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Best island getaway destinations in Asia

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Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
The Maldives has more than one thousand coral islands scattered in the Indian Ocean. Many resorts sit on their own small island. Overwater villas look over clear lagoons and colorful reefs. Snorkelers often spot manta rays and reef sharks close to shore. Seaplanes carry guests between the islands.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Okinawa Island
Reef beaches and Ryukyu Kingdom heritage
8.4
Okinawa is a chain of subtropical islands south of mainland Japan. Coral reefs and white beaches ring the coast. The local diet is often linked to long lives. The Churaumi Aquarium has a giant tank with whale sharks. Sea turtles and manta rays also visit the warm waters.
Highlights:
  • πŸ–οΈ Relax on white sands of Emerald and Zanpa Beaches
  • 🏯 Explore historic Shuri Castle, former Ryukyu Kingdom palace
  • πŸ‹ Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks
Yakushima
Ancient cedars, mossy forest and waterfalls
8.8
Ancient cedar trees grow across this mountain island south of Kyushu in Japan. The forest is a UNESCO site and inspired a famous animated film. Hikers trek to the Jomon Sugi tree that may be thousands of years old. Hot springs by the sea are open at low tide.
Highlights:
  • πŸ’ Spot Yakushima macaques and deer along forest trails
  • 🌳 See Jomon Sugi, Japan’s legendary 7,000-year-old cedar tree
  • 🌲 Hike through the ancient cedar forests of Shiratani Unsuikyo
Setonaikai National Park
Island seascapes, bridges and art islands
8.2
The Shimanami Kaido is a cycling route that crosses six islands on bridges between Honshu and Shikoku. Naoshima has modern art museums and a yellow pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama. Small ferries link the many islands of this calm inland sea. This national park was one of Japan's first, set up in 1934.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Witness the powerful whirlpools of Naruto Strait
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Explore contemporary art on Naoshima and Teshima islands
  • πŸš΄β€β™‚οΈ Cycle the scenic Shimanami Kaido bridge route
Kerama Shoto National Park
Kerama blue seas, coral and whales
8.4
Japan made the Kerama Islands a national park in 2014 to protect their reefs. Locals call the clear water here Kerama blue. Ferries from Naha reach Zamami and Tokashiki in under an hour. Sea turtles often swim near the beaches. Snorkelers can see coral right from shore.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Spot sea turtles while diving around Tokashiki Island
  • πŸ›Ά Take a scenic glass-bottom boat tour over turquoise waters
  • 🀿 Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish
Miyajima
Torii in the sea, deer and Mount Misen
8.6
A tall red gate seems to float on the sea when the tide is high. It belongs to Itsukushima Shrine, which stands on stilts and is a World Heritage site. Deer roam the streets freely near the ferry pier. Shops sell momiji manju, a cake shaped like a maple leaf.
Highlights:
  • 🍁 Stroll through Momijidani Park’s maple trees in autumn
  • πŸ”οΈ Climb Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea
  • ⛩️ Admire the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at high tide
Shodoshima
Japan's olive island with a tidal sandbar
7.8
Shodoshima sits in the Seto Inland Sea and is known for olive groves and soy sauce. A dramatic gorge called Kankakei has cable car views. The Angel Road is a sandbar that appears at low tide. Art installations dot the island and ferries link it to Takamatsu.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Cross Angel Road’s mystical sandbar at low tide
  • 🌿 Visit Shodoshima Olive Park and see the iconic windmill
  • 🚑 Walk the breathtaking Kankakei Gorge and ride the ropeway
Amakusa
Hidden Christian sites and wild dolphins
7.5
Hundreds of islands form this chain off the coast of Kumamoto in southern Japan. Pods of wild dolphins live in the waters and boat trips let visitors watch them. Hidden Christian sites such as Sakitsu village hold UNESCO status. Fresh seafood and hot springs add to the quiet island mood.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in the seaside hot springs of Amakusa Onsen
  • β›ͺ Visit Sakitsu Village and its historic Catholic church
  • 🐬 Spot wild dolphins on a cruise around Amakusa’s waters
Naha
Okinawa's capital with Shuri Castle and markets
7.8
Naha is the capital of Okinawa in southern Japan. Kokusai Dori is a busy street of shops and small eateries. Shuri Castle is a reconstructed royal palace with red walls. Local dishes include Okinawa soba and goya champuru. Small cafes sit beside old markets. Ferries also leave the port for nearby islands.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Visit the serene Shikinaen Garden, a royal retreat
  • πŸ›οΈ Stroll and shop along lively Kokusai Street
  • 🏯 Explore the UNESCO Shurijo Castle, symbol of Ryukyu Kingdom
Okinawa City
Live music, Eisa dance and champuru culture
7.0
Okinawa City has a lively mix of Japanese and American influences. Live music bars fill the streets of Koza. Beaches and diving spots lie a short drive away. The city also has a zoo for children and a cultural museum. Nights are lively with local bands.
Highlights:
  • 🎢 Immerse in Ryukyuan culture at Okinawa City Music Town
  • 🌺 Explore Southeast Botanical Gardens and its tropical blooms
  • 🦁 Visit Okinawa Zoo & Museum and meet island wildlife
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