swim in the ocean.
If you're in Okinawa, it would be a shame not to see the Kerama Blue!
This time, we'll give you a complete guide on how to use the high-speed boats and ferries that serve as your base for getting to Tokashiki Island.
As a bonus, here's a guide on how to get around to the main spots on Tokashiki Island.
You'll regret not going! 14 recommended remote islands easily accessible from Okinawa Main Island by car and boat.
Tsuken Island is a 15-minute high-speed ferry ride from Heshikiya Port in Uruma City.
Besides Okinawa Island, where Naha is located, Okinawa has many other outlying islands.
Some of these places can be reached by driving across a bridge that spans a sparkling sea, while others can be visited on a day trip by simply taking a short boat ride.
Each island has its own unique characteristics, and there are different ways to enjoy them.
Here's a roundup of remote islands you might want to visit while staying on the main island.
Recommended by a writer living in Ishigaki Island! Must-try lunch spots in Ishigaki Island.
Just an hour's flight from Okinawa Main Island, the Yaeyama Islands, centered around Ishigaki Island, boast a unique food culture distinct from that of Okinawa Main Island.
Ishigaki Island and the Yaeyama Islands boast a wealth of attractive establishments, from restaurants using local island ingredients to cafes with stunning ocean views! With limited time during your stay, it can be hard to decide which places to visit.
So, in this article, I, a food lover and resident of Ishigaki Island, will introduce some recommended restaurants that I would love for everyone visiting Ishigaki Island and the Yaeyama Islands to try.
A journey to be moved by the Kerama Blue. The allure of diving in Tokashiki Island!
The Kerama Islands in Okinawa are famous as a diving spot in Japan that divers from all over the world dream of visiting.
Tokashiki Island is the largest of the more than 20 islands in the Kerama Islands, which are straddled together by a chain of islands of varying sizes.
It's also famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Aharen Beach and Tokashiku Beach. And among the Kerama Islands, Tokashiki Island is the closest to Naha, the gateway to Okinawa Main Island!
So, in this article, I'd like to introduce the appeal of diving in Tokashiki Island.
Nagannu Island | A stunning beach on a remote island accessible as a day trip from Naha.
Nagannu Island is an uninhabited island accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from Naha. Located within a national park, the small island is surrounded by stunning ocean waters. We'll introduce you to the charms of this island, which can only be accessed on a day trip from Naha.
Just a 15-minute boat ride from Okinawa Main Island! Experience the breathtaking beauty of Minna Island's ocean and enjoy marine activities in its coral reefs.
Minnajima, a popular island in northern Okinawa Main Island, is easily accessible from the main island by regular high-speed ferry in just 15 minutes. Despite its easy accessibility, the island boasts exceptionally clear waters and is a treasure trove of swimming and marine activities. The island's total population is just over 20, but it attracts a staggering 6 tourists annually! During the summer, high-speed ferry tickets are difficult to reserve, but using a tour with transportation included will ensure your visit is smooth. This article will introduce the charms of this beautiful little island, Minnajima, as well as how to access it and the marine activities that can be reserved.
My way of spending time on Aka Island [Beautiful sea designated as a national park]
In March 2014, the Kerama Islands in Okinawa were designated as a national park.
The sea around the Kerama Islands, which is particularly beautiful even within Okinawa, is called "Kerama Blue," and the gradation of various shades of blue is truly stunning.
The Kerama Blue is so captivating that tourists from all over the world visit the area.
This time, I'd like to introduce Akajima, one of the Kerama Islands.
This recommended itinerary will allow you to fully enjoy Akajima Island, featuring beautiful beaches, delicious lunches, and bars where you can enjoy authentic cocktails. Please use it as a reference!
Delicious food to enjoy on Yonaguni Island! This is the place to go for a meal!
Yonaguni Island and delicious food...
Many people might not quite understand this.
Indeed, there aren't many restaurants on the small island of Yonaguni.
But there is a restaurant that serves exquisite island cuisine that rivals that of other remote islands!
Even on Okinawa Island, there might not be another restaurant this delicious...!
On the small island of Yonaguni, located at the westernmost tip of Japan, there are actually some exquisite dishes hidden away.
This time, we've carefully selected two restaurants where you can enjoy exquisite cuisine!
*Notice of Yuki's shop closing*
Unfortunately, Yuki's place, which was the first place we introduced, closed down in October 2015.
Below is some information about the shop when it was in operation, for those who have fond memories of "Yuki-san's Place."
Want to try some street food? A complete guide to enjoying Miyako soba!
Originally, Miyako soba is characterized by having the toppings underneath the noodles!?
If you go to Miyako Island, you absolutely must try Miyako soba!
Here are some carefully selected restaurants serving delicious Miyako soba on Miyako Island and Okinawa Main Island.
Also, we'll answer those basic questions like, "What is Miyako soba?" and "How is it different from Okinawa soba?"
We've compiled helpful information for everyone who's interested in Miyako soba.
5 Tips to Avoid Diving Mistakes in Miyakojima | Spot Summary
Are you wondering where to go diving in Miyako Island, or how to choose a diving shop?
Miyako Island, renowned for its beautiful ocean, boasts over 60 diving shops, making it difficult to choose one due to the sheer volume of information available.
For those of you wondering whether you should choose a diving shop in Miyako Island, we'll share five secrets to ensure you have no regrets, along with a checklist of representative shops and the top recommendations from veteran instructors.
Top 4 Recommended Cafes on Kouri Island! [For those who want to enjoy Kouri Island to the fullest]
If you're going to Kouri Island, which boasts what's considered the best ocean on Okinawa Island, you'll want to enjoy the best views from a cafe there too!
In perpetually sunny Okinawa, taking a break at a cafe while gazing at the ocean is an important part of any trip.
This article will introduce all four cafes on Kouri Island, including their views and some of their menu items.
Three must-see beaches on Kouri Island
You often hear that the beaches on Kouri Island are beautiful, but what are they really like? How beautiful are they? If you're wondering about that, then this is for you!
In fact, Kouri Island is said to have the most beautiful beach in Okinawa.
Here, we'll provide you with all the essential information about Kouri Island's beaches, key points to keep in mind, and marine sports information.
This is all you need to know about the beaches on Kouri Island!
