The Most Beautiful Islands To Visit In Japan

Japan being an archipelago of seven thousand Islands, there's plenty to choose from.

When an archipelago comprises seven thousand Islands, like it does for Japan, it becomes a tad difficult to select the 'best of' list. Most people would perhaps be aware of its four main Islands— Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, but away from the spotlight are smaller Islands that reflect the more relaxed and meditative side of Japan. Here are the best Island getaways in Japan.

Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture

Rare blue coral in the Shiraho Reef will be for you to see in the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park of this island. If you time your visit, you may even witness the annual migration of the whales. If not, you can always swim alongside the manta rays in Kabira bay or snorkel above the rainbow-coloured fish.

This island in Japan's southwestern Okinawa Prefecture has two small mountains that can be scaled in a day, leaving ample room for some beach time. There's also a mangrove forest habitat, Fukido River, in the northern Hirakubo Peninsula.

Nokonoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture

Doable either on foot or on a bike, this tiny Island, remains mostly warm and sunny.

Blanketing the Nokonoshima island park is a beautifully tended flower garden that holds various blooms all around the year. The sakura bloom during the cherry blossom season in late March to early April is, of course, a very big draw. Else, July-August will bear sunflowers while March-April is the time for multicolour daisies. The beaches will prompt you to get out your BBQ grill.

Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture

Tucked into the eastern part of the Sea of Japan, it will take at least two hours by boat from the nearest city to reach this Island with a huge coastline and thin population.

Once there, it will be criminal not to indulge in the local bathtub boat ride. With the natives dressed in authentic period costume steering you through the crystal waters in this traditional wooden tubs, it will be the closest thing to a real-life fairy tale on earth.

Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture

Sticking to the sea of Japan side, these Island-cluster comprises about 180 landmasses, out of which only four are inhabited. Part of the Daisen-Oki National Park they feature some of Japan's best swimming spots, outdoor adventures, and walking tracks. Also, go underneath the ocean inside an all-glass contraption.

Ikishima, Nagasaki Prefecture

Contrasting the pleasant turquoise waters are the pristine white sand beaches of this archipelago situated in the Tsushima Strait. Swim at Tsutsukihama or surf at Kiyoshihama or Ohama — before you soak in the famous mud-coloured water of the Yunamoto Hot Spring village resort.