Stunning beach view of Miyako Island
🇯🇵 JAPAN

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

Select by Island

Explore guides, beaches, hotels, and running courses for each island

Scenery of Miyako Island
OkinawaMiyako Island

Home to Yonaha Maehama — the Orient’s finest beach — with overwhelming water clarity. The classic Okinawa island escape.

Scenery of Ishigaki Island
OkinawaIshigaki Island

The hub for exploring the Yaeyama Islands. Enjoy the emerald waters of Kabira Bay and the exhilarating feeling of running along mangroves and coasts.

Scenery of Yoron Island
KagoshimaYoron Island

The southernmost island of Kagoshima, where the phantom Yurigahama sandbar and stunning “Yoron Blue” waters await.

Scenery of Amami Oshima
KagoshimaAmami Oshima

A World Natural Heritage site where primeval forests meet coral reefs. Have sea turtle nesting beaches all to yourself on an early morning run.

Scenery of Kume Island
OkinawaKume Island

Access the isolated Hatenohama sandbar by a short boat ride. A quiet Okinawan gem surrounded by vibrant coral reefs.

Scenery of Aka Island
OkinawaAka Island

Experience the world-class clarity of Kerama Blue and encounter wild Kerama deer on this pristine, secluded island.

Select by Theme

Compare hotels, running routes, beaches, and guides across multiple islands

Island & Beach Guides

Ishigaki & Taketomi: Beaches, Diving & Red-Tile Villages Recommended Sightseeing Guide
📍GUIDE

Ishigaki & Taketomi: Beaches, Diving & Red-Tile Villages

Kabira Bay/Tamatorizaki/Yonehara Beach/Sukuji Beach/Kondoi Beach

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.

#ScenicGuide
Miyako: Irabu Bridge & Miyako Blue Complete Guide Recommended Sightseeing Guide
📍GUIDE

Miyako: Irabu Bridge & Miyako Blue Complete Guide

Yonaha Maehama/17END/Higashi-hennazaki/Toguchi-no-hama

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.

#ScenicGuide
Miyako Island: 7 Secret Beaches Visitors Miss Recommended Sightseeing Guide
📍GUIDE
👑MUST READ

Miyako Island: 7 Secret Beaches Visitors Miss

Maehama Port/Ohama Beach/Magumoto Beach/Maehama South

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.

#ScenicGuide
Yoron Island: Yurigahama, Akasaki & Hidden Beach Guide Recommended Sightseeing Guide
📍GUIDE
👑MUST READ

Yoron Island: Yurigahama, Akasaki & Hidden Beach Guide

Ooganeku Beach/Yurigahama Beach/Minata Beach/Seaman’s Beach

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO YURIGAHAMA AND ITS HIDDEN SHORES — 5 YEARS ON THE GROUND

Every beach on Yoron Island — field-tested on foot over five years. From Yurigahama’s sandbar to hidden coves only locals know, this is the honest guide you won’t find anywhere else.

#ScenicGuide
Yoron Island: Yoron Blue, Yurigahama & Bidou Promenade Recommended Sightseeing Guide
📍GUIDE

Yoron Island: Yoron Blue, Yurigahama & Bidou Promenade

Yurigahama Beach/Bidou Promenade/Yoron Seaside Garden/Yoron Station

SCENIC BEACHES, LOCAL FOOD & RUNNER-TESTED ROUTES

I ran Yoron Island from coral reefs to narrow backstreets — and this is what I found. First-hand tips on Yoron Blue beaches, hidden spots, and where to stay.

#ScenicGuide
Amami Oshima: Keihan, Beaches & Endemic Wildlife Recommended Sightseeing Guide
📍GUIDE

Amami Oshima: Keihan, Beaches & Endemic Wildlife

Tomori Beach/Cape Ayamaru/Kochi-yama Viewpoint/Hisakura

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.

#ScenicGuide
Kume Island: Hatenohama Beach & Tatami-ishi Rocks Guide Recommended Sightseeing Guide
📍GUIDE

Kume Island: Hatenohama Beach & Tatami-ishi Rocks Guide

Hatenohama Beach/Tatami-ishi Rocks/Mifuga Rock/Hiyajo Banta Cliff/Kumi Nyankotei Rescue Cat Cafe

Kume Island: Where time slows down

I ran every road on this island to bring you honest, first-hand reviews — from Hatenohama Beach and Tatami-ishi Rocks to local food and hand-picked hotels.

