There is nothing that can match a collection of the lesser-known parts of the Japanese Archipelago – here, one is immersed in the calm of the world that simply ignores itself, where the natural beauty discovers its most intimate side. Apart from the lively setting of Tokyo or the cultural revolver of Kyoto, Japan has many islands that are like real heavens on earth, nearly unexplored.
These secret islands in Japan are all those persons’ safe havens who want a perfect combination of relaxation and thrill. For instance, there are forests that have been defensively covered up to the beaches; these are some of the best places to undertake nature tourism.
The various parts of Japan includes more than 6,800 islands but it is only some few that are recognized. Nevertheless, the main ways are characteristic of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, while the less famous islands provide attractive and extraordinary experiences. They attract tourists by their exceptional non-tourism appeal that include privacy, opportunity to meet culturally unique people and interact with nature.
One of them is Yakushima, which is a World Heritage site that hosts Japan’s oldest cedar trees. Yakushima is an island that lies at the bottom of a dense fog, and the J?mon Sugi here is considered to be over 7000 years old. The beautiful green scenery of the island provided the backdrop for the magical forest in Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, so it is a walker’s paradise. It overcame even modern tourism, and, therefore, looks like a wild wonder, which gives an idea of nature’s strength, falling rocks or beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs in summer.
One more island that is completely unknown to the majority of tourists is Amami ?shima – one more gorgeous island with a tropical climate situated between Kyushu and Okinawa. Being an island it has a rather large variety of fauna and flora ranging from Mangroves, coral reefs, and numerous marine species. Nature tourism lovers can visit Amami ?shima, where they can rent kayaks to go through mangrove forests, go snorkeling, and take a walk through the beautiful subtropical trails.
It is not customary, however, for an island to be famous for its natural beauty, especially if it is as stunning as Amami ?shima: it is rather that the island has made a point of conserving its natural values. It is situated in Amami Gunt? National Park, home to exotic endemic animals, including Amami rabbit and Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle. It remains a developed area that does not harm or damage ecology since a traveler can fully appreciate its beauty.
While many people have a fascination with volcano environments, what you get in Aogashima is entirely unique. This is a less explored island in the Izu Archipelago; the island is a twin volcanic crater that provides a dramatic landscape and unique volcanic phenomena. It can only be reached via a boat or a helicopter, and to even find the town of Aogashima, you have to go on a long hike. Here, one can take a bath in the hot springs, taste freshly smoked fish caught in the monitoring zone, and admire the stars in the sky as in one of the recesses of Japan.
It deserves mentioning that the territories of Japan are not only gorgeous with their flawless nature, but they also expose clients to unknown cultural experiences. Shodoshima, for instance, attracts interest with reference to its olive trees and the Mediterranean flair. Aside from numerous stunning sceneries, the island can also feature artifacts related to Japanese crafts and the labor and industries that originated from it, such as soy sauce breweries and hand-made somen noodle production. The largely untouched coastline of Shodoshima and its beautiful olive groves ensure that one will definitely find a relaxing atmosphere while also being surrounded by culture.
At the same time, Okinoshima which belongs to the Oki Islands presents a history and spiritual complex. With a shuttle bus running from Nokonosima and Yakushima, Okinoshima has long been a site of Shinto reverence and has even been listed by UNESCO. Untouched forests and cliffs carpet the region giving the area an aura of serenity, thus providing an opportunity for destructive reflection and renewal. Some of the mystery is created by the seclusion and accessibility of the island keeping it volcanic and untouched.
For people who love snorkeling and diving, Ishigaki Island, which is a part of Ythe aeyama Archipelago is a must-visit location. Promising great marine experiences, Ishigaki has a warm, turquoise sea and colorful reef for which Japan is famous. The island’s Kabira Bay offers tourists an opportunity to go for glass bottom boat rides and get to see the beauty of marine life with lots of fishes and manta rays.
A short boat ride away from Ishigaki lies Taketomi Island, a small island that is very traditional. Taketomi has Ryukyu-style houses, white sand roads, and even buffalo-drawn carriages, and overall, the modicum of civilization that one can see here makes it seem like he or she has gone a hundred years back in time. Many of the landmasses are beautiful beaches for which tourists can relax after hours of sightseeing, one of these beaches includes Kondoi beach.
There must be something for everyone; if you are tired of every day and want to get to the farthest and the wildest of places then you should go to the Ogasawara Islands – this is the Galápagos of east. These are located about 1000 km south of Tokyo and are only accessible by a ferry that takes 24 hours to get there thus means that they cannot be flooded with masses of tourists.
The Ogasawara Islands are rich in endemic species on both land and marine offering an environmental lover’s paradise. ’African Queen’ activities include whale watching, diving, and jungle trekking revealing not only spectacular fauna, the objective flora of the island as well.
As for nature tourism, we have seen that, in addition to visiting the beautiful islands of Japan, it means developing respect for nature. These offshore islets offer visitors opportunities to discover untouched nature, great volcanic cones, and calm bays. They also highlight the importance of sustainability all over Japan because the majority of the islands are practicing conservation of their natural and cultural resources.
The goal of reaching these bound islands is in itself quite a voyage where one has to take a ferry, flight, or helicopter. But the destinations are worth it as beautiful scenic terrains are provided and friendly reception from local people. These islands are perfect examples of the great variety the Japanese Archipelago possesses, indicating that there is so much more that a traveler can explore than what he has already known.
Describing the secret islands of Japan informs everyone about the beautiful aspects of the country that are not associated with big cities and famous monuments. Some of these islands are Yakushima, with its rich, unadulterated forests and its volcanic formation, among others. They provide the audience with an opportunity to go beyond this real world to a world unmarred by social and natural vices. For those who seek adventure free from thousands of tourists, Japan’s hidden gems are a chance to experience a dream, calmness, and exploration.
Whether it is the natural beauty of Amami ?shima Shodoshima or Ogasawara Islands, there is an appeal to wanderlust that each provides to the visitors. These islands and their 500-plus smaller neighbors are not just geographical locations; they are adventures to be had, moments to be captured, and tales to be woven.
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