18 days in Japan Itinerary

Naha, the capital of Okinawa, has deep roots: Stone Age relics have been found in the city, and through the Middle Ages it rose in importance in the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Wed): admire the natural beauty at Fukushu-en Garden and then step into the grandiose world of Shurijo Castle. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the long history of Tamaudoun Site, then Head underground at Valley of Gangala, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, and finally steep yourself in history at The Tower of Himeyuri.

For reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Naha custom trip planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Naha is an approximately 22.5-hour flight. You'll lose 8 hours traveling from Zurich to Naha due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Zurich in May, you will find days in Naha are somewhat warmer (30°C), and nights are much warmer (26°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Miyakojima.

A city jurisdiction formed after the merger of several towns in 2005, Miyakojima spans six linked-up islands.

Escape the urban bustle at Sunayama Beach and Hora Gyoko no Hama Beach. Visit Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse and Miyako Shrine for their historical value. And it doesn't end there: kick back and relax at Aragusuku Beach, step off the mainland to explore Shimoji-jima Island, explore the activities along Yabiji, and stroll through Nagamahama Beach Coast.

For traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Miyakojima vacation trip planner.

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Naha to Miyakojima takes 1.5 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Miyakojima can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Taketomi-jima Taketomi-cho.

A tiny island in the Yae-yama archipelago, Taketomi-jima enjoys popularity as a beach getaway, best known for its stretches of "star sand"--sand made up of tiny star-shaped exoskeletons of ancient fossils.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Thu): kick back and relax at Kaiji Beach, take in the waterfront at Nishi Pier, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach. On the next day, appreciate the extensive heritage of Island Countryside Settlement and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Kubazaki Beach.

To find maps, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Taketomi-jima Taketomi-cho tour planner.

You can do a combination of flight and ferry from Miyakojima to Taketomi-jima Taketomi-cho in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in May, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Fri) early enough to catch the ferry to Taketomicho Iriomote-jima.

Taketomicho Iriomote-Jima stands as the second largest island in Okinawa.

Step off the beaten path and head to Iriomote Island and Hoshisuna Beach. Get a sense of the local culture at Wasurenaishi and Residence of Niimori. On the 15th (Tue), spend an adventurous day with a kayaking and canoeing tour. There's still lots to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Ida no Hama Beach, head off the coast to Nakama-river Protected Region, find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, and admire the sheer force of Pinaisara Falls.

To see more things to do, photos, reviews, and tourist information, use the Taketomicho Iriomote-jima trip builder.

Getting from Taketomi-jima Taketomi-cho to Taketomicho Iriomote-jima by ferry takes about 2.5 hours. May in Taketomicho Iriomote-jima sees daily highs of 33°C and lows of 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) to allow time to ride a ferry to Ishigaki.

Ishigaki, the most populous island in the chain, features the country's southernmost city and acts as a transport hub for exploring the landmasses that surround.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Wed): kick back and relax at Yonehara Beach, visit a coastal fixture at Cape Hirakubozaki, and then examine the collection at Tamatorizaki Observatory. On the 17th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Fusaki Beach, then steep yourself in history at Ishigaki Yaima Village, and then discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Ishigaki vacation planner.

You can ride a ferry from Taketomicho Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki in an hour. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in May, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.