Ryukyu Islands

A subtropical island chain spanning southern Kagoshima and Okinawa, where Okinawa Island, Miyako, Ishigaki and Amami each have their own sea colors and Ryukyuan character.

The Ryukyu Islands (Nansei Islands) stretch from the southern tip of Kyushu almost to Taiwan. For travelers they mainly mean Okinawa Island, the Miyako Islands, the Yaeyama Islands (Ishigaki, Taketomi, Iriomote) and the Amami Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture. They span two prefectures, so they are not the same as Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa Island suits a self-drive trip, with Shuri Castle, the Churaumi Aquarium, Kouri Island and Kokusai-dori; Miyako Island is known for its "Miyako Blue" sea and the Irabu Bridge; Ishigaki is the gateway to Yaeyama, from which you can island-hop to Taketomi's red-tiled village and Iriomote's mangroves and primeval jungle; Amami Oshima keeps more pristine subtropical forest, and in 2021 was listed as a World Natural Heritage site together with Iriomote. Plan 4–5 days on the main island, plus 3–4 more for one group of outlying islands. Naha, Miyako and Ishigaki all have international or domestic direct flights; between islands you mostly fly, and within Yaeyama you take high-speed boats. Traffic on the main island is congested and public transport is weak, so renting a car is strongly recommended (you need an international driving permit or a Japanese translation of your license). In summer, watch for sun and typhoons, and choose properly certified shops for diving and snorkeling.

Destinations

Itineraries