Okinawa Island Hopping Ww2
Vespasiano Jilg
Every guest has their own free-standing house, which can either be furnished Western style with high tables, chairs, and a raised bed or in the traditional Japanese style with wall-to-wall Tatami mats, low-profile seating and futon beds. Check out the slideshow for a bathroom that could soak away even the most stressful day at the office.
After breakfast we borrowed a pair of bicycles to tour the charming 350-person town. Biking along the coral-lined streets, draped with bougainvillea, dotted with Bonsai trees, and with the occasional ox cart was pure postcard material.
For centuries the ox cart was the only form of transportation around the island. Today you can take rides around the town with an adorable old Japanese man who serenades you with a shamisen. How could we resist?
After checking into the beach-front Hoshino Resort Nirakanai Iriomotejima we jumped into our suits and strolled the beach, exploring the numerous inlets and river systems that have carved the second largest Okinawan island into the rugged beauty she is today.
Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore Iriomote so we paddled to where the massive Nakara river meets the sea and explored its many mangrove and animal-rich channels. Always wanting to push an adventure to the limit, we followed this one stream until we could barley fit or float through the dense trees.
The following day we met up again with our guide Hiro and headed for a jungle trek. En route he described the highly endangered leopard-like Iriomote Cat that can only be found on the island. Needless to say, our heads were on swivels for the entire trek. If the cats look even half as cool as the one on this sign, it might be worth a return trip to Iriomote, just to search one out.
The island hopping continues with Kohama and our stay at Hoshino Resort Kohamajima. Not only was the hotel on the beach, its rooms and restaurants were built over a network of canals so no matter where you were on the property, you felt the tranquil presence of water. The reflections at night were extra stunning.
With a multitude of activities and tools for relaxation, Kohamajima is the kind of resort you never have to (or want to) leave. We had a massage, cruised the golf course on a mini safari, did a yoga class, and even tried our hand at windsurfing. Kohama is actually one of the best windsurfing/kitesurfing spots in Okinawa which made for an awesome but full-throttle experience for us noobz.
We felt so lucky to delve into the far-flung islands of Okinawa. There are virtually no westerners to be found, just a few Japanese tourists also curious about this remote and pristine part of Japan. The food, landscape, people, and culture is really like no where else in the country or the world.
Hi, I am visiting Okinawa with my husband for our honeymoon in June. We wish to go for island hopping but not sure how should I go about it. (eg. which tour guide). Can you give me some advice on it?
We would like to do trekking/ kayaking (ecotourism). Thank you!!!!
Aly, we are so glad you are enjoying our posts! That is so cool you are going to work in Okinawa! Iriomote was definitely our favorite. It was is also pretty far out there so I would recommend three days over two. The ferry system is good so that could possilbly save you some money over all flights. Have a wonderful time!
With white sandy beaches, clear blue seas, dense jungle, rare wildlife and warm, laid-back inhabitants this really is an island paradise. This itinerary gives you the chance to explore Okinawa's wealth of natural beauty and unique culture by hopping between the islands Read more >
Wherever you head in the Okinawa Islands you will find your surroundings rich in Ryukyuan culture, whose survival through both Japanese invasion and American occupation is testament to its strength and resilience.
The first stop on this itinerary will be Ishigaki Island, the gateway to the Yaeyama island chain - where world-class snorkelling and diving opportunities abound. From here, a short ferry will bring you to Taketomi for an exclusive stay in the red-tiled cottages of this island retreat.
The dense forests of Iriomote will be your next port of call, where a day of kayaking through mangroves and trekking to the top of the waterfalls will introduce you to the outstanding natural beauty of Japan's southernmost group of islands, before returning to Tokyo for a final night.
Trip length: This itinerary can easily be adapted: you can fly from several of Japan's regional airports to Okinawa, making it easy to add on a beach stay to a standard Golden Route trip that ends in Osaka or Kyoto, or you can fly down after exploring Kyushu, Okinawa's closest neighbour. If you only have a few days to spend relaxing in the sun, it's not a problem; we can easily shorten the itinerary to suit.
Weather: A final thing to note is the weather. Like much of Japan, Okinawa isn't a stranger to typhoons which would put a dampener on your holiday. We can help you plan your trip to make the most of the blue skies and sunshine.
Welcome to Japan! Your adventure will begin with a two-night stay in the historical district of Asakusa, where the atmosphere of pre-war Tokyo survives in the bustling streets surrounding Senso-ji Temple.
The rest of today will be free for you to explore the local area or take a train to Shibuya or Akihabara. Tokyo has so much to offer that just wandering the streets is a fascinating experience!
After you've had a chance to recover from your flight, your next day will be spent on a tour of the city with a private guide. The itinerary for today is completely up to you, so discuss with the guide which sights and experiences you would like to include.
There are countless possibilities: watch the crowds pour over Shibuya crossing, take the trip to the top of the 634m Skytree, or catch a glimpse of a Shinto wedding at Meiji shrine.
Today you will be taken by private car to Haneda airport for your flight to Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama island chain. A taxi will pick you up on arrival to take you to your cottage on the island's northern peninsula, where you can either spend the rest of the day relaxing at your accommodation or take a dip in the sea.
Ishigaki is home to some of Japan's most beautiful beaches, a truly amazing array of marine life including sea turtles and Manta rays, some very impressive limestone caves and plenty of hiking opportunities in the densely forested mountains. Don't leave without snorkelling or diving amongst the stunning coral reefs! (we can arrange lessons for you)
The next two days will be free for you to investigate Ishigaki Island. Your personalised Info-Pack will include lots of fantastic suggestions for the day. We have included a car rental in this example itinerary so that you can easily get around the island and visit the best beaches.
Your next stop will be the tiny island of Taketomi, just twenty minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island. Transport here is usual by rental bike but don't worry, the Hoshinoya has its own shuttle service so you can travel in comfort.
Be sure to check out the star-shaped sand on Taketomi's pristine beaches and enjoy the night sky at your exclusive island retreat.
Today you will catch the ferry back to Ishigaki and from there head to neighbouring Iriomote. Despite being the largest of the Yaeyama Islands, Iriomote is the least populated with only 2,000 inhabitants.
The island is 90% covered in jungle, has just a single main road, and boats a rich diversity of flora and fauna including the Iriomote cat, an extremely rare (and rarely seen) mountain cat thought to be extinct until 1967.
Today you may spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, go snorkelling at Hoshizuna beach or visit the botanical gardens on Yubu Island.
For your next day on Iriomote we will arrange a guided trek and kayak that will take you through mangroves and jungle to the top of the spectacular Pinaisara waterfall, where you can admire the views, swim in the pools at the bottom and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
Your hotel on Iriomote is working towards becoming one of the premier ecotourism hotels in the country and they can arrange various nature tours to explain the unique biodiversity of the island.
This morning you will leave Okinawa behind and take a ferry back to Ishigaki before flying directly to Tokyo. A private car will pick you up at Tokyo's Haneda airport and take you to your hotel in Shinjuku.
With soaring skyscrapers to the west of the station and endless neon lights to the east, Shinjuku is a thriving business hub and one of the city's premier entertainment areas. Nothing could be more of a contrast to the peace and quiet of Iriomote but we're sure that you'll enjoy the change in pace and have a great final night in Japan!
As your adventures in Japan come to an end you will be met at your hotel by a private driver and head to the airport for your departure. Have a safe flight home.