Ogasawara Islands

Pacific islands belonging to Ogasawara, Tokyo. Their ecosystem, evolved uniquely as oceanic islands never connected to a continent, is registered as a World Natural Heritage Site. Whale watching and diving in the transparent 'Bonin Blue' sea are popular. The 24-hour boat journey from Tokyo adds to the allure of remoteness.

The largest island in the Sea of Japan, off the coast of Niigata. Sado Kinzan gold mine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024, and unique traditions like tub boats and Noh theater persist. Also known for the reintroduction of the crested ibis (toki), it blends nature and history.

An island south of Kagoshima that houses JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center, Japan's space development hub. Rocket launch viewings are popular, and the island combines historical significance as where firearms were first introduced to Japan with beautiful beach resort appeal.

Oceanic islands roughly 1,000km south of Tokyo that have never been connected to a continent. A treasure trove of endemic species that evolved in isolation, these UNESCO World Natural Heritage islands are known as the Galapagos of the Orient.

The central city of Harima, home to World Heritage Himeji Castle. Beyond the castle, it offers appealing tourism resources and food culture including Mount Shosha's Engyo-ji Temple and Himeji-style oden.

A small island preserving the original Okinawan landscape of red-tiled houses, white sand roads, and bougainvillea. Famed for village tours by water buffalo cart, its easy 10-minute ferry access from Ishigaki Island adds to its popularity.