Joanna James
An archipelago that is home to some 6,800 islands, Japan has some of the most pristine, untouched-by-man islands that you can find on this world today. Known for its commerce, technological advance, and delicious cuisine, visitors to the land of the Rising Sun will be delighted at the natural beauty and scenery you can find on its lesser-travelled landmasses. Here's the best ones you should have an eye on:
One of 150 islands in the greater Okinawa prefecture, Taketomi island is a charming land home to unspoilt settlement ruins and is perfect for beach vacations as well. Hosting some architectural wonders that hint to olden-day style of living, bikes are a popular way to get around the place, and also has a festival called the Tanadui Festival, its largest and most popular gathering. Try to coincide your visit with this to get an extra large dose of culture!
Situated off the southern coast of Kyushu, Yakushima Island is a haven of Cedar and mountains. It's a great place to consider visiting when you're in other parts of Japan and looking for some interest - perfect while lounging in hotels in Osaka, Japan. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is home to hiking trails, and varied wildlife, and is sure to make for a great photo or three. Consider visiting the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine for a great hike and trail to begin!
Made famous for its gold mines, Sado is the sixth largest island in Japan, situated in the Niigata prefecture. It also attracted some infamy as a shelter for Japan's exiled political figures, but don't let that distract from its worthwhile areas - it's got plenty to discover in the way of culture, too. Stop by Myosen-Ji pagoda to absorb some of the stories and pay your respects to a great hotspot of Japanese culture.
Not to be confused with the larger prefecture of the same name, Okinawa Island is full of sights to see - including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shuri Castle and Tamagusuku Castle, whose ruins are the picture-perfect representation of Japan's history. You can also try diving with the mantas in Kabira Bay and rent a boat for some frolics. There are also mangrove jungles, pristine stretches of beach, and much more, one just has to go looking for them.
Although you won't have much to miss when staying in a hospitality property such as the Travelodge Honmachi Osaka, you could always find more things to do. Why not hop a few hundred kilometers away from the big city, and visit Aogashima Island for an adventure that's off the beaten path? Untouched by tourism and its components, the island itself is a crater - a volcanic crater - that holds another smaller one within. It's great for those looking for outdoor adventure, something that you wouldn't see just going through the motions of tourist attraction. You can even find a helicopter to make your hopping around the island easier, and to get a bird's eye view of the place.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
