An Introduction to Remote Island Travel in Japan――Another Japan Revealed by Crossing the Sea

Remote Islands: A Special Place

Japan is an island nation composed of over 6,800 islands, but only approximately 420 of these are inhabited islands (有人島). Excluding the five major islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa Main Island, the remaining islands can all be called "remote islands." The appeal of remote islands cannot be expressed in a single phrase, but at their core lies "isolation." Because they are separated from the mainland by the sea, they have preserved their own unique cultures, ecosystems, and sense of time.

In the context of tourism, remote islands offer experiences that are absolutely impossible to have on the mainland. Not only swimming in highly transparent waters, but also encountering endangered species, catching your breath at the density of the starry sky, and interacting with islanders who warmly welcome outside travelers. Such experiences cannot be replicated by staying at even the most impressive resort hotel.

Major Remote Island Areas and Their Character

Japan's remote islands can be broadly classified into several areas. Each has a completely different character, and choosing the optimal island based on your travel purpose greatly influences your satisfaction.

**The Seto Inland Sea Islands** have recently gained international attention as "art islands." Areas dotted with islands such as Naoshima, Teshima, Inujima, and Shikoku form the perfect introduction to "island hopping"—traveling from island to island while transferring between ferries. Modern art museums and artworks from the Setouchi Triennale blend naturally into the landscape, and even those unfamiliar with contemporary art can enjoy them purely as scenic beauty. The warm climate and calm seas of the Seto Inland Sea provide a sense of security for first-time remote island visitors.

**The Amami and Okinawa Area** attracts visitors with its subtropical ecosystem and unique Ryukyuan culture. Amami Ōshima Island is a treasure trove of endemic species such as the Amami rabbit and Lidth's jay, and kayaking tours through mangrove forests represent some of Japan's finest nature experiences. Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island are surrounded by coral reefs with exceptional transparency even by global standards, and they remain top snorkeling and diving destinations, drawing visitors from around the world.

**The Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands** belong to Tokyo yet possess completely different worlds. Each island has signature experiences: Mount Miharayama on Izu Ōshima, natural open-air hot springs on Shikine Island, and dolphin watching off Mikurayama Island. As for the Ogasawara Islands (Chichi-jima and Haha-jima), they are registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site with their own unique ecosystem, and because no commercial flights operate there, reaching this "ultimate remote island" requires a 24-hour ferry journey from Tokyo.

Basic Access and Transportation

The greatest hurdle for remote island travel is difficult access and limited transportation options. However, with proper planning, this hurdle is far from insurmountable.

Ferries are the basic means of accessing remote islands. Reservations should be made **1–2 months in advance**. Particularly during Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's holidays, ferries are extremely crowded, and it's possible not to secure a ticket. Ferries are divided into categories such as "first class, second class, and ferry deck." For longer routes, a first-class cabin or berth is comfortable. For routes of 3–4 hours, the second-class common sleeping area is sufficient.

Remote islands served by airplane (Yakushima, Amami Ōshima, Ishigaki Island, etc.) have significantly easier access. However, small aircraft are often used, and the risk of cancellation due to bad weather may be higher than with ferries. We strongly recommend building a buffer into your schedule on your final day. The mindset of "being unable to return on schedule is part of the journey" is essential for remote island travel.

For getting around the island, most remote islands offer rental cars and bicycles. While cars expand your range of movement, cycling slowly also reveals scenery that cannot be seen any other way. For small islands that can be traversed on foot (such as Taketomi Island), it's actually best not to use any transportation.

How to Spend Your Time on Remote Islands and Important Attitudes

The most important thing for remote island travel is **not to pack too much into your schedule**. If you plan your itinerary using the same mindset as mainland tourist attractions, you'll miss all the island has to offer. Decide on just one or two destinations per day, and leave the rest to that day's mood and weather. This kind of breathing room creates unforgettable encounters and discoveries on the island.

For meals, we recommend actively entering local restaurants and izakayas. Rather than restaurants designed for tourists, a modest local eatery frequented by islanders allows you to touch the true essence of island food culture. Through conversations with the shop owner, you might hear about hidden beaches not marked on tourist maps or learn about fish that had special catches just that day.

Additionally, island ecosystems are extremely delicate. Observing basic rules such as not touching coral, not bringing in or taking out plants, and not feeding wild animals is the bare minimum courtesy as a visitor and a consideration for future travelers.

Remote Islands Recommended for First-Time Visitors

For first-timers, we strongly recommend **Naoshima** in the Seto Inland Sea or **Taketomi Island** (Okinawa, Yaeyama Islands). Naoshima has good access from the mainland (30–60 minutes via high-speed ferry from Okayama or Takamatsu), and its unique environment where contemporary art and island daily life merge provides a solid sense of accomplishment to your trip. Taketomi Island, while only a 10-minute high-speed ferry ride from Ishigaki Island, preserves a traditional red-tiled village landscape through which water buffalo carts travel—a beauty that could be called the archetypal Japanese landscape.

Crossing the sea means transcending the boundary between the everyday and the extraordinary. As the horizon visible from the ferry deck gradually draws near, your journey truly begins.