#ScenicGuide
Aka Island: Kerama Blue & Sea Turtle Guide Recommended Sightseeing Guide
📍GUIDE

Aka Island: Kerama Blue & Sea Turtle Guide

Nishibama Beach/Aka Beach/Maehama Beach

WHERE THE WORLD COMES TO CHASE THE KERAMA BLUE

My first-hand guide to Aka Island — home to Nishibama Beach, one of the Kerama Islands' most beloved shores. Snorkel with sea turtles in the impossibly clear Kerama Blue, wander the island's quiet lanes, and keep an eye out for the native Kerama deer.

#ScenicGuide

Selected Hotels by Area

5 Best Ishigaki Hotels: Resorts, City & Kabira Bay
🏨HOTEL

5 Best Ishigaki Hotels: Resorts, City & Kabira Bay

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.

#BestSelectionTips
9 Best Miyako Hotels: Luxury Resorts to Boutique Stays
🏨HOTEL

9 Best Miyako Hotels: Luxury Resorts to Boutique Stays

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.

#BestSelectionTips
5 Best Yoron Island Hotels: Resorts to Hidden Villas
🏨HOTEL

5 Best Yoron Island Hotels: Resorts to Hidden Villas

BEST SELECTION GUIDE

SUCCESS TIPS

Personally stayed at every one. From Yoron’s only resort to secluded hilltop villas — five hotels I’d actually book again, with honest first-hand reviews.

#BestSelectionTips
3 Best Amami Hotels: Naze City & North Beach, Field-Tested
🏨HOTEL

3 Best Amami Hotels: Naze City & North Beach, Field-Tested

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.

#BestSelectionTips
3 Best Kume Island Hotels: Resorts Near Hatenohama Beach
🏨HOTEL

3 Best Kume Island Hotels: Resorts Near Hatenohama Beach

BEST SELECTION GUIDE

SUCCESS TIPS

Honest, field-tested reviews of 3 hotels on Kume Island. Beachfront resorts and a cozy guesthouse near Eef Beach — all based on my actual stays.

#BestSelectionTips
3 Best Aka Island Hotels: Cozy Pensions & Kerama Blue Views
🏨HOTEL

3 Best Aka Island Hotels: Cozy Pensions & Kerama Blue Views

BEST SELECTION GUIDE

SUCCESS TIPS

Honest, field-tested reviews of 3 hand-picked pensions on Aka Island — all personally stayed at. The perfect base for snorkeling the Kerama Blue, spotting wild Kerama deer, and discovering pristine beaches.

#BestSelectionTips

FAQ

Q

Which islands do you recommend in Japan?

A
For the best water clarity, Miyako, Ishigaki, and Yoron Islands are the top three. Note that Yoron has no direct flights from Tokyo or Osaka — connections via Naha or Kagoshima are required, making it better suited for those with extra time and budget. For an easily accessible hidden gem, Aka Island is just 50 minutes from Naha by express ferry. For deep nature and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Amami Oshima is the place to be. RITOTABI provides detailed guides for all these islands earned on foot.
Q

Where are some hidden gems in Okinawa?

A
Aka Island in the Kerama Islands is a true hidden gem. It offers the world-renowned clarity of “Kerama Blue” and the chance to encounter wild Kerama deer, just 50 minutes from Naha by express ferry. Kume Island’s “Hatenohama Beach” is another stunning sandbar where you can escape the crowds.
Q

When is the best season to visit Japan’s remote islands?

A
The best season for swimming and snorkeling is July to October. Okinawa and Amami’s islands enter their rainy season from mid-May through June, so swimming is not recommended during this period. The beach season truly begins after the rainy season ends in early July. To avoid peak crowds, September and October are ideal. For running, the cooler months from November to March are very comfortable.
Q

Miyako or Ishigaki: Which should I choose?

A
Miyako Island is famous for Yonaha Maehama Beach, often called the best in the Orient, and its three major bridges that are perfect for scenic drives. Ishigaki Island offers the emerald beauty of Kabira Bay and serves as a gateway to other Yaeyama islands like Taketomi and Iriomote. For a first-time trip to Okinawa's remote islands, Miyako is a fantastic starting point.
Q

How do I get to Japan’s remote islands?

A
Miyako and Ishigaki have direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, including budget airlines. Yoron Island and Amami Oshima are accessed via Kagoshima or Naha. Aka Island and Kume Island are reached from Naha by plane or express ferry. Using Naha as a hub to combine visits to Miyako and Ishigaki is a popular option, especially with budget airlines keeping costs down.