Japan boasts a staggering 14,125 islands, creating a diverse paradise for travellers.
This extraordinary nation delivers everything from majestic volcanic summits to warm tropical shores.
Explore ancient forest temples, see unique wildlife and visit fishing villages where traditions have stayed the same for generations.
Beyond the well-known cities of Honshu, many islands invite adventurous visitors.
They are ready to show their true character and natural beauty.
So, enjoy what we feel are the most beautiful islands in Japan.
Ishigaki
Nestled in Okinawa Prefecture, Ishigaki Island is a tropical paradise that will take your breath away!
With its idyllic subtropical setting, this gem offers some of Japan’s most stunning coastal views.
Its emerald waters and white sands create a perfect backdrop for your holiday snaps.
Here, you can take glass-bottom boat tours to peek at the underwater world without getting wet.
For marine enthusiasts, Ishigaki is a dream come true.
The island offers amazing snorkeling and diving.
You can explore bright coral reefs filled with marine life.
The island offers more than just beaches.
You can hike inland through beautiful, green landscapes.
Or, visit the observation deck for stunning views.
As night falls, prepare to be dazzled by star-filled skies.
The lack of light pollution makes Ishigaki perfect for stargazing after a day of tropical adventures.
Iriomote Island
Tucked away in Okinawa, Iriomote Island is one of Japan’s wildest treasure.
As the biggest Yaeyama Island, this wild paradise will amaze you. Its dense, hilly forests cover most of the land.
In 2021, UNESCO recognized Iriomote’s remarkable natural beauty by adding it to its World Heritage list.
You’ll be amazed by the sheer diversity of ecosystems packed into this single island.
Want to explore?
The island offers brilliant adventures for nature lovers:
- Sea and river kayaking
- Jungle trekking
- Mangrove forest tours
- Waterfall expeditions
The unspoiled wilderness makes Iriomote feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s cities.
To get there, you’ll need to fly to Ishigaki first, then take a ferry to Iriomote.
It’s worth the journey!
The remoteness helps preserve the island’s wild character and keeps crowds to a minimum.
You might even spot the elusive Iriomote cat, a critically endangered wildcat found nowhere else on Earth.
Though sightings are rare, just knowing these magnificent creatures share the island with you adds to the mystique.
Miyako Island
Miyako Island is a hidden gem in Okinawa’s crystalline waters, boasting some of Japan’s most magnificent beaches.
The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and a dazzling emerald sea that will take your breath away.
When you visit, you’ll see why this remote paradise is famous.
It has beautiful beaches with soft white sand and clear blue waters.
Most locals live in Hirara, a charming town on the north coast.
The island has more than beautiful beaches.
You can also enjoy snorkeling, diving, and many other activities.
The last time we went we tried snorkeling with sea turtles.
Top attractions include:
- Eastern Cape scenic viewpoint
- Stunning beaches (perfect for swimming and sunbathing)
- World-class snorkeling and diving spots
- Cultural sites and natural landmarks
You’ll find lovely accommodation options ranging from resort hotels to chic vacation rentals.
For the best experience, rent a car to explore the island’s numerous beaches and attractions at your own pace.
Kurima Island
Nestled just off Miyakojima in Okinawa, Kurima Island is a little slice of paradise you simply must visit.
This charming island is connected to Miyakojima by a scenic bridge, making it incredibly accessible for a day trip.
The beaches here are absolute stunners.
The clear water is great for a refreshing swim after exploring the island.
The western-facing beaches also offer some of the most breathtaking sunset views you’ll find in all of Japan.
What makes Kurima special is its peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike some of Japan’s more touristy islands, Kurima remains beautifully quiet and remote.
You’ll be surrounded by swaying sugarcane and tobacco fields that give the island its authentic rural charm.
For the best experience, try these activities:
- Beach hopping along the pristine shoreline
- Watching the spectacular sunset from the west side
- Stargazing in the evening (the lack of light pollution makes it brilliant)
- Exploring unique rock formations around the island
Despite its small size, Kurima has been developing a lovely selection of boutiques and chic cafés.
You can easily drive around the entire island or take a leisurely hike to see everything it has to offer.
Add these island activities to your Japan experience:
Taketomi Island
Located just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island is a true hidden gem in Okinawa Prefecture.
This small subtropical paradise is part of the Yaeyama Islands.
It gives you a real look at traditional Ryukyu culture.
The island feels like stepping into a time machine.
