Japan just started to get used to global tourism and the country attracts more tourists every year with its unique natural beauties and culture. The vivid and colorful cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama and Kyoto are among the top cities of tourists in the last decade. But in this article, we will let temples, samurais and geishas set aside and let’s focus on the amazing islands in Japan. This amazing island build on total of 6 thousand 852 islands with 4 large islands is located between 20-45 north latitude. Since the country is almost vertical, it can have different climate and natural conditions. Here, we will talk about the 14 most attractive islands that are not invaded by tourists. So, you might not find the popular Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu islands on this list.
Rebun
You are dazzled by the amazing flower fields covered by more than 300 mountain flowers as you go up on the mountain. It is enjoyable to take a ride along the south coastline.
Yakushima
Yakushima will make you feel like you are on a different planet with its thousand-year-old moss-covered cedar forests, natural hot sprints and waterfalls. The island is on UNESCO World Heritage list and strictly protected by the Japanese government.
Rishiri
Rishiri Mountain is a dormant volcano and the symbol of this island. The snow-covered peak gives you an amazing view in the winter. But the most preferred season for the view and the climate is the spring when everywhere is covered with flowers.
Sado
You can find coastline for canoe, kayaking and diving as well as dense cedar forests as you walk deep inside the island. The traditional Japanese temples give you a magical atmosphere.
Iriomote
Iriomote has a lot of amazing beaches and it is located on sub-tropical Yaeyama Archipelago. But the fame of this island does not come from the beaches but from the jungle and waterfall inside the island.
Taketomi
This island is preferred by tropical holiday lovers with its blue waters, white sandy beaches and corals. The Japanese identity of the island can be seen in the hundreds of years old temple near the settlement.
Hokkaidō
Majestic mountains, steep cliffs, fields covered with wildflowers, challenging but oxygen-rich natural paths and of course modern urban life where you can escape when you get tired of the wild nature are all waiting for you on Hokkaidō, the country’s fourth largest island, located in the northernmost part of Japan. Both this island and the islands around it are popular in all seasons.
Nokono
Bright yellow rapeseed, purple cosmos, red sage, pink cherry… Nokono is a very special island that offers an incredible riot of colors even outside the famous Flower Park on the island.
Ishigaki
Ishigaki in Yaeyama Archipelago has a vibrant village life as well as white sandy beaches and different coves for the travelers. You can stop by to pineapple farms in this tropical paradise.
Kume
This island is a dreamland for the travelers with the interesting rocks formed by the frozen lava and tropic fish living in small natural pools. Kume is one of the Okinawa Islands and it has a lot of white sandy beaches including the 7 km Hatenohama Beach.
Miyako
Miyako is the largest Okinawa Island and it is famous for its crystal-clear water, clean beaches and postcard-like sunset. This island offers the most eccentric views among the Japanese islands.
Chichi
The migrating whales and warm-hearted dolphins can be seen from Chichi Island. The thick and green forests and crystal blue waters are an attraction.
Minami
This is one of the nesting zones of small Minamijima sea turtles and sea birds. With its untouched beach and forest, the island can attract up to 100 visitors per day.
Tokashiki
The corals with more than 250 sea creatures offer an amazing environment for the divers. Tokashiki is the largest of Kerama Islands and this place is amazing for trekking lovers with its green forests.
