Japan is an archipelago consisting of about 7000 islands. The major four — Hokkaido, Shikoku, Honshu, and Kyushu – are well-known, but there are many more lovely islands gems to discover.
These remote islands show a version of Japan that is more laid-back. They’re devoid of neon lights and congested roads – the type of island where reading a book first thing in the morning seems to make all your worries go away.
The following article provides you with the list of Japan’s top 5 breathtaking islands and their gorgeous beaches so that you don’t miss out on the views next time you visit Japan.
1. Nokonoshima In Fukuoka Prefecture
The Nokonoshima Island Park is a large and well-kept floral paradise that blooms all year, transforming the island into a kaleidoscope of light and color. One can witness fields of sunflowers from July to August, multicolored daisies from March to May, and sakura during the cherry blossom season from late March to early April.
The island is small and makes navigating on foot simple. The coastlines are ideal for summer barbecues. It’s the type of spot you’d like to go with your pals on a warm, bright day.
2. Sado Island In Niigata Prefecture
Located two hours by ferry from the nearest metropolis, Sado Island is worth a weekend visit. Here you’ll discover onsens, as well as an award-winning sake that you get straight from the brewery. The greatest thing to do, though, is to take a bathing boat trip. Allow natives costumed in historical costume to guide you in a traditional wooden tub-boat around the pristine waterways.
3. Shodoshima In Kagawa Prefecture
The greatest time to visit Shodoshima is during the Setouchi Triennale, a massive art display encompassing twelve islands and two major ports every three years. If you can’t visit during that time, don’t worry. There are permanent art displays installed throughout the island, and there’s lots more to see and do.
You can also walk over the mysterious Angel Road sandbar with your sweetheart, which many think will offer them undying love. You may also sample a unique local delicacy: soft-serve ice cream with an olive flavor.
4. Ikishima In Nagasaki Prefecture
With such beautifully lovely crystal waters, it’s easy to see why Ikishima attracts so many visitors. This island’s white-sand beaches are among the prettiest in Japan. You may swim at Tsutsukihama Beach and surf at Kiyoshihama or Ohama Beach. Then, to round out the day, relax in the famed mud-colored water of the Yunamoto Hot Spring village retreat.
5. Miyajima In Itsukushima
Slow down your journey with an overnight stay to Miyajima Island, where you can witness the majestic floating Torii gate in the Seto Inland Sea. It is one of the country’s most renowned places. It draws swarms of tourists, especially in the fall when the car-free island is draped with sunset-hued autumn leaves. Even at its busiest, Miyajima is a peaceful island that surely will ease all your travel tiredness away.
Conclusion
The above-listed five islands are ideal in case you want to visit Japan and witness its beauty. They offer you a gateway to escape from the busy and crowded city life in the Urban part of Japan and enter into the subtropical islands where nature and relaxation take over.
If you plan to visit Japan and its beautiful islands, it’s highly recommended to consider taking Japanese semester courses for language and culture. Reading and understanding Japanese can ease your travel and interaction with locals.
Connect with Oku Sensei’s Japanese and get a quick overview session course to study the distinctive Online Japanese Language courses.