5 most beautiful islands around Okinawa

Okinawa is home to 150 different islands, some of which have the most beguiling beaches with cerulean blue waters and pristine white sands! Some of the best islands around Okinawa with the best attractions are highlighted here to help you plan your island hopping itinerary, or if you are simply taking a day trip to a peaceful, seaside getaway!

Zamami

Zamami Island is located approx 40 km away from the main island and belongs to the Kerama Islands Group. Zamami island is the second largest island of the group after Tokashiki Island, both known for their top-rated beaches. The island is a popular side trip destination from Naha city, as it can be accessed by speed boat within 1 hour.

Kume Jima

If you want pristine, untouched, white sand beaches, sail straight for Kume Jima! Explore gorgeous beaches and the Okinawan culture on Kume Jima. The entire island could probably be covered in a day, as the distance from one end of the island to the other is less than 10 km (6.2 miles)!

Hatenohama beach is the main beach on the island, and a popular snorkelling and diving hotspot. Unlike the typical beaches, Hatenohama beach is a 7 km (4.3 miles) long sandbar in the middle of the sea! Do note that the beach is only accessible via a tour, which you can easily find all around Kume Jima.

Taketomi

Taketomi Island is one of Yaeyama islands group and located 4km away from Ishigaki Island. As well as their beautiful beaches, the island is best known for its charming site of preserved, traditional Ryukyu village. As the island pretty small, visitors can get around on foot along the traditional village and beautiful nature.

Ishigaki

Ishigaki is the main island of Okinawa’s Yaeyama island group, and the gateway to many of the smaller, less accessible isles. Ishigaki city is lively enough that you will not feel cut off from civilization, yet the beaches that line the island’s coast are among the best in the country. One of the most beautiful spots is Kabira Bay, an oasis of ocean where black pearls are cultivated. A glass-bottomed boat ride is the best way to enjoy it.

For those who prefer a more active vacation, the mountainous area in the center of the island offers some great hiking trails. One of the best is a steep forest route up Mount Omoto, which at 1,722 feet is the highest mountain in Okinawa.

Hatoma Jima

With only 50 inhabitants on the island, Hatoma Jima is a small, peaceful sanctuary where everything is within walking distance! Though less than a kilometer (0.6 mile) wide, Hatoma Jima has much to offer!

You can go snorkelling and admire the wildlife at the huge coral reefs, lounge under the shady palm trees, check out the gargantuan Banyan trees in the north and discover a rustic lighthouse! Do note that the island is very dark at night, so do bring along a flashlight if you are catching the sunset by the beach!

Read more: Top 5 popular Christmas dishes in Japan

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The best destinations for snow hunters in Japan

Winter in Japan is also a wonderful opportunity to venture out beyond the urban sprawl and experience the country, its customs, and cuisine like a local. Below are the best destinations for who want to explore Japan in winter, especially, for the snow hunters.

Abashiri Drift Ice, Hokkaido

Head right up north to the Sea of Okhotsk along the coast of Hokkaido, and you would be forgiven for thinking that you are in fact in the middle of the Antarctic. Here massive plates of drift ice known as ryuhyo float atop the ocean surface.

Drift ice season may not be Japan’s most well-known winter vacation opportunity, but it is definitely one of the country’s more unique experiences. Emerging in around mid-January and gone by March, there is a little time to check it out if you do want to see it in action. Occasionally from land you can spot drift ice floating along the coast, but to really explore the area at its peak, it is recommended you hop aboard one of the Aurora Sightseeing Boats. The tour boats depart from Abashiri Port in Hokkaido’s northeastern corner a couple of times daily, and a tour costs around 3,000 yen (£20) per person.

Otaru, Hokkaido

When it comes to winter in Japan, the heaviest snow falls in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. But, take a 45 minute train ride, and you will be whisked away to the port city of Otaru, a city pivotal to the development of Japan’s northernmost island. Brick warehouses and Victorian style street lamps line Otaru Canal, giving it a distinctly European feel. Visit at night and be charmed by Otaru’s Snow Light Path, an event held in February where the streets of Otaru are decorated with snowmen and candlelight.

