Japan’s neon-lit cities, bullet trains, and high-end sushi restaurants may lure you in, but it’s also a country rich in history, mystery, and areas of hypnotic tranquility. Nowhere is this more apparent than on its islands, which provide a quiet respite from Tokyo’s turmoil. If you’re searching for a tropical getaway, here’s a list of Secret Japanese Islands.
Only around 400 of Japan’s 6,852 islands are inhabited, but the majority of the country is divided into only five. In the north, there’s icy Hokkaido, Honshu – home to Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama – Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa a bit farther south. The others are largely small islands with tropical beaches, lush woods, and many of temples and shrines, as you might expect.
These magnificent islands are a great place to start if you want to discover all of Japan’s hidden gems or just want to take a day excursion from Tokyo.
Okunoshima – Secret Japanese Islands
Imagine spending a day on Rabbit Island, also known as Okunoshima. This island is home to almost a thousand fluffy rabbits. Remember, they are wild animals, so we shouldn’t pick them up. However, they are very friendly and always ready to eat.
But, there’s more to this island than just cute rabbits. There’s a place called the Poison Gas Museum. This museum tells a sad story from World War II when poison gas was made there. It’s a reminder of a time that was not so happy.
Besides the museum, the island has other things to see and do. There’s a shop where you can buy souvenirs to remember your visit. If you get hungry, there’s a restaurant where you can eat. For relaxation, you can visit the hot spring. If you like adventure, you can go camping. And if you want to stay overnight, there’s a hotel.
Ainoshima – Secret Japanese Islands
Do you like cats more than dogs? If so, Ainoshima is the place for you. This small island, near Fukuoka, is full of hundreds of stray cats. They love to wander around, take naps in the sun, and just hang out.
Ainoshima is a small island that you can walk around. It’s only about 5 kilometers, or 3 miles, all the way around. As you walk, you’ll see many things. There are some simple shrines along the shore. You’ll also see a big group of gravestones from the 5th century. And don’t forget to look at the cool rock formations.
Naoshima – Secret Japanese Islands
Imagine a sea filled with tiny islands. This is the Seto Inland Sea, located between Honshu and Shikoku. Some of these islands are connected by a big bridge called the Shimanami Kaido. But one island stands out – Naoshima.
Naoshima is a special place. It’s an island where artists have made their mark. You can find modern art museums all over the island. There are also lots of sculptures to see. And the modern buildings look really cool next to the natural scenery.
One part of the island used to be a fishing village. But now, thanks to the Art House Project, it’s a place full of art and creativity. Every three years, the island hosts the Setouchi International Art Festival.
Sarushima – Secret Japanese Islands
For many years, this island has been like a strong castle. It’s in a perfect spot to keep the nearby city of Yokosuka and Tokyo Bay safe. Since 1995, people have been able to visit it. As you walk around, you can see nature taking over again. You’ll find tunnels, old living areas for soldiers, and places where big guns were kept, all covered in green ferns and moss.
There’s also a lovely sandy beach where the sea is clean. It’s a great place to swim or just relax in the sun. If you like exploring, you can go around the edge of the island. There, you’ll find peaceful pools of water. These pools are full of different kinds of sea creatures. It’s a wonderful place to learn about marine life. So, this island is not just about history, but also about nature and fun. It’s a place where past meets present, and where land meets sea. It’s truly a special place to visit.
Ogasawara Islands
This group of 30 islands is a long way from Tokyo – 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) to be exact. But guess what? They’re still part of the city! To reach these islands, you need to take a ferry ride that lasts a whole day. But don’t worry, the beautiful islands you’ll see at the end are totally worth it. Only two of these islands, Chichijima and Hahajima, have people living on them. So, remember to book your stay there.
These islands are often called the “Galapagos of the East.” This is because they’re so far away, their ecosystem has developed in its own special way. This has led to lots of unique animals living there. The seas around the islands are super clear, making them perfect for snorkeling. You might see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and even manta rays! Fun fact: the first picture of a huge squid in the wild was taken here in 2004. So, these islands are not just a place to relax, but also a great spot for adventure and discovery.
Hashima
From a distance, this island might remind you of Alcatraz. But when you get closer, you’ll see it’s an old coal mining island. In the early 1900s, it was one of the places with the most people living in a small area. But in 1974, it closed down. The people who lived there left quickly, leaving behind only a pile of old buildings in the sea.
Now, the island is a reminder of the past. It shows us what life was like for the workers who lived there. Because of its history, it’s been named a Unesco World Heritage site. It’s even been in a movie! In the James Bond film “Skyfall” (2012), the island was used as the secret base for the villain, Raoul Silva.
Yaeyama Islands
In Yaeyama, which comprises the country’s most southern, western, and remote inhabited islands, you’re closer to Taiwan and China than you are to mainland Japan. As a result, the region has developed its own culture, complete with its own indigenous language and a number of annual events.
Long lengths of unspoiled white sand emerge from the bush to meet tranquil, blue seas and spectacular coral reefs on the beaches. The best beaches are on Ishigaki and Iriomote, but Taketomi, with a population of just under 350, is the most lovely of them all, with exquisite Okinawan architecture, tropical surroundings, and a laid-back attitude to life.
Rebun Island
Rebun Island, located at Japan’s northernmost tip, is a lush green island. Because the winters are cold here – after all, it is practically in Russia – your best option is to visit in the summer, when the alpine flowers, some of which are peculiar to this island, are in full bloom.
Make sure to bring your hiking boots, since there are several gorgeous hiking paths, including a climb up Mount Rebun, which provides breathtaking views of surrounding Rishiri Island, which was formed by an extinct volcanic peak. This is a good place to enjoy the whole Japanese experience, with ryokan lodgings, onsen springs, and kaiseki meals.