You’ll see traditional Okinawan houses with red-tiled roofs and stone walls.
They line the narrow, sandy streets. It’s like wandering through Japan’s past.
Fancy a unique way to explore?
Hop on a water buffalo cart tour.
Local guides will take you around the village while singing traditional Ryukyu songs.
It’s quite possibly the most charming transportation you’ll ever experience.
Taketomi also boasts stunning beaches for swimming and snorkeling:
- Kondoi Beach: Crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand
- Kaiji Beach: Famous for its star-shaped sand particles
- Rocky beaches: Perfect spots for exploring marine life
Tokashiki Island
Tucked away about 30 kilometers west of Okinawa’s main island, Tokashiki Island stands as the largest gem in the Kerama Islands group.
You’ll be absolutely gobsmacked by the crystal-clear waters surrounding this paradise.
Getting to Tokashiki is simple.
Hop on a high-speed boat and you’ll arrive in merely 30 minutes from Okinawa.
It’s close enough for a day trip but trust me, you’ll want to stay longer.
The island boasts some of Japan’s most stunning white sand beaches.
Dip your toes into the clear turquoise waters.
You’ll see why many call this Japan’s favorite summer spot.
For underwater enthusiasts, Tokashiki offers world-class diving experiences.
Yakushima: Ancient Forests
This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts over 1,900 plant species in its primeval rainforest.
You’ll be absolutely gobsmacked by the island’s famous Japanese cedars, known locally as yakusugi.
These magnificent giants have stood for thousands of years.
The forest here is properly ancient.
As you wander the moss-covered paths, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
The most famous resident is Jomon Sugi, a cedar estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,000 years old.
Sado Island
Nestled in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, Sado Island is Japan’s sixth-largest island.
This magical place blends stunning nature with a deep cultural heritage.
It feels far removed from the busy vibe of Tokyo.
You’ll be captivated by Sado’s diverse landscapes.
The island spans 854 square kilometres.
It features dramatic coastlines and peaceful mountain views.
Gold mining played a significant role in Sado’s history.
You can explore the fascinating remnants of this industry during your visit.
These historic sites provide a glimpse into Japan’s past that few tourists ever experience.
One of Sado’s most treasured residents is the crested ibis (toki).
These beautiful birds with their distinctive red faces have become a symbol of conservation success on the island.
Must-try experiences on Sado Island:
- Ride in a traditional “tarai bune” tub boat steered by local fisherwomen
- Watch mesmerising performances of traditional taiko drumming
- Explore ancient temples scattered across the island
- Photograph the dramatic rock formations along the coastline
You’ll find getting to Sado remarkably straightforward.
Regular ferries connect the island to Niigata City, making it an easy addition to your Japan adventure.
Rebun Island
Nestled off the northernmost tip of Hokkaido, Rebun Island is a true hidden gem that’ll take your breath away.
Called the “Floating Island of Flowers,” this beautiful place blooms with wildflowers from May to August.
You’ll be gobsmacked by the sweeping coastal views that look straight out of a fantasy novel.
Cape Sumiumi stands as one of the most beautiful spots on the island, where the sea’s brilliant hue perfectly mirrors the sky above.
Fancy a proper ramble?
Rebun offers various hiking trails that let you enjoy its scenic beauty up close.
The island’s landscape is a great setting for both photographers and nature lovers.
Getting to this remote treasure requires a bit of effort, but it’s worth it.
You can fly to Wakkanai from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya or Sapporo, then catch a ferry to the island.
You’ll want to plan your visit between late spring and summer when the island is at its most colourful.
Shimokita Peninsula’s Oma
At the absolute northernmost tip of Honshu (Japan’s main island) sits the remote and rugged Oma Cape.
This stunning point on the Shimokita Peninsula feels like you’re standing at the edge of Japan.
Oma is famous throughout Japan for its incredible maguro (bluefin tuna).
Local fishermen still use traditional methods to catch these massive fish.
You’ll spot plenty of tuna-themed souvenirs and restaurants showcasing this local specialty.
The peninsula itself is wonderfully wild and untamed.
It’s one of those places that feels properly off the beaten track, even for many Japanese tourists.
You’ll enjoy breathtaking coastal views with dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea.
From Oma, you can spot Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait on clear days.
The strait is only about 20km wide at this point, creating a magical feeling of standing between two worlds.
Awaji Island
Nestled in the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku, Awaji Island is Japan’s best-kept secret.
