This itinerary takes in Okinawa’s main island, the nearby Kerama Islands, and the Yaeyama group, further southwest towards Taiwan.

The ultimate adventurer’s trip in this region though, is to take a ferry from Kagoshima city on Kyūshū, all the way to Naha on Okinawa’s main island, stopping off at little islands along the way - then latch on to this itinerary. That leg is included in the 1-month Length of Japan Classic itinerary.

There are no passenger ferries operating between Naha and the Yaeyama group, so you’ll need to fly that leg into Ishigaki Island. Naha and Ishigaki both have numerous daily flight connections to mainland Japan.

Days 1-5: Fly into Naha Airport for some immediate tropical vibe and take the Yui Monorail into the city. Naha is fascinating so you’ll want to spend a few days here.