Destination: Japan
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Island Hopping to Okinawa
3 WEEKS-1 MONTH/KYUSHU TO OKINAWA
This island-hopping route is a fine choice for nature lovers, divers, snorkellers and beach bums. The route, which covers around 1300 kilometres and takes around 60 hours of travel time, takes in a laid-back, tropical side of Japan that is relatively unknown outside the country. If you arrive in Japan in the dead of winter and need a break from the cold, head to the islands - you won't regret it!
For those with the time to explore tropical laid-back Japan, this is a great option. Make full use of the one-week ferry pass and head south from Kagoshima overnight to Amami-Oshima, where crystal-clear waters and outdoor activities await. Tokunoshima has a 600-year history of bullfighting, while Okinoerabu-jima is an uplifted coral reef with over 300 caves that is covered with cultivated flowers in spring. Yoron-to is surrounded by coral and boasts beautiful Yurigahama, a stunning stretch of white sand inside the reef that disappears at high tide.
After a week in the islands of Kagoshima-ken, you're into Okinawa and a day or two in bustling Naha is a must. Don't miss a stroll down Kokusai-dori or a sip of awamori (local alcohol) in one of its countless bars. Take time out for a day trip to nearby Tokashiki-jima to relax on superb Aharen beach, or for a bit of snorkelling at Zamami-jima.
Those who are out of time can fly back to the mainland from Naha, but a great option is to keep island-hopping by ferry, visiting sugar-cane covered Miyako-jima, known for its fine beaches and excellent diving, on the way to Ishigaki-jima. Ishigaki is a great base for a day trip to the 'living museum' of Taketomi-jima. Jungle-covered Iriomote-jima has some brilliant hikes, while divers can swim with the rays in 'Manta Way' between Iriomote-jima and Kohama-jima. Japan's westernmost point, and the country's top marlin fishing spot, is at Yonaguni-jima. It's even possible to keep going by ferry from Ishigaki to Taiwan.
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