Shirakawa-go, Gifu

Looking like an idyllic painting come to life, Shirakawa-go is a small traditional village in the heart of Gifu that is stunning year-round. Nonetheless, winter is when it is at its most beautiful. The area is best known for being the home of Japan’s unique ‘gasshou’ houses, a style of old-world traditional Japanese architecture.

Some of the houses here are over 250 years old. The name ‘gasshou’ translates to ‘praying hands’ in English. It was so named because their sharply steep roofs clasped together resemble the two hands of the Buddha in prayer.

See more: 10 best places to go skiing in Japan

Zao Snow Monsters

The best place to see snow monsters is at Zao Onsen, a well-known hot spring and ski resort in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. These "monsters" are formed by heavy snow deposited on trees and frozen into shape by chilling winds. The Snow Monsters form around the peak of the Zao Ski Resort and are usually most spectacular around mid-February.

Ouchi Juku, Fukushima

Walk in the footsteps of samurai in the village of Ouchi Juku, a former post town on Aizu-Nishi Kaido that which connected Aizu, Fukushima with Nikko, Tochigi during the Edo Period. Ouchi-juku feels like a living museum, as the town has been restored to its former glory. Traditional thatched buildings, a trademark of post towns, line the unpaved main street, where you will find plenty of quaint shops, restaurants, and Japanese inns.

Warm up with a local specialty - fish grilled at an iriori, or sunken hearth - then head to Ouchi-juku Town Pavilion to explore more of this historic village.

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Top things to do in Takayama, Japan

Takayama is is filled with interesting sights. It is also the gateway to the hiking paradise of the Japan Alps and Shirakawa-go, a Unesco-listed thatch-roof village. Here is the list of attractions in and around Takayama.

Sanmachi Street

Sanmachi Street is where you will probably head first. This is the Takayama Old Town and definitely the most popular place to visit in Takayama thanks to the street being lined with Traditional Wooden Buildings that have been very well-preserved.

The best time to visit Sanmachi Street is in the morning when it is quieter, in the morning you can really take in the beauty of the buildings. With that being said, many of the shops and cafes are closed early in the morning not seeming to open until about 10:00 am and seeing these open, tasting the food they have to offer and seeing the buzz of Sanmachi Street, later on, is also very good. If you want to do some shopping in Takayama for local and traditional Japanese products, this is where to go.

Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

Held annually in the spring on April 14 and 15 and in the autumn on October 9 and 10, the Takayama Matsuri festival is one of the great festivals of Japan. During the festival, 11 lavishly decorated floats are pulled through the town. Some of the floats have small stages on which intricate marionettes are made to dance by incredibly complicated arrangements of strings manipulated by expert puppeteers.

Of course, most people are not lucky enough to visit when the festival is being held. But, do not despair, you can check out some of the floats and see videos of the festival at the fine Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition hall. This attraction is easily paired with the nearby Sakayama Hachimangu Shrine.

Shiroyama Park

If you want to get into nature within a 5-minute walk from the busy street of Sanmachi head into Shiroyama Park.

This was perhaps my favourite part of the city. There are many Temples in the park and many footpaths to take. It was also so quiet up here in the park even on a busy Saturday in town so you can walk and hike here.

Hida no Sato (Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village)

About 2km west of Takayama Station is Hida no Sato, a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses taken from around central Japan and carefully reconstructed here. The houses are spread around park with a central pond. You can enter many of the houses and marvel at the beams and construction techniques. Hida no Sato is too far from the station to walk. A taxi from the station will cost around ¥1,100. Or, you can take the “Sarubobo” bus that leaves from in front of the station.

Street Food

The street food of Takayama is mainly along Sanmachi Street and there are quite a few things on offer from Ice Cream, Mochi, Dango, Rice Crackers to Buns, Sushi, Sushi with Hida Beef.

If you do want to go for a good meal in Takayama, Sanmachi Street is a great place to eat in Takayama as not only does it have Street Food it also has some nice Cafes and Restaurants too.

