Beyond Japan’s main islands of Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido lie hundreds of smaller islands offering dramatically different experiences — Okinawa’s subtropical coral seas, the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, volcanic Izu and Ogasawara, and the remote Amami archipelago. This guide covers the main island travel options for visitors.
Okinawa
Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa consists of over 150 islands stretching 1,000km from Kyushu toward Taiwan. Culturally and ecologically distinct from mainland Japan, Okinawa has its own language (Ryukyuan), music traditions, cuisine, and architecture — a legacy of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom (1429–1879). For international visitors, Okinawa is primarily known for beaches, diving, and a relaxed tropical pace.
Okinawa Main Island (Okinawa-honto)
- Naha: The prefectural capital. Kokusai-dori (International Street) is the main tourist shopping and dining strip. Shuri Castle (Shuri-jo) — the former Ryukyu Kingdom palace, reconstructed after fire damage in 2019 — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site undergoing ongoing restoration.
- Central Okinawa beaches: Okinawa main island beaches are accessible from Naha by rental car or bus. Emerald Beach (within Ocean Expo Park, with free entry to the beach) and Manza Beach are popular. Most beaches are calmer than the outlying islands.
- American Village (Mihama): A shopping and entertainment development in Chatan catering to both US military personnel from nearby bases and Japanese tourists, with a distinctive retro-American aesthetic.
The Kerama Islands
A group of islands 30–40km west of Naha, accessible by high-speed ferry (30–60 minutes). The Keramas are considered among Japan’s best diving and snorkelling destinations — the area’s clear water has over 30m visibility and coral reef systems that survived the bleaching events that affected other regions. The main inhabited islands are Zamami-jima and Tokashiki-jima. Day trips from Naha are common; staying overnight allows a quieter island experience.
Miyako-jima
Approximately 300km southwest of Naha, Miyako-jima is famous for exceptionally flat topography, flat-water beaches (Yonaha Maehama is consistently voted Japan’s most beautiful beach), and clear water suitable for snorkelling from shore. The Miyako Islands are connected by bridges to neighbouring small islands including Irabu-jima. Direct flights from Tokyo Haneda (approximately 3 hours) and Naha (approximately 45 minutes).
Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands
Japan’s southernmost accessible island group. Ishigaki is the main hub — accessible by direct flight from Tokyo (approximately 3.5 hours) or via Naha. Day trips from Ishigaki reach neighbouring islands: Taketomi-jima (traditional Ryukyuan village with buffalo cart rides), Iriomote-jima (jungle, mangroves, kayaking, rare wildcat), and Kohama-jima. The waters around Iriomote have notable diving.
Seto Inland Sea Islands
The Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku contains dozens of inhabited islands, several of which have been transformed into arts destinations. The Setouchi Triennale — an international contemporary art festival held every three years (most recent: 2022; next: 2025) — draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to installations across the islands.
- Naoshima: The centrepiece of the arts island cluster. Houses three Tadao Ando-designed museums (Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum, Lee Ufan Museum), the Art House Project in Honmura village, and Yayoi Kusama’s giant pumpkin sculptures. Accessible from Uno Port (Okayama) or Takamatsu.
- Teshima: Home to the Teshima Art Museum — a large concrete shell housing a single work (water emerging from tiny holes in the floor) in a landscape setting. Also notable for rice terraces restored by art festival participants.
- Inujima: A small island with a former copper refinery converted into an art site (Inujima Seirensho Art Museum). Half-day visit from Okayama is possible.
Izu Islands (Tokyo)
A chain of volcanic islands extending south of Tokyo, administratively part of Tokyo Metropolis. Accessible by overnight ferry from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo. The main islands for visitors:
- Oshima: Largest and most accessible island; active volcano (Mt. Mihara), hot springs, camellia forests. Day trips by ferry or short flight from Tokyo.
- Niijima and Shikinejima: Known for white sand beaches and surf. Popular summer destinations for Tokyo residents.
- Miyake-jima: An active volcano island with unusual birdlife; gas masks are distributed on some parts of the island due to volcanic fumes.
Ogasawara Islands (Tokyo)
A remote archipelago 1,000km south of Tokyo, accessible only by a 24-hour ferry from Takeshiba (no air access). The Bonin Islands (Chichi-jima, Haha-jima) are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their ecology — oceanic island ecosystems with many endemic species. Dolphin and whale watching, diving, and hiking are the main activities. The journey itself — two days at sea in each direction — is part of the experience. The ferry runs approximately once every 6 days.
Practical Notes for Island Travel
- Okinawa flights: Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, and ANA/JAL all fly to Okinawa (Naha). Low-cost carriers offer competitive fares from Tokyo and Osaka.
- Okinawa rental cars: Essential for the main island; limited public transport outside Naha. International driving permit required for non-Japanese licence holders.
- Okinawa timing: Peak season is July–August; the typhoon season runs June–October. Spring (April–June before typhoon season) and autumn (November) are quieter and typically pleasant.
- Seto Inland Sea: Best combined with a JR Pass, which covers Shinkansen and local trains to the departure ports. Ferry tickets to Naoshima are separate.
Related Pages
For outdoor activities including diving and water sports, see Outdoor Activities in Japan. For seasonal timing, see Best Time to Visit Japan. For transport between island hub cities, see Japan Rail Pass Guide.