Have you ever heard of Okinawa? It’s the farthest south prefecture of Japan, one of the most popular travel destinations in Japan. Here are some breathtaking photos of Okinawa and travel tips.

If you like my photos of Okinawa and think the travel tips are useful, why don’t you make it your next travel destination? (After COVID-19 pandemic has ended!)

Photos of Okinawa remote islands

Photos of Kerama Islands

Kerama Islands are small islands about an hour away from the main Island of Okinawa. Each island is so beautiful that it’s like a gem on the East China Sea. If you want to go to the islands, make sure to stay at least for a few days on each island.

Check what to do in Kerama Islands on TripAdvisor >

See hotels in Kerama Islands on TripAdvisor >

See this post for more details on Kerama Islands >

Photos of Miyako Island

I have been to almost all islands in Okinawa, but Miyako Island is the best among all. Needless to say, the great tropical nature of the island is soothing if you are tired of busy urban life. But there is also so much to do on Miyako, and that’s what makes the island special. You can go swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, barbecuing, driving, taking insta worthy photos, eating yummy local food, fishing or whatever you want.

When I call it “Miyako Island,” the area is comprised of a few islands including Miyako Island, Irabu Island, Kurima Island, Ikema Island and Tarama Island, and each of them is just great.

OK, let’s see some photos before you get bored.

If you go to Miyako Island, there are so many recommended activities, but don’t forget to go to Ogamijima. The island is said to be a sacred island where gods reside, and it’s so beautiful. You need to participate in a tour or take a boat to go to the island.

Staying downtown Miyako is good, but I would recommend that you stay on a smaller island such as Irabu Island. All islands except Tarama Island are connected by a bridge from Miyako Island.

Check what to do on Miyako Island on TripAdvisor >

See hotels on Miyako Island on TripAdvisor >

*Some people call the island “Miyakojima,” but it means the same. “Jima” (or shima) means “island,” so “Miyakojima” and “Miyako Island” both mean the Island of Miyako.

Photos of Ishigaki Island

Ishigaki Island is a part of Yaeyama Islands which is comprised of eight islands: Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, Kuroshima (Kuro Island), Kohama Island, Hatoma Island, Aragusuku Island and Hateruma Island. The name “Yaeyama” literally means “eight mountains.” There are some more smaller islands, but ancient Okinawan people gave the islands that name because they saw eight mountains afar.

Here are some photos of the islands:

There are less beaches on Ishigaki Island compared to other islands, but going to the other islands by boat is so much fun. If you have enough time on the islands, try going to Iriomote Island, the biggest island in Yaeyama Islands. There are rivers and mangroves, and it’s fun to participate in a kayaking tour.

Check what to do on Ishigaki Island on TripAdvisor >

See hotels on Ishigaki Island on TripAdvisor >

Travel tips for Okinawa and its remote islands

In most cases, you need to go to Tokyo (Narita) before Okinawa. There are direct flights to Okinawa (Naha) if you take flights from Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore or Thailand, but otherwise you need to take a connecting flight to Okinawa from Tokyo Narita.

Kerama Islands

From Okinawa to Kerama Islands, go to Tomari Port in the city of Naha and take a ferry or a boat from there. It takes less than an hour to any of the islands in Kerama Islands. Tomari Port is 20-30 minutes away from the airport by car.

Look for flights on Cheapflights >

Miyako Island

In order to go to Miyako Island, take a flight from Tokyo or Okinawa. The direct flights from Tokyo have less seats and it’s a bit difficult to book a seat. If there is no vacancy, take a flight from Tokyo to Okinawa (Naha), and then from Naha to Miyako. From Miyako Island to the other islands, you can get there by car because all of them except Tarama Island are connected by a bridge. If you want to go to Tarama Island, you need to take a flight from Miyako Island.

Look for flights on Cheapflights >

Ishigaki Island

The transportation to Ishigaki Island is similar to Miyako Island. Go to Tokyo or Okinawa (Naha) first, and take a flight from either of the two cities. The other islands in the area are not connected by bridge and you need to take a boat.

Look for flights on Cheapflights >

I hope you like my photos of Okinawa and the travel tips. Enjoy slow tropical life in Okinawa.

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