See more: Top 5 popular Christmas dishes in Japan

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Reasons why you should visit Hokkaido

Boasting unspoiled natural sights, festivals, coastline and the freshest seafood in the country, Hokkaido is sure to impress even the most seasoned traveler. There are many reasons to visit Hokkaido, but we have narrowed it down to these best reasons.

Hot Springs

Hokkaido is home to some of the most peaceful and luxurious onsen (hot spring) locations in Japan. Traditionally thought to be a cure for just about every type of injury or sickness, locals and visitors alike go to the onsen to rest, recharge, and relax.

Skiing

Home to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the mountains here boast some of the best ski conditions in the world. It comes as no surprise that skiers and boarders from all over flock to Niseko, Kiroro, and Rusutsu resorts to experience Hokkaido’s finest powder snow.

Hiking

Hokkaido’s mountainous terrain, green landscapes, and deep valleys have earned it the reputation of being the ultimate hiking destination. Guaranteed to satisfy thrill seekers and adventurers, several mountain trails will take hikers across still active volcanoes.

Street Markets

Known as the “Kingdom of Food” among the Japanese, Hokkaido offers the freshest seafood, produce and dairy products in the country. The curbside markets in Sapporo provide locals and tourists a chance to buy locally (and at wholesale prices). There are also several sushi and sashimi restaurants stationed throughout the markets for visitors just looking for a quick lunch.

Jingisukan (Ghengis Kahn)

Any dish named after a Mongolian warlord is bound to pack a punch; diners can enjoy a hefty portion of lamb/mutton and vegetables grilled over an iron dome skillet. Legend has it that the shape of the skillet represents the helmets of Mongolian soldiers. This may or may not be true, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious.

National Parks

With its rich biodiversity, pristine lakes and rivers, and active volcanoes, Hokkaido features some of the most impressive parks and world heritage sites in Japan. Daisetsuzan, the island’s largest park, covers over 2,300 square meters, while the other five national parks offer hiking, hot springs, animal sanctuaries, and the famous Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

Local Farms

The rolling hills, lush greenery, fresh produce and dairy farms of Hokkaido are a must for travelers in need of some fresh air. Cycling enthusiasts should pay a visit to the “Road of Patchwork” in the small town of Biei, a wide field where the flowers are grown in alternating colors.

Coastal Towns

The small fishing towns and port cities that run along the coast of Hokkaido make lovely places to visit for couples, families, or anyone looking for a bit of relaxation. The town of Otaru is a quaint and comfortable place known for its local charm and romantic atmosphere.

Sapporo Beer

The Sapporo Beer Factory and Beer Museum offers tourists a behind-the-scenes look into the history of brewing in Japan as well as how the beer is made. Of course, the tour ends with a 30 minute all you can drink session, so guests are advised to have lunch before taking the tour.

See more: The most breathtaking regions in Hokkaido, Japan

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Hokkaido traditions that only locals can understand

With its long winters, rich history, and indigenous population, the northern island of Hokkaido has a distinct culture, unique to that of the rest of Japan. We take a look at some of the holidays, special events, and traditions that make Hokkaido truly one of a kind.

Strawberry and Pork Festival

While most people don’t typically associate one with the other, the small town of Toyoura in southern Hokkaido is famous for two things: strawberry farming, and pork. Apparently, the local government decided to save time and celebrate both products at once, and thus the Strawberry and Pork festival was created. Aside from the obvious dining options, the event also features live performances and marching bands.

Ubagami Shrine Festival

This 3 day parade dates back nearly 400 years and is one of Japan’s oldest festivals. Local residents carry various mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets, the oldest of which was built in Osaka in the year 1694. The festival also features traditional musical accompaniment mainly performed by flutists and drummers.

Otaru Snow Light Path

Located just an hour’s drive from Sapporo, this beautiful port city already has a reputation for being something of a fairytale, but the real magic happens around the first two weeks in February. For 10 days, the entire city is lit up by lanterns and miniature snow statues, creating a beautiful and calm winter wonderland.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Drawing in over two million tourists per year, this now legendary festival of ice and snow was started by a group of high school students in 1950. Participants can join sporting competitions, ski and snowboard events, ice sculpture exhibits, and even a beauty contest where the winner is awarded the title of “Ice Queen”.

