Mangroves, Lagoons and Coral Reefs: Island Hopping in Japan’s Okinawa Archipel

When you arrive in Naha, we’ll whisk you away by private transfer to your accommodation for the next two nights. Your modern and comfortable hotel is the perfect place to unwind after your long flight. Relax this afternoon with a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, a soak in the jacuzzi or even a trip to the gym if you’re feeling up to it. This evening, toast to the beginning of your adventure in one of the two bars before a delicious meal in one of your hotel’s restaurants.

Naha is the most populous city on the island of Okinawa and the gateway to the archipelago. Like many Japanese cities, it’s a combination of rich cultural heritage and undeniable modernity. While you’re here, soak up some history and culture at the 14th-century Shuri Castle, or visit the Karate Kaikan museum to learn about the martial art that originated in Okinawa. Around Kokusai-dori Street, get lost in the shops, arcades and the Makishi Market. If you want to get out of the city, you can spend the day on the paradise island of Zamami, where you’ll dive between coral reefs and alongside turtles. Whatever you do, don’t miss trying the island’s famous ice cream sprinkled with salt.

Today, you’ll be privately transferred to Okinawa airport for your 45-minute flight to Miyako-jima. On arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to the island’s east coast. You’ll find your hotel in a heavenly setting nestled between fine sand and mountains. This is your home for the next three nights, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy breakfast overlooking the water, try some morning yoga on the beach, or simply lounge beside your own private swimming pool.

Miyako-jima is the main island of the five Miyako Islands, one of which is only accessible by boat, and all of which boast turquoise waters and magnificent white sands. With your rental car on hand, you can explore the island at your own pace as you travel from beach to beach or even island to island across the impressive bridges. These islands are a paradise for kayaking and snorkelling, so expect to come face to face with sea turtles and tropical fish. When you’re not at the beach, cruise through orchards, sugarcane fields and mangroves to see a different side of island life.

Today you’ll return your rental car and fly to Ishigaki. When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to the port before taking a ferry to Iriomote Island. You’ll spend two nights here in an small hotel close to several beaches. Relax this afternoon with a dip in the quiet swimming pool.

After breakfast in your hotel’s shady garden this morning, you’ll set out to explore the island in the company of a private guide. You’ll head towards the stunning Pinaisara falls, the tallest waterfall in Okinawa at 180ft. To get there, you’ll cross the mangroves in a canoe before walking for 30 minutes through the dense jungle. When you arrive, all that’s left to do is take a refreshing dip in the water.

Today you’ll take the ferry to Ishigaki Island and then Taketomi Island, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Your accommodation here will be a peaceful guest house with a relaxing garden full of colourful flowers. It’s located more or less in the centre of the island, so is perfect for exploring the shops and your surroundings on foot.

A tiny island of just two square miles, Taketomi-jima is tranquil and timeless. With just a handful of traditional houses with red tiled roofs, immaculate sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and ox carts as the only means of transport, this is the Japan of another era, a place where you can truly switch off.

Today you’ll take the ferry back to Ishigaki and pick up another rental car, ready to explore the final island of your trip. While Ishigaki is more populous than some of its neighbours, it has nevertheless retained that paradisical quality, surrounded by emerald water and white sand beaches. We recommend spending some time on Sukuii beach, a long stretch of white sand with plenty of shady spots. You can also visit the Miyara Donchi, a samurai house, and the Buddhist temple of the Rinzai school. The Yaeyama Museum is a great place to learn more about the history and traditions of Ishigaki and the other Yaeyama islands. Finally, sampling some local pineapple should be top of your list – they are absolutely delicious.

You’ll spend your final night in Japan in a small pavilion beside a large, lush garden. Here, you’ll find a swimming pool, a spa and several restaurants, all a stone’s throw from the beautiful beach.