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Top island destinations and tropical getaways

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Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
Coral atolls make up the entire Maldives, its highest point barely above sea level. Rising seas pose a long-term threat to the country's low-lying islands. Visitors can stay in overwater bungalows or dive some of the world's clearest reefs. Nearby house reefs let snorkelers spot marine life just steps from shore.
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
Coral reefs ring much of Okinawa, drawing divers to some of Japan's clearest water. Ryukyu Kingdom castles once ruled these islands before Japan annexed them in the 1800s. Visitors can dive reef walls or tour restored castle ruins. Nearby islands offer quieter beaches a short ferry ride away.
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
Cedar trees on Yakushima include specimens believed to be over a thousand years old. Moss-covered forests here are said to have inspired scenes in an animated film. Visitors can hike trails deep into the misty, ancient woodland. Nearby waterfalls drop through dense subtropical rainforest near the coast.
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
Thousands of small islands scatter across the Seto Inland Sea within this national park. Ferries have linked fishing villages across these calm waters for generations. Visitors can island-hop by ferry or cycle a scenic route connecting several islands by bridge. Nearby art installations on Naoshima have turned one island into an open-air museum.
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
Coral reefs around the Kerama Islands hold water so clear it is nicknamed Kerama blue. Whales pass through these waters each winter on their migration route. Visitors can snorkel or dive reefs just a short boat ride from Okinawa's main island. Nearby beaches stay far quieter than the busier resorts nearby.
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 vermilion torii gate appears to float on the water off Itsukushima at high tide. Builders first raised a shrine here over a thousand years ago. Visitors can walk out to the gate at low tide or view it by boat when the water rises. Nearby wild deer wander freely through the island's small town.
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
Olive groves cover much of Shodoshima, Japan's first successful olive-growing region. Farmers began cultivating the crop here in the early 1900s after failed attempts elsewhere. Visitors can tour an olive farm and taste oil produced on the island. Nearby gorges and a narrow strait draw hikers and photographers alike.
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
Dolphins have lived year-round in the waters off Amakusa for generations. Local boat operators track pods that rarely leave the surrounding channels. Visitors can watch them surface just meters from small tour boats. Nearby bridges link the islands, once a refuge for hidden Christian communities.
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
Shuri Castle once served as the seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom before Okinawa joined Japan. Fire has destroyed and rebuilt the castle several times, most recently in 2019. Visitors can tour the restored grounds and learn about Ryukyu history. Nearby markets sell Okinawan goods distinct from mainland Japanese cuisine.
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
American military bases have shaped much of Okinawa City's development since the postwar period. Local markets and nightlife districts grew up around these bases over the decades. Visitors can shop at Kokusai Street or visit a nearby cultural park. Nearby beaches offer a quieter contrast to the city's busier streets.
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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