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Japan’s 6,852 isles are why the nation is known as a shima-guni, or island nation. The idea of an “island nation,” which underlines the sense of relative isolation, appears to be the go-to phrase to clarify something that feels uniquely Japanese and out of the norm for many foreigners.
The sense of isolation and distinctive tradition turns into much more evident as one leaves Japan’s 4 principal islands internet hosting most of its inhabitants—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu—and sails away to one of many a whole bunch of small inhabited islands.
Listed here are simply three of these islands that really feel worlds away and can lure you into their extraordinary and alluring world with open blue waters, cultural splendors and charming hospitality.
Tokashiki Island: Swim in Kerama blue
True blue or Kerama blue? Photograph: Burcu Basar
Tokashiki Island is my favourite summer time getaway in Japan, and I go to each summer time. It may be reached by a 35-minute lengthy ferry experience from Naha, the capital metropolis of Okinawa, however regardless of its proximity to Okinawa’s principal island, Tokashiki feels comparatively secluded. You possibly can usually have a few of the seashores to your self early within the morning.
The island is a part of the chain of islands generally known as the Kerama Islands. It’s tough to explain the wonder and near-transparency of the waters surrounding the group of greater than 20 islands (solely 4 are inhabited), so the locals name it “Kerama blue.”
To know why they needed to give you a brand new time period, it takes one fast take a look at the water surrounding Tokashiki Island, heaven for divers, snorkelers, swimmers and anybody who enjoys water and the relaxed seashore environment. The swimming and total seashore expertise on the island can simply compete with better-known tropical paradises, together with world-famous Thai islands (make no mistake, I’m additionally a fan).
Spot a number of sea turtles within the near-transparent Kerama waters. Photograph: iStock/ Linegold
The principle spots on Tokashiki Island are Tokashiki Village, the place the principle ferry port is positioned, and Aharen Seashore, the busiest seashore on the island because of a number of sports activities facilities and eating places. As somebody extra enthusiastic about simply swimming or studying on the seashore as an alternative of water sports activities, I usually skip Aharen Seashore and spend most of my days on the extra secluded Tokashiku Seashore, which is a main to identify sea turtles.
Since there is just one place for lunch promoting bento bins, most individuals convey meals and drinks to make a time out of it, both proper on the seashore or beneath the shade of free-to-use huts.
Aharen Seashore space and Tokashiki Village are the place many of the island’s minshuku (Japanese-style mattress and breakfast) are. I at all times keep at Kerama Backpackers in Tokashiki Village. It provides non-public and dorm-style rooms and a free shuttle to the island’s standard seashores.
Ojika Island: Benefit from the sluggish life
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