Japan Island Hopping: A Guide to Remote Islands
Japan has over 6,800 islands, of which several hundred are inhabited. Beyond the four main islands (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, Hokkaido), there are clusters of remote islands offering empty beaches, crystal-clear water, unique cultures, and a pace of life utterly removed from Japan’s urban intensity. Island hopping in Japan requires more planning than mainland travel but rewards those who make the effort.
Seto Inland Sea Islands
The Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku contains hundreds of islands. Several have been transformed into extraordinary outdoor art destinations through the Setouchi Triennale art festival.
- Naoshima: Japan’s most famous art island. The Benesse Art Site Naoshima features works by James Turrell, Walter De Maria, and Richard Serra embedded in the landscape; the Chichu Art Museum is world-class. A 1-hour ferry from Takamatsu or 50 min from Uno (near Okayama).
- Teshima: Teshima Art Museum (a concrete shell over a natural spring with a hole in the ceiling) is one of Japan’s most profound art spaces. Accessible from Takamatsu or Uno by ferry.
- Inujima: A copper refinery ruin transformed into an art site. 10-minute ferry from Ushimado (near Okayama).
- Shodoshima: The largest Seto island; famous for olive cultivation, soy sauce brewing, and a scenic gorge (Kankakei) with autumn colours. Regular ferries from Takamatsu and Himeji.
Okinawa’s Outer Islands
Okinawa Prefecture extends 1,000 km from mainland Japan to islands near Taiwan. The outer islands offer some of Japan’s finest beaches, subtropical culture, and world-class diving.
- Miyako-jima: Famous for Yonaha Maehama beach (regularly ranked among Asia’s most beautiful) and exceptional diving at Miyako Blue dive sites. Flights from Naha (45 min) or overnight ferry.
- Ishigaki-jima (Yaeyama Islands): Gateway to the Yaeyama chain. Dramatic coral reefs, Kabira Bay (glass-bottom boat tours over Japanese pearl beds), and access to Iriomote and Kohama islands. Flights from Tokyo (3 hours) or Naha (45 min).
- Iriomote-jima: Jungle-covered island with wild rivers, mangrove kayaking, and the rare Iriomote wildcat. Accessible by ferry from Ishigaki (40 min to Uehara).
- Taketomi-jima: Tiny island near Ishigaki with traditional Ryukyuan village architecture, red-roofed houses, and water buffalo cart tours. Day trip from Ishigaki (15-min ferry).
- Yonaguni-jima: Japan’s westernmost point. Known for the underwater rock formation that may be a man-made structure (disputed). Diving; hammerhead shark aggregations in winter. Flights from Ishigaki or Naha.
Izu Islands (Tokyo)
A chain of volcanic islands stretching south of Tokyo Bay, all technically part of Tokyo Metropolitan. Accessible by high-speed ferry from Takeshiba Pier.
- Oshima: Closest to Tokyo (2 hours by fast ferry). Mt Mihara (volcano), beaches, camellia flowers in spring.
- Niijima: Famous surf beach (Habushiura), glass-blowing art, hot spring foot bath by the beach.
- Mikurajima: Small island famous for wild dolphins (snorkeling with dolphins; permit required by lottery).
- Hachijo-jima: Tropical-feeling island 2.5 hours by fast ferry. Botanical garden, onsen, black-sand beaches, diving.
Goto Islands (Nagasaki)
Remote island chain in the East China Sea off Nagasaki. The islands were a refuge for hidden Christians during the Edo period; ancient village churches dot the landscape. Beautiful coastline, excellent diving, and authentic fishing village culture. Accessible by ferry from Nagasaki (1.5 hours to Fukue-jima) or limited flights.
Amami Oshima (Kagoshima)
Japan’s fifth-largest island, between Kyushu and Okinawa. Subtropical forests, sea turtles, endemic birds (Amami woodcock), and beautiful beaches. Flights from Tokyo (2 hours) or Osaka. A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
Practical Island Hopping Tips
- Ferry schedules are the key constraint. Most islands have 1-3 ferries per day; check timetables carefully and book ahead for overnight ferries to popular islands.
- High-speed ferries (jetfoil) are weather-dependent and may be cancelled in rough sea conditions. Build a flexible buffer into your schedule.
- Rental scooters and bicycles are the standard island transport. Bring a Japanese international driving permit if you need a car.
- Accommodation on smaller islands is limited; book months ahead for summer (July-August) peak season.
- Island hopping is best combined with at least 2-3 nights per island to appreciate the slower pace. Rush-visiting islands defeats the purpose.