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 ratings and tourist information, read our Naha day trip app.

Zurich, Switzerland to Naha is an approximately 18- hour flight. 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 Aragusuku Beach and Nagamahama Beach Coast. And it doesn't end there: head outdoors with Toguchi no Hama, enjoy the sand and surf at Tomori Imugya Beach, explore the gorgeous colors at Yabiji, and snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi.

To find traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Miyakojima travel 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. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) to allow time to ride a ferry 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, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Taketomi-jima itinerary tool.

Ride a ferry from Miyakojima to Taketomi-jima in 3.5 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 catch the ferry 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: get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, take in the dramatic scenery at Pinaisara Falls, look for all kinds of wild species at Nakama-river Protected Region, and paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour.

To find photos, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read our Iriomote-jima online trip planner.

You can ride a ferry from Taketomi-jima to Iriomote-jima in 2 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Iriomote-jima can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) to allow enough 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.

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): kick back and relax at Fusaki Beach, then get engrossed in the history at Ishigaki Yaima Village, and then get interesting insight from Tours.

For maps, photos, and more tourist information, use the Ishigaki driving holiday planner.

Ride a ferry from Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki in an hour. 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.