10 Best Islands in Japan
What Are the Most Beautiful Islands to Visit in Japan?
As a country composed entirely of isles and atolls, it should come as no surprise to find out that the list of best islands in Japan is long. From the 14,000 or so islands that make up this archipelago, we have gathered a list of the most beautiful islands that stand out from the crowd.
Some of Japan’s coolest islands boast millennium-old villages. Others have epic nature opportunities, from hiking and skiing to snorkelling and sea urchin fishing. Regardless, all of these Japanese islands are definitely worth a visit.
1. Yakushima Island
Known for its millennium-old trees
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Aventuras
A southern subtropical island, Yakushima Island is a natural wonderland. Despite suffering from extensive logging around 1300 AD, this Japanese isle is now known for its extensive forests, with many 1,000-year-old trees thriving within its bounds.
The best way to experience the beauty of Yakushima Island is on a scenic drive or hike. Not only will you get to see the towering trees and the surrounding Pacific Ocean, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, monkeys and turtles.
Yakushima Island
2. Rishiri Island
Island centred around a 5,600-foot-tall dormant volcano
Categorías: Aventuras, Fotos
Just 12 miles off the coast of the main island of Hokkaido lies Rishiri Island. This 71-square-mile island is centred around the dormant Mount Rishiri, the isle’s most iconic landmark. While it takes 12 hours to hike to the top, the sweeping views at the end are more than worth the effort of the ascent.
While you may be tempted to spend all of your time on Rishiri Island exploring this eye-catching peak, there’s more to do on this northern isle. Take to the island’s 15.5-mile cycling path, fish for sea urchins at Kamui Kaigan Park and plan a picnic at Otatomari Pond, just to start.
Rishiri Island
3. Hokkaido Island
Japan’s northernmost main island, known for snow and seafood
Categorías: Aventuras, Comida, Fotos
As the northernmost main island in Japan, Hokkaido Island is set to impress. It’s absolutely stunning at just about every time of year, from the blooming spring cherry blossoms of Matsumae to the summer seafood of Hakodate to the autumn leaves of Shiretoko Peninsula.
But if there’s one season when Hokkaido really has it’s time to shine, it’s winter. Take to the ski slopes in Niseko, get warmed up in the toasty waters of the Noboribetsu Onsen or watch ice carving masters at work at the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
Hokkaido Island
4. Miyako Island
Southern tropical paradise
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
Miyako Island, also called Miyako-jima, is located midway between Okinawa and Taiwan, making it one of the southernmost islands in Japan. And with its southern location comes warmer weather and beautiful beaches.
While it’s a bit of a journey to get to Miyako Island, the tropical island paradise will more than make up for it. Spend your days snorkelling in crystal-clear blue waters, diving into underwater caves, taking in the views from Cape Higashi-Hennazaki and dining on the freshest sashimi around.
Miyako Island
5. Chichijima Island
Known for whale watching and stargazing
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
Chichijima Island, often simply called Chichijima, is the largest isle in Japan’s remote Ogasawara Islands. Oddly enough, it’s this seclusion that puts Chichijima on the map.
Under the sea, many marine animals have claimed this untouched part of the Pacific Ocean as their own. Tropical fish and dolphins hang out year-round, while various species of whales migrate past the islands during different parts of the year. Once the sun has set, leave the ocean behind and instead look up to the sky. Chichijima’s remote location comes with minimal light pollution, making the island one of the best places in the world to stargaze.
Chichijima Island
6. Rebun Island
Flora-rich isle with rare blossoms
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos
Together, the northern Rebun Island and the Rishiri Island make up the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. And while Rishiri Island is most well-known for its dormant volcano, Rebun Island is known for its beautiful flora.
Home to hundreds of species of flowers, including some that are only found on Rebun Island, this Japanese isle is a special spot. Keep an eye out for the rare Rebun Usuyukiso, also called Rebun’s Edelweiss. There are even guided tours offered to find the best blooms in town.
Rebun Island
7. Nokonoshima Island
Easily accessible island near Fukuoka
Categorías: Comida, Fotos, Aventuras
Nokonoshima Island, usually just called Nokonoshima, is located just off the coast of Fukuoka, specifically in the city’s Hakata Bay. Unlike many of the other Japanese islands, it’s a breeze to get to Nokonoshima, given that there’s a 10-minute ferry every 30 minutes.
Once you reach Nokonoshima, you’ll have loads of things to check off your island bucket list. Stroll through the bright blooms in Nokonoshima Island Park, try one of the beloved Noko burgers and take in the views of Fukuoka from Nokonoshima Observatory before hopping on a ferry back to the mainland.
Nokonoshima Island
8. Iriomote Island
Nature-filled isle filled with forests and beaches
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Aventuras
The second largest island in Okinawa, Iriomote Island, is a nature-filled gem. The vast majority of the island is blanketed by jungles and forests, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. The most untouched sections of the island are included as part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.
Beyond the adventures on land, Iriomote Island has a lot to offer on the water as well. Hit the beach for suntanning, swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities galore. For an even more unique experience, head to Hoshizuna-no-Hama, a shoreline covered with natural star-shaped sand grains.
Iriomote Island
9. Taketomi Island
Tiny island with historic structures and unique beaches
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos
About 10 miles off the coast of Iriomote Island lies the even smaller Taketomi Island. With just 2 square miles of land and 350 permanent residents, Taketomi Island is tiny, but it’s one of the most beautiful islands in Japan.
Like Iriomote Island, part of Taketomi Island is included in Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. As such, it houses one of the most well-preserved Ryukuan villages in existence, complete with strong stone walls, intricate entrance gates and religious shrines. The island also boasts 2 star-sand beaches, Kaiji Beach and Aiyaruhama Beach, both of which are filled with tiny star-shaped grains of sand.
Taketomi Island
10. Sado Island
Place of exile turned tourist attraction
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Aventuras
Japan’s Sado Island, also called Sadogashima, has quite a storied history. Once upon a time, many political rivals and intellectuals were banished to this island off the coast of Niigata. Over the years, these exiled people established families and communities, turning it into the one-of-a-kind spot that it is today.
There are a surprising number of things to do on this once-shunned island. Go on a fishing adventure in the wine-barrel-shaped tarai bune boat, pan for gold at the Sado Nishimikawa Gold Park and learn more about the island’s backstory at the Sado History Museum, just to start.
Sado Island
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