See more: The most breathtaking regions in Hokkaido, Japan

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Best places to admire Mount Fuji from afar in Japan

Mount Fuji is one of the most photographed mountains in the world. From picturesque lakes to sandy beaches, find the mountain’s good side from one of these top viewing spots.

Hakone

Hakone is a popular onsen resort town in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is home to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu, Japan’s most frequented national park. From here, visitors can capture clear views of Mount Fuji or landscape shots of the mountain peeking out over forests, lakes, and flowery hills. At the heart of the park is Lake Ashi—a scenic spot in its own right and home to Hakone’s iconic floating shrine.

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko)

Lake Kawaguchi, or Kawaguchiko, is a lake in Yamanashi Prefecture on Mount Fuji’s north side. Surrounding the lake is a well-developed tourist area. Make your way to Kawaguchiko’s north side to capture that iconic view of the mountain reflected in the water’s calm surface. If you’re ready to see it up close and personal, you can access climbing trails for Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko Fifth Station.

Lake Motosu (Motosuko)

If you’ve ever seen a 1000-yen bill, you might have noticed a little picture of Mount Fuji tacked onto the left side. This image is the view of the mountain from the north side of Lake Motosu (Motosuko), a picturesque lake west of Mount Fuji. The area is popular with kayakers, paddleboarders, hikers, and campers, but doesn’t see as much foot traffic as Lake Kawaguchi.

Lake Saiko

Saiko is another of the Fuji Five Lakes, along with Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Shoji, and Motosu. Here, make your way to Iyashi-no-Sato, an open-air museum that recreates an Edo-era farming village. Although views of the mountain are not as clear from here as the other lakes, it offers a lot of atmospheric charm and gives visitors a sense of what Mount Fuji looked like during the Edo Period.

Mount Takao

Mount Takao is close to Tokyo and home to some of the city dwellers’ favorite hiking trails. Located west of the city (and, therefore, closer to Mount Fuji), this mountain can offer climbers stunning views of nearby Fuji-san, especially on a clear day. A trip to Takao-san and back from central Tokyo can be completed in a single day.

See more: Top Japan destinations to visit during winter

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Experience 24 hours in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo has been on the top of everyone’s travel list. But what exactly can you do there? Here are some things that you absolutely have to do on your first visit to the dynamic city!

Eat the freshest sushi in town at Toyosu Fish Market

Tokyo is famous for its superb sushi, and one of the best places to get your hands on some is the Toyosu Fish Market. In 2018, the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market relocated to Toyosu, and the latter is now the place to enjoy the renowned daily tuna auction. You can still visit Tsukiji, though, where the historic outer market’s food stalls and restaurants remain in business.

Roar at an authentic sumo wrestling match

Head on over to Ryōgoku Kokugikan, an indoor sumo stadium and get yourself a ticket to catch an actual sumo match! You would think there is nothing much to well-built man pushing each other around, but it is actually pretty exciting!

And if you really want to experience the whole package – the roaring crowd, the energised atmosphere, and possibly the throwing of cushions after a particularly exciting match – then Friday and Saturday evenings would be the best bet for you.

Experience the High-Tech Entertainment at Robot Restaurant

Robot Restaurant is a crazy and entertaining spots to see the robot show while dining. The 10 billion yen worth restaurant is located in Shinjuku area, the biggest red light district in Tokyo often called “the districts never sleeps”. Out of hundreds of night-out spots in the area, the Robot Restaurant absolutely stands out as it is totally unique, and something you can never find anywhere on earth.

Take in old-fashioned Yanaka Ginza Shitamachi

Historically, the shitamachi (low city) was where the less affluent worked and lived. Today, few places remain in Tokyo where you can experience the old world, but with its ramshackle, frozen-in-time atmosphere, Yanaka Ginza shopping district is one of them. The Yuyake Dandan staircase is a good place to snap a few photos to capture the vibes. There’s also a sizeable population of adorable stray cats in the area.

Visit TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

The digital art museum TeamLab Borderless is one of the most Instagrammable things to do in Tokyo. But this unusual interactive museum is well worth visiting even if you are not planning to take the perfect photo.

