Nagasaki
Once home to a major imperial Japanese base during the first Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War, Nagasaki also holds a poignant history as the second city after Hiroshima to be hit by an atomic bomb. Visit the Peace Memorial and explore numerous shrines and temples. Note the blend of old and new architecture with international influences from the US, Dutch, and Chinese.
Shimokoshikijima
Shimokoshikijima is a top geological site with scenic cliffs and dinosaur fossils scattered across the island. Explore the impressive 127m tall Napoleon Rock, visit the Satsumasendai Fossil Exhibition, see the famous three-tiered waterfall, explore dinosaur fossil sites, and listen to traditional Gottan music.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima, located on Kyushu's southwest tip, features the Satsuma and Osumi Peninsulas and a chain of islands, including the Amami Islands. The region boasts active and dormant volcanoes, such as the famous Sakurajima. Natural parks make up 9% of the area, offering stunning landscapes to explore.
Yakushima
Walk through UNESCO-listed thousand-year-old cedar forests and view a 25-meter-tall giant cedar tree estimated to be up to 7,200 years old at Yakusugi Land. Explore the island's numerous walking trails and visit some of its many waterfalls. The Yakusugi Museum displays the ecology, history, and industry of Yakushima Island's forests, providing insights into the Yakushima cedar trees, their products, and their harvesting history.
Suwanosejima
Suwanosejima is one of the Tokara Islands and is home to a population of less than 100 people who make their living from agriculture, fishing, and seasonal tourism. The volcano on this island is one of the most active in the world, in a state of near-continuous strombolian-style eruption since 1949. Cruise around the island to view this unique, remote destination.
Amami Oshima
Amami Oshima is home to rare endemic wildlife, including the prefectural Lidth’s Jay bird, recognizable by its blue and red plumage, and the Amami black rabbit, one of the most primitive species of rabbit alive today. Amami Oshima’s underwater ecosystem is equally as diverse as its shoreside flora and fauna. Enjoy time on the picturesque tropical beaches by swimming, kayaking, and diving. Explore the Kuroshio Forest by kayak and learn about the island’s history at Amani Park.
Okinoerabujima
The ‘island of flowers and limestone caves’ is a beautiful and peaceful island. Over 300 limestone caves can be found here, where you can discover the natural beauty and mysteries that have spawned many of the legends surrounding these natural treasures. Venture into Shoryudo Cave and be surrounded by twinkling stalactites and stalagmites. Spot abundant marine life alongside numerous species of coral while swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the island’s pristine waters.
Motobu, Okinawa
In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nakijin Castle, one of Japan’s most famous Gusuku Castles. Enjoy a Japanese buffet lunch at the Marine Piazza featuring organic local genki vegetables, traditional Okinawan stir fry, tempura dishes, and famous local Okinawan soups and soba noodles.
Following lunch, stroll along the scenic Bise-Fukugi Road, where rows of camphor trees create a beautiful tree-lined path. Enjoy the sunlight streaming through the leaves, the rustling of the camphor trees, and the tranquil silence that evokes the feeling of being in an old Okinawan village. Choose to take in the scenery with a 20-minute ox cart ride through the picturesque tree-lined local streets, offering a unique and leisurely way to explore the area. Alternatively, enjoy water activities of swimming and snorkeling from the beach at the well-known area called Gorilla Chop, located less than a kilometer from the Motobu Pier.
Kerama National Park, Zamami Island
The water clarity here is world-class and the color of the ocean even has its own namesake: ‘Kerama blue’. The underwater scenery is spectacular and lures scuba divers from around the world, though is equally appealing for snorkelers. Visit the observatories on Zamami Island and enjoy magnificent views. Swim, snorkel, and scuba dive from the pristine beaches of largely undeveloped islands that receive few visitors. For walkers, you will be able to hike to the summit of Mt Takatsuki for incredible views of the islands and walk back through the quaint Zamami Village to experience true island life.
Kumejima
Part of the Okinawa Shoto Island group, Kumejima is known for its numerous unique rock formations and quiet, unspoilt natural coastline. The island was once used to produce large amounts of rice due to its abundance of freshwater. Here, enjoy water activities in the warm waters and cruise the rocky coastline.
Miyakojima
Composed of limestone, this triangular island is one of three islands connected by bridges. Known to be home to some of Japan’s best beaches, it is a great spot for water activities with its unique limestone caves, canyons, and rock formations. It is possible to swim through tunnels, short passageways, and even into a pitch-black dome, where a misty sheet of vapor surrounds you as you pop your head up from the water. Observe the 1600 species of flora on the island on a stroll through the Botanical Garden and walking trails.
Iriomote
On Iriomote Island, the second-largest island in Okinawa, kayak through the mangroves and soak in views of the largely undeveloped island covered in dense jungle.
Ishigaki
Ishigaki, known as ‘the country of poets, the island of songs, and the land of dance,' is an entertainment culture unique to Okinawa. View the majestic manta rays, as Ishigaki is also home to the highest encounters of these ocean giants. Ranked the number one diving destination in Japan for 16 years with high visibility and vibrant coral and marine life, enjoy diving and snorkeling here.
