Explore Japan’s Remote Islands
Miyako, Ishigaki, Amami, Okinawa — Discover tropical paradise on foot.
Beyond the Mainland: Japan’s Hidden Paradise
From the endless white sands of Miyako Island to the phantom sandbar of Yurigahama and the deep, ancient forests of Amami Oshima.
In the remote islands of Okinawa and Kagoshima, there are hidden backstreets where tourists rarely tread and breathtaking vistas that only reveal themselves when you explore on foot.
While Miyako Island boasts some of the clearest water in the Orient, Yoron Island is home to a mirage-like beach that only appears at low tide. A World Natural Heritage site, where ancient forests and mystical mangroves shelter a rich, thriving ecosystem.
RITOTABI delivers an honest guide to these remote islands, gathered through miles earned on foot, exploring and running through every location.
Must Read Contents
Our most recommended guides to start your journey
Miyako Island | Ultimate Hotel Comparison
From luxury villas to cozy hidden gems. We’ve meticulously compared hotels based on beach proximity, price, and their suitability as a base for morning runs.
Ishigaki Island | Ultimate Hotel Comparison
Choose between urban convenience and beachfront luxury. We’ve selected the best hotels based on access to the ferry terminal and proximity to Kabira Bay.
Miyako Island | Secret Beach Guide
From the quiet back entrance of Yonaha Maehama to the pristine Ohama Beach on Ikema Island. A full guide to 7 hidden spots discovered while running.
Miyako Island | Running Course Guide
From the Kurima Island loop with views of the Orient’s finest waters to the breathtaking Irabu Bridge route. Includes detailed specs on elevation, surface, and water stops.
Select by Island
Explore guides, beaches, hotels, and running courses for each island
Home to Yonaha Maehama — the Orient’s finest beach — with overwhelming water clarity. The classic Okinawa island escape.
The hub for exploring the Yaeyama Islands. Enjoy the emerald waters of Kabira Bay and the exhilarating feeling of running along mangroves and coasts.
Select by Theme
Compare hotels, runs, and beaches across multiple islands
Island & Beach Guides
Ishigaki & Taketomi Guide 2026
Emerald Waters & Traditional Red-Tile Villages
Home to the Michelin three-star-rated Kabira Bay and the traditional red-tiled roofs of Taketomi Island. A guide earned on foot — from iconic viewpoints to the eateries only locals love.
Miyako Island Complete Guide
ORIENT'S FINEST ISLAND: BREATHTAKING BEACHES & GOURMET FLAVORS
From Yonaha Maehama — lauded as the finest beach in the Orient — to the phantom 17END, a tidal runway that vanishes with the rising sea. An honest guide to Miyako's stunning bridges, beaches, and local flavors, earned on foot.
Miyako Island: Hidden Beach Guide
7 Secluded Beaches Only Locals Know
From a hidden entrance at Yonaha Maehama to Ohama Beach on Ikema Island and Magumoto Beach on Shimojishima — every spot earned on foot and unknown to most tourists.
Amami Oshima Island Guide 2026
GALAPAGOS OF THE ORIENT: WHERE NATURE'S WONDERS AWAIT
Often called the 'Galapagos of the Orient,' Amami Oshima is a treasure trove of biodiversity. From the World Heritage forests and the rare Amami Black Rabbit to the 'Blue Angel' waters of Tomori Beach, discover a natural world of truly breathtaking scale.
Selected Hotels by Area
5 Best Ishigaki Hotels
BEST SELECTION GUIDE
SUCCESS TIPS
Discover the best places to stay in Ishigaki — from iconic luxury resorts like ANA InterContinental and Fusaki Beach Resort to downtown hotels with standout breakfasts. Earned on foot for 2026.
9 Best Miyako Island Hotels
BEST SELECTION GUIDE
SUCCESS TIPS
From luxury resorts worth splurging on to the best-value hotels in Miyako, Irabu, and Kurima. Includes properties we actually stayed at — and the coveted villas we'd go back for.
5 Best Amami Oshima Island Hotels
BEST SELECTION GUIDE
SUCCESS TIPS
Don't book until you've read this. The no-regret guide to Amami Oshima hotels, earned on foot. From beachfront resorts in the north to well-located hotels in central Naze, discover the best stays for 2026.
Island Running Guides
Ishigaki & Taketomi Running Guide
Ishigaki & Taketomi · Scenic Coastal Routes & A Feline Paradise
Runner's Voice
Discover Ishigaki's only genuinely scenic coastal route, cross the Southern Gate Bridge to a feline paradise, and loop the traditional white-sand paths of Taketomi Island. A personally scouted guide to 3 curated courses.
Miyako Island Running Guide
Miyako Island · Scenic Routes: 17END & Three Major Bridges
Runner's Voice
From Yonaha Maehama — the Orient's finest beach — to 17END, the runway that floats above the sea. A guide to Miyako's most breathtaking routes, discovered through running.