This gorgeous island is the largest in the Inland Sea (after Shikoku) and offers everything you could want from rural Japan.
The rolling farmland and stunning mountain ranges create perfect views.
Fancy a dip?
Awaji’s countless hot springs provide the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.
Nothing beats soaking in warm mineral waters whilst gazing at the peaceful Seto Inland Sea.
Food lovers won’t be disappointed either.
Awaji is renowned for its abundant cuisine featuring fresh seafood and local produce.
Be sure to sample some of the island’s specialities during your visit.
Getting to Awaji is easy.
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge links it to Honshu.
The Naruto Ohashi connects it to Shikoku.
Enoshima
Just an hour from Tokyo lies the charming island of Enoshima, a perfect seaside getaway that packs a lot into its small size.
This small island connects to the mainland by a bridge in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
It’s a lovely escape from city life.
As you cross onto the island, you’ll immediately feel the fun-loving beach atmosphere that makes Enoshima special.
The island boasts several must-see attractions:
- Enoshima Shrine – a beautiful spiritual site
- Observation tower with panoramic views
- Mysterious sea caves to explore
- Scenic shoreline perfect for photographs
Enoshima offers splendid views of Mount Fuji without requiring a long journey from Tokyo.
What makes Enoshima truly special is how it balances tourist attractions with natural beauty.
Teshima
Hidden in the peaceful Seto Inland Sea, Teshima is a truly magical island that art lovers simply can’t miss.
This small rural gem in Kagawa Prefecture changed from a quiet farming community into one of Japan’s most captivating art spots.
The island’s crown jewel is the Teshima Art Museum, where nature and creativity blend seamlessly.
Fancy a splash of colour?
The Teshima Yokoo House features a stunning koi pond surrounded by bright red rocks.
The island is blessed with abundant farmland.
You’ll find delicious fresh vegetables and fruits changing with the seasons.
Why not try some local produce at one of the quaint cafés?
Naoshima
Naoshima is an art island in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan.
It mixes stunning nature with modern art.
Once a simple smelter town, it has transformed into an international art destination that will leave you breathless.
The laid-back rural feel makes it the perfect escape from Japan’s bustling cities.
The island’s crown jewels are its world-class museums and outdoor art installations.
Perhaps the most iconic sight is the Yellow Pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, which has become the unofficial symbol of Naoshima.
Key attractions on Naoshima:
- Benesse House (museum and hotel)
- Chichu Art Museum
- Art House Project
- Yellow Pumpkin sculpture
- Beautiful beaches
A billionaire turned the island into a unique art paradise.
Many now see it as one of the world’s top art destinations.
You’ll find getting around quite easy despite the island’s small size.
Renting a bicycle is a brilliant way to explore at your own pace whilst enjoying the lovely coastal views.
Miyajima
Just south of Hiroshima lies a magical island that will take your breath away.
The island’s most iconic feature is its enormous red “floating” torii gate.
This beautiful Shinto gate seems to float on water at high tide.
It’s a magical view you’ll always remember.
But Miyajima offers so much more than just its famous gate.
As you explore, you’ll encounter friendly sacred deer wandering freely throughout the island.
These gentle creatures add to the mystical atmosphere that makes Miyajima so special.
Need a perfect blend of nature and culture?
Miyajima delivers brilliantly.
The island has the impressive Daisho-in temple.
It also offers many hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints.
Getting to Miyajima is a easy.
There are multiple ferries from Hiroshima on a daily basis.
You can make it a day trip.
But if you stay overnight, you can enjoy the island’s peace after the day-trippers go home.
What to see on Miyajima:
- The floating torii gate (best viewed at high tide)
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Daisho-in Temple
- Mount Misen (for panoramic views)
- Local shopping street with delicious street food
Mikurajima
Fancy an island getaway with dolphins and ancient forests?
Mikurajima is your perfect escape.
Often called “Dolphin Island,” this natural paradise sits among Tokyo’s Izu Islands chain.
At just 20 square kilometres, this small island packs a massive punch of natural beauty.
You’ll be amazed by the crystal-clear waters teeming with playful Indo-Pacific dolphins.
The island is a National Park.
It protects its amazing old-growth forests and beautiful landscapes.
Getting to Mikurajima from Tokyo requires a bit of planning.
You can take an overnight ferry from Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier, arriving at the island the following morning.
Wrapping Up
These are, in my opinion, the most beautiful islands in Japan.
But perhaps you’ll uncover something even better.
Happy travels.
