Japan…, a land of extraordinary beauty. This is hands down a tourist’s paradise known for its spectacular mountains, lakes, beaches, and beautiful cities.
There’s always something captivating to see in this amazing nation.
Nothing quite beats its magnificent islands though, especially considering that there are a whopping 6,852 of them scattered across the country. Japan is pretty much a country made of islands.
However, only around 430 of these are inhabited, with a large chunk of them still wild and waiting to be explored. Each of these potential destinations has its unique landscape, and the inhabited ones are rich in unique culture and history.
In case you haven’t added one or several of them to your bucket list already, here are 8 of the most fascinating islands you should visit in Japan.
Kozushima
Size: 18.2 Square KM
Coastline: 22,000 KM
Kozushima has to be up there among the best islands you should visit in any part of the world. Being a part of Tokyo, this one is located in the south of the renowned Izu peninsula, sitting among a cluster of islands that include Ogasawara and Izu.
Kozushima is full of all the fun you’d ask for on a vacation trip. From clean, pristine beaches to campsites, water playgrounds… it’s all here. For those who love hiking and mountain climbing, you can take on Mount Tenjo, which rises to 572m.
There’s also a lot of outstanding local craft culture and other activities that will give you a glimpse into the natives’ way of life. You can even take part in local workshops, where you can learn how to create jewelry.
Once the sun goes down, lay back to enjoy the clear night skies and treat yourself to a fulfilling star gazing experience.
Okinawa
Size: 2,271 Square KM
Coastline: 476 KM
Okinawa is often confused with a cluster of islands known as Okinawa Prefecture. Among all of Japan’s tropical islands, Okinawa is the largest, most popular, and easily accessible one.
Okinawa, whose capital is Naha, has been a favorite getaway for Japanese people for a long time. Recently, it has become a popular destination for international tourists as well.
Okinawa was once a standalone Ryukyu kingdom, and it neighbors other Asian countries like China and Taiwan. These factors have shaped the island’s history and culture. The culinary art, daily life, spirituality, and architecture will give you an insight into the island’s Ryukyu Kingdom roots.
If you want to dig deeper, you can always visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum to learn all about Okinawa’s long history. Here, you can explore the island’s storied history and gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural heritage.
Oshima
Size: 91.6 Square KM
Coastline: 52 KM
Oshima is the largest of the Izu islands and sits around 100 kilometers from Tokyo. This destination too has a lot to die for, but nothing stands above its 758 feet tall Mount Mihara.
This active volcano has given the place a remarkable collection of hot springs that are quite a sight to behold.
Looking for the perfect snorkeling location? Head to the North or Western coasts, you won’t be disappointed.
Oshima has something for the die-hard hikers, too. Look no further than the center of this island, or take a trek to Mt. Mihara’s rugged face. You can even push your limits harder on a trek up the mountain to explore the caldera at the top.
Another attraction that has made Oshima the favorite destination for many is its fields of vibrant camellia flowers. If you go early in the year, you can also join in on the Camellia Matsuri, a local festival.
Ishigaki
Size: 222.5 Square KM
Among the many spectacular scenic landscapes in Japan is the Yaeyama Islands, consisting of Taketomi, Iriomote, and Ishigaki.
Each of these boasts its own amazing must-see corners, but Ishigaki is the more popular one, for good reasons.
For beach lovers, this will feel like paradise, especially once you make your way around to the Ishigaki Kabira Bay. The beauty of this bay alone, with its crystal clear blue waters and soft white sands, is worthy of a return visit.
And to top it all up, there are small rocky islands all over, adorned with vibrant green foliage. Ishigaki has also gained popularity over the years thanks to Ishigaki-Yaki – its amazing pottery.
You’ve got to see the glossy black finish of this pottery, combined with the electric blue coloring. If you visit the Ishigaki-Yaki Pottery Studio, you can even watch local ceramicists bring this marvel to life in real time.
Iriomote
Size: 289.3 Square KM
Coastline: 130 KM
Although it is the second-largest one of all the Japan’s tropical islands of Okinawa region, Iriomote is still yet to be a full-blown tourist destination.
That said, there’s still a whole lot to see here. From its rugged landscape to the picturesque beaches, you can’t go wrong with the waterfront adventures at Iriomote.
Should you decide to venture to the island, there’s a whole lush jungle and mangrove forests waiting for you. For those who love exploring, Iriomote offers excellent kayaking routes through its mangroves and scenic hiking trails that wind through its dense forests.
The jungle covers about 90% of the island and is home to Iriomote Yamaneko – a large, elusive, nocturnal wild cat.
Naoshima
Size: 14.22 Square KM
Welcome to Japan’s Art Island. Naoshima’s outstanding collection of art exhibits has seen it gain traction as a favorite destination for many tourists.
The island is home to a wide array of galleries, installations, and other attractions that have garnered over 800,000 visitors locally and from outside.
Everything from art, culture, design, and public outdoor sculptures – it’s all here. One thing about the exhibitions here is that the island maintains a strong illusive culture.
Exhibits cannot be shared outside the galleries, so you have to go over there to see them up close. Of course, once you step outside the exhibitions, the island offers a stunning natural setting with its beautiful environment and picturesque landscape.
And you can bet there’s a lot more to experience here as well. The local people’s culture, foods, and other fun activities as well, it’s all here.
Tsushima
Size: 708.6 Square KM
Coastline: 915 KM
Tsushima hasn’t been very popular, but since the release of the game Ghost of Tsushima on PlayStation 4 in 2020, the island has gained way more popularity.
The beauty of Tsushima that this game presented to the world is no artificial exaggeration, the island’s coastline speaks for itself. And there’s more than just the rocky inlets and beautiful bays.
Visitors have also been falling in love with other strikingly beautiful features like the Kaneda Fortress ruins. And then there’s the Watatsumi Shrine, which in itself would be worth the travel out here.
If that’s not enough, then the Tori gates will catch your attention. The amazing thing about these gates is how they appear to be floating on the sea surface.
Other attractions such as Kankoku Observatory, facing north towards Korea, will give you a reason to be thankful you came by.
There is also a whole lot more to explore if you make your way inland, and you can bet you’ll be captivated by the amazing local delicacies and culture.
Okunoshima
Okunoshima sits on the eastern side of Hiroshima. This place is renowned for its wild rabbits, whose origin and how they ended up here is still debated to this day.
Some debate that the bunnies were introduced to Okunoshima during WW2 as test subjects for chemical weapons. Others hold on to the claim that these are descendants of bunnies let loose around this region by a bunch of touring school kids back in the 1970s.
Whatever way these cute little bunnies ended up here, they’ve turned out to be a blessing for Okunshima. While these little fuzzy rodents could easily be considered a nuisance in some parts of the world, they are the reason behind this island’s popularity.
Thanks to the absence of predators, and the fast-breeding that is typical of rabbits, the number of bunnies on this island has exploded over the years to over 1,000 strong.
They have become considered to be symbolic of safe childbirth and fertility. This has seen Okunoshima Island become the go-to destination for visitors who are seeking good fortune or looking to boost family fertility.
Whether you’re an animal lover or someone in search of a unique adventure, Okunoshima Island provides an enchanting escape with its rich history and abundance of fluffy companions.
To Conclude
In the end, Japan’s islands present a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical intrigue, offering travelers a wealth of experiences unmatched anywhere else. As you consider your next travel adventure, these islands beckon with promises of discovery and wonder. So, add these fascinating islands to your travel bucket list and plan your next journey that promises unforgettable memories and new adventures at every turn. Just to inform you that the images you see here are for illustration purposes only. Thank you for reading.
