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Explore Okinawa’s Remote Islands in Winter

Recommended season

DAY 1

For this trip, your first day will have you visit Ishigaki Island. After exploring the area around Ishigaki Harbor, check in early and have an Ishigaki beef barbeque dinner. When the sun starts to set, depart for the starry night sky mangrove expedition! Proceed through the night on kayak surrounded by sea turtles and mangroves. The beauty of the sky as it changes from sunset to starry night is truly breathtaking.

DAY 2

On the second day, take a Segway tour of the Prefectural Banna Park in the mountainous region of Ishigaki Island. You can enjoy a fun and refreshing time spotting birds and relaxing in the forest at a well-maintained park. Afterward, return to Ishigaki Harbor and take your time exploring the area. You can find and try fresh Okinawa ingredients and produce at Ishigaki City’s public market, Yuratiku Market.

DAY 3

On the third day, depart Ishigaki Island by ferry for Taketomi Island. At the unspoilt landscape of Okinawa’s Taketomi Island, enjoy sightseeing via water buffalo cart. Ride along the white sand roads lined with homes of red tiled rooves and you might hear the sound relaxing sound of sanshin. After getting off the water buffalo cart, get some shaved ice to go and explore the streets of Taketomi. We also recommend riding a rental bicycle.

DAY 4

Return to the main island from Ishigaki Island and ride the ferry to Aka Island. Our recommended activity on Aka Island is night diving. Departure is at 7PM, and you can observe nocturnal lifeforms with limited lighting as you dive into the pitch black sea. When you leave the water, look at the starry sky as it expands above you! Fully enjoy this magical of experience of sea and sky.

DAY 5

On the fifth day, leave Aka Island for Zamami Island and explore by rental bicycle. Though the island has a small circumference of about 23km, there are plenty of sights such as Ama Beach and the statue of Maririn the dog—who appeared in a Japanese film. In winter, you might even be able to see whales from the Inazaki Observation Deck! Take in one final look at the unforgettable clear blue waters of Okinawa as you head home.

OTHER ROUTES

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Conquer Japan's largest lake and famous autumn foliage spots! Experience Zen at a traditional temple and stay at a glamping facility!

Savour Kyoto's long-established restaurants with Maiko

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A summer island hopping trip in Setouchi

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A photogenic trip to the Art Islands

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Savour udon, bonito, and other Setouchi delicacies

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A relaxing vacation in mystical Yakushima Island

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Enjoy trekking through the primeval forest and diving in the sea! The World Heritage Site, Yakushima, where you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains

A family trip to great nature in Kumamoto

Recommended season

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The Nature & Shinto Shrine worship trip

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600-year-traditional performing arts experiences

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Tropical resort stay in Japan

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An out-of-the-world luxurious trip. Relish dolphin-watching cruises and exclusive resorts.

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Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour in Tohoku

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Recommended season

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Green season hiking in Niseko, Furano and Biei! Enjoy and embrace the great nature all to yourself!

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Recommended season

The best of Okinawa's ocean; spectacular scenery and gourmet food. Exciting leisure trips around the main island!

Indulge in marine activities on the remote Okinawan island of Ishigaki!

Recommended season

Photogenic spots to spice up your Instagram feed! A relaxing trip to experience nature and breathtaking views of the Okinawan remote islands.

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