There is no map as the discovery is part of the fun, you wander down dark corridors and choose doors at random to explore the immersive displays that use lights and projections in creative ways.

Dine at Cute and Crazy Kawaii Monster Cafe

One of the most popular places to dine in Tokyo, Kawaii Monster Cafe is a super colourful and Kawaii café or restaurant located in the center of the pop culture, Harajuku area, Tokyo. Kawaii Monster Cafe, which is designed by the famous art designer, Sebastian Masuda, has the vivid and edgy interior and serves various unique and colourful dishes including rainbow spaghetti and unicorn coloured par fait. Kawaii Monster Cafe is an extremely cute, entertaining and 100% photo-worthy place to dine in Tokyo! Please make sure to reserve your seat before visiting.

Read more: Visit 6 best food markets in Tokyo, Japan

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The interesting activities to do in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, although most known worldwide as a tragic event that happened during World War II, it is a city that has a lot to offer for those visiting Japan. Hiroshima has become a place that commemorates those that have died in the World War and a place that takes great importance in valuing peace. Because of this we can find many museums, statues, and commemorative places dedicated to peace in Hiroshima.

Apart from this Hiroshima is also worth visiting for its busy downtown area Kamiyacho, parks, Hiroshima Castle and art museums. Find out on what the top things to visit in Hiroshima are in the list below!

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Peace Park

Commonly known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, this is undoubtedly the symbol – for better or worse – most associated with Hiroshima. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1996, the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall was the only structure left standing after the bombing on August 6, 1945. The twisted metal of the dome and the rubble-strewn surroundings is left the same as it was 70 years ago, a testament to the power of the new weapon and an everlasting symbol of peace.

It is described as an intense experience that is not meant for the faint-hearted but is recommended to those that yearn to understand what that atomic blast did to the Japanese people, especially those in Hiroshima.

A Hiroshima Carp baseball game

Playing in the best-named stadium in all of baseball (Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima), the Hiroshima Carp is considered the little brother among the other professional baseball teams. Having not won any sort of pennant or championship since 1991, the team definitely isn’t a powerhouse akin to the Yankees or Red Sox. Can the team throw off the yoke of history and win it all this year? No, probably not.

What the Carp can do, however, is boast having the country’s most passionate and crazed fans. Watching a Hiroshima Carp baseball game is a full body, full senses experience. As opposed to your typical American baseball game, many Carp fans never sit down – the entire game. They also have an impressive amount of songs, cheers, and dances memorized for just the right occasion during the game. At first, it can be confusing, even intimidating, watching a Carp game alongside the diehards in the bleachers. However, after an inning or two, you’ll be yelling and stomping alongside 30,000 other fans for life.

Atomic Bomb Dome

This building was heavily damaged and exposed to radiation by the first ever used atomic bomb during World War I. The building has been preserved in the state it was immediately after the bombing, and has continued to testify to the horrors of the atomic bomb.

Perhaps the starkest reminder of the destruction visited upon Hiroshima in WWII is the Atomic Bomb Dome. Built by a Czech architect in 1915, it was the Industrial Promotion Hall until the bomb exploded almost directly above it. Everyone inside was killed, but the building was one of very few left standing near the epicentre. A decision was taken after the war to preserve the shell as a memorial.

Miyajima Island

A personal favorite, Miyajima (officially named Itsukushima) is a very small island a short jaunt from Hiroshima. After taking a 10-minute ferry, the striking view of the island is unforgettable. Sparsely populated and intensely rural, Miyajima is renowned throughout the country as being the best spot to see the autumn leaves change colors. The island’s many maple trees are turned a brilliant crimson in the fall, making it a top attraction for those looking to snap that perfect picture. And because the island itself is sacred, the trees are protected and cannot be cut. This protection also extends to the tame deer roaming the island, a sacred animal considered to be friends of the gods.

With charm to spare, this town should already be at the top of anyone’s Japan list, but it has an ace up its sleeve. The main feature of the island is undoubtedly the absolutely massive torii gate, a crimson reminder that the island hosts Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site colloquially known as the Floating Shrine.

Read more: Top 7 dishes to try in Hiroshima

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