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.

On the 2nd (Wed), take in nature's colorful creations at Fukushu-en Garden and then step into the grandiose world of Shurijo Castle. Keep things going the next day: steep yourself in history at Tamaudun, then admire the verdant scenery at Valley of Gangala, then pause for some photo ops at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, and finally steep yourself in history at The Tower of Himeyuri.

To see reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Naha day trip app.

Zurich, Switzerland to Naha is an approximately 18-hour combination of flight and car. Traveling from Zurich to Naha, you'll lose 8 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Zurich in May, expect nights in Naha to be much hotter, around 26°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Miyakojima.

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

Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse and Miyako Shrine will appeal to history buffs. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Nagamahama Beach Coast and Toguchi no Hama. Next up on the itinerary: head outdoors with Aragusuku Beach, head off the coast to Irabu-jima Island, see the vivid underwater world at Yabiji, and enjoy the sand and surf at Maja Beach.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Miyakojima trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Naha to Miyakojima takes 2.5 hours. In May in Miyakojima, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 27°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can travel to Taketomi-jima.

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.

On the 10th (Thu), kick back and relax at Kaiji Beach, take a leisurely stroll along Nishi Pier, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Fri): get to know the fascinating history of Island Countryside Settlement and then head outdoors with Kubazaki Beach.

For ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Taketomi-jima itinerary tool.

Do a combination of flight and ferry from Miyakojima to Taketomi-jima in 4 hours. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in May, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can travel to Iriomote-jima.

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

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Wasurenaishi and Residence of Niimori. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Hoshisuna Beach and Ida no Hama Beach. And it doesn't end there: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, head off the coast to Iriomote Island, look for all kinds of wild species at Nakama-river Protected Region, and take in the dramatic scenery at Pinaisara Falls.

To find reviews, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read Iriomote-jima planner.

Ride a ferry from Taketomi-jima to Iriomote-jima in 2.5 hours. In May, daytime highs in Iriomote-jima are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) to allow time to travel 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.

On the 16th (Wed), enjoy the sand and surf at Yonehara Beach, enjoy the sea views from Cape Hirakubozaki, and then enjoy breathtaking views from Tamatorizaki Observatory. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Thu): add some fun to your beach time Fusaki Beach, then get engrossed in the history at Ishigaki Yaima Village, and then get interesting insight from Tours.

For maps, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Ishigaki driving holiday planner.

Ride a ferry from Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki in 2 hours. May in Ishigaki sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.