Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka... if you've already visited Japan's hotspots—or you're looking for a more authentic side of the country from the outset—the lesser-known islands of southern Japan offer a fascinating alternative (or add-on).
I'm travelling with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises aboard the 230-passenger HANSEATIC Inspiration, joining the first week of a longer itinerary that stretches the length of the country. I embark in Taipei before exploring Japan's southern islands and then disembarking in Beppu after seven days. These islands rarely feature on mainstream itineraries, and several guests onboard have told me they specifically chose this voyage for the opportunity to experience a side of Japan that few international travellers ever see. Their excitement is contagious, and it's easy to understand why.
The Joy of Slow Travel
Before reaching our first Japanese port, we enjoy a relaxing day at sea. It's the perfect way to ease into the trip. Between excellent dining (with a choice of three restaurants), time in the observation lounge, a swim in the deck-top pool and simply watching the ocean drift by, the day passes effortlessly. Read more about my Hapag-Lloyd Cruises experience here >>>
Refreshed and ready to explore, we arrive in Japan.
Naha, Okinawa: Japan's Tropical South
Our first stop is Naha, the capital of Okinawa.
With a population of around 300,000, Naha is lively without feeling overwhelming. The city has a distinctly different atmosphere to mainland Japan and is often referred to as the "Hawaii of Japan" thanks to its subtropical climate, laid-back lifestyle, beautiful beaches and unique history.
Okinawa is also known for its famously long-lived residents. While the region's Blue Zone status has attracted global attention, influences from the post-war American occupation remain evident today—most notably in the enduring popularity of Spam, which appears in everything from convenience stores to local restaurants.
The city's main shopping street is lined with local specialties, including purple sweet potato treats, colourful lion statues known as shisa, and countless Okinawan souvenirs.
Away from the shops, I wander through beautifully maintained gardens and visit the local museum, which provides a sobering insight into the devastation Okinawa experienced during World War II.
Before returning to the ship, I stop by the local beach. It's impeccably maintained, complete with lifeguards, netted swimming areas and the kind of orderly infrastructure Japan does so well. An overpass frames the backdrop—not exactly tropical paradise, but somehow it feels perfectly Japanese.
Okinoerabujima: Life Off the Tourist Trail
One of the great advantages of small ship cruising is arriving directly in the heart of places most travellers never reach.
In Okinoerabujima, we simply walk down the gangway and into town, where a group of enthusiastic local tourism volunteers is waiting to welcome us.
Rather than taking the shuttle, I join a guided hike to the local museum, eager to experience the island's scenery up close.
Covering less than 100 square kilometres and home to around 12,000 residents, Okinoerabujima is one of Japan's quieter corners. The walk takes us along sparkling turquoise coastline and through lush vegetation, where palms and flowering plants flourish in the warm climate.
Along the way, we pass sugarcane fields and carefully tended plots of white lilies, a crop that has become an important part of the island's economy.
After an hour of walking through humid 25-degree conditions, we arrive at the local museum. Perched on a hill overlooking the countryside, it offers a fascinating introduction to the island's agricultural heritage and way of life.
For visitors spending more time here, there is plenty to discover. Okinoerabujima is renowned for its limestone cave systems, including Shoryu Cave, one of Japan's largest stalactite caves. Offshore, coral reefs provide excellent opportunities for snorkelling, diving and kayaking, while humpback whales can often be spotted during the winter migration season.
Amami Oshima: Everyday Japan
Our next stop is Amami Oshima, where we dock in the port town of Naze.
Unlike Japan's better-known destinations, Naze isn't designed around tourism. That's precisely what makes it so interesting.
A short walk from the ship takes us into town, where local cafés, neighbourhood streets and even a visit to a Japanese supermarket offer an authentic glimpse into daily life.
Deciding to ditch Google Translate, I take a gamble at a local restaurant and order from a Japanese-only menu. Thankfully, my gamble pays off. I enjoy a delicious hot pot—which I may not have ordered had I known beforehand that the feature ingredient was goat!
Beyond town, the island reveals a landscape of dense forests, mangrove ecosystems and rugged coastline. A tour takes us to a local silk factory, scenic viewpoints and a cultural centre, helping us understand the island's unique traditions and heritage.
Yakushima: Japan's Natural Wonder
If there was one place where I wished for more time, it was Yakushima.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, the island is famous for its ancient cedar forests, moss-covered landscapes and dramatic mountain scenery. It feels almost mythical.
The small town of Miyanoura serves as the island's gateway, offering cosy cafés, traditional ryokans, local restaurants and excellent visitor facilities.
We catch a local bus into the mountains and spend time exploring some of the island's spectacular hiking trails. Surrounded by towering cedars, flowing waterfalls and lush vegetation, it's easy to understand why Yakushima inspired the enchanted forests seen in Japanese animation.
Uwajima: A Welcome to Remember
Every port we visit in Japan brings a warm and memorable welcome.
Whether its local tourism representatives lining the quay with enthusiastic waves or organised cultural performances on the dock, each arrival feels like a celebration.
But nowhere was this more evident than in Uwajima.
As HANSEATIC inspiration approached the harbour, a flotilla of small boats emerged to greet us. Colourfully decorated with flags, the boats circled the ship while those onboard waved enthusiastically, escorting us into port.
After tendering ashore, we travel inland to the old town, where traditional homes, manicured gardens and family-run workshops offer a glimpse into Japan's past. We visit a candle-making workshop that has remained in the same family for seven generations, preserving techniques and traditions that might otherwise have been lost.
Why Visit Japan's Lesser-Known Islands?
These islands won't replace the likes of Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka—and that's exactly the point.
They offer a different perspective on Japan: one shaped by nature, local communities and traditions that continue largely untouched by mass tourism.
Travelling through Japan's lesser-known islands by small ship offers a rare opportunity to connect with a side of the country that many visitors never see. It's slower, quieter and, in many ways, even more rewarding.
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Top 3 Traveller Types Suited to Japan's Lesser-Known Islands
1. Nature Lovers
If your ideal holiday involves getting outdoors, these islands deliver in abundance. Hike through ancient cedar forests, explore lush subtropical landscapes, discover hidden beaches and bays, and immerse yourself in some of Japan's most spectacular natural scenery.
2. History Enthusiasts
From World War II museums and traditional crafts to centuries-old customs and local folklore, these islands offer fascinating insights into Japan's rich and diverse history. Every port reveals another layer of the country's cultural story.
3. Cultural Explorers
For travellers who prefer authentic experiences over ticking off famous landmarks, the lesser-known islands provide a unique opportunity to connect with everyday Japanese life. Wander local neighbourhoods, dine at family-run restaurants, browse regional markets and experience the warm hospitality of communities that rarely see large numbers of international visitors.
