Scenery of Kabira Bay, Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Collectively known as the Southwest Islands, the Nansei-shotō (南西諸島) comprises several chains of semitropical, coral-fringed isles far removed from the concerns of mainland life, where the slow pace and unique cultural heritage of the former Ryūkyū kingdom endures, offering a vibrant contrast to Japan's focus on modernity and technology.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Sunayama Beach

    Sunayama Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Just 4km north of the Hirara district of Miyakojima city, you'll find this little, archetypally tropical Japan beach, which lies at the bottom of a large…

  • Nishibama Beach, Aka Island, Kerama Islands, Okinawa, Japan, Asia

    Nishibama Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Lovely beaches fringe every side of the island, but for sheer postcard-perfect beauty, it's hard to beat the 1km stretch of white sand on the northeast…

  • Japan, Okinawa, Kerama Islands, Zamami Island, Woman walking on Furuzamani Beach

    Furuzamami Beach

    Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

    Approximately 1km southeast from the port (over the hill) is this stunning 700m stretch of white sand, fronted by clear, shallow water and a bit of coral…

  • Shuri-jō

    Shuri-jō

    Naha

    This reconstructed castle was originally built in the 14th century and served as the administrative centre and royal residence of the Ryūkyū kingdom until…

  • Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

    Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum

    Naha

    Opened in 2007, this museum of Okinawa's history, culture and natural history is easily one of the best museums in Japan. Displays are well laid out,…

  • Daichi Makishi Kōsetsu Ichiba

    Daichi Makishi Kōsetsu Ichiba

    Naha

    In Naha, a great place to sample everyday Okinawan eats is at one of the 2nd-floor eateries in this covered food market just off Ichibahon-dōri, about…

  • Jōmon-sugi

    Jōmon-sugi

    Ōsumi Islands

    This enormous yakusugi tree is estimated to be between 3000 and 7000 years old, and though no longer living, it remains a majestic sight. Most hikers…

  • Sunset Beach

    Sunset Beach

    Yaeyama Islands

    At the north end of the island, on the west coast, you will find this long strip of sand with a bit of offshore reef. As the name implies, this is one of…

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Food

A guide to romantic Japan: where to eat, stay, love

Jun 15, 2017 • 7 min read

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Okinawa & the Southwest Islands and beyond

Beyond Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
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