Okinawa & Japan's Southwest Islands

Book excerpt: Brand new from Bradt is Okinawa and Japan’s Southwest Islands, the sole travel guidebook dedicated to the archipelago stretching from the southern tip of mainland Japan to Taiwan, whose landscapes include award-winning beaches, coral reefs, tropical jungles and ancient forests. This guide contains all the detailed information that travellers need to get the most out of their visit, from accommodation and restaurants to transport and sights. Japan expert Jo Davey complements this with rich context and entertaining insights to help readers understand this fascinating region, covering culture, recipes, architectural highlights, historical episodes and traditional folktales. Japan’s Southwest Islands are a remote but rewarding and geographically diverse area that comprises the Satsunan Islands (formed of the Osumi and Amami islands) and the Ryukyu Islands (consisting of the Okinawa, Kerama, Miyako and Yaeyama islands). The capital city of Naha on Okinawa-honto is a bright and busy hub of history, art, karate and food. Thanks to its many US military bases and post-war occupation by the US, Naha is a fusion of Japanese and American culture. In contrast, the more remote islands preserve traditional Ryukyuan life with festivals, architecture, traditional accommodation and religious sites. Depending where you travel, you can dive with manta rays off Iriomote or kayak along its jungle rivers, hike through Yakushima’s ancient forest, search for star sand on Taketomi, pay tribute to the fallen of World War II at museums and monuments on Okinawa-honto, cycle between Miyako’s award-winning beaches, take home a chunk of rope from the world’s largest tug-of-war (in Naha) or go whale watching off the Kerama Islands. Wherever you go, the islands’ amazing food – known for being the world’s healthiest cuisine – can be found throughout the archipelago. As well as dedicated chapters covering each island group, the book also provides a glimpse into the ‘gateway cities’ of Tokyo and Kagoshima, with coverage that highlights little-known areas, activities, accommodation and restaurants. Throughout, extensive practical information includes transport, seasonality, itineraries, visas and budgeting. Whether you come for culture or cuisine, karate or nature, diving or trekking, let Bradt’s Okinawa and Japan’s Southwest Islands be your guide.