5/23-6/12: Japan (southern Islands)
I've visited Japan more than any other country, but the thing is... it's always the same spots - Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka. I decided to mix it up this time around by visiting the islands in the south - Yakushima & Okinawa.
When I think of Japan, it's no longer the image of packed trains and skyscrapers, but has now been replaced by the forests of Yakushima and the clear blue waters of Okinawa. Most of my friends in Japan have never been to these regions and I can't emphasize enough to them how much they're missing out. Yakushima is where the Miyazaki film, Princess Mononoke was based off, while Okinawa is considered the "Hawaii of Japan".
I can confidently say that Yakushima is my favorite place (I would love to retire there!) in Japan and Okinawa is a close second. Yakushima is a nature-lovers dream while Okinawa is a beach paradise that can go head to head with the beaches of Philippines.
Itinerary:
- Kagoshima (1 night @ Kagoshima Yakushima hostel)
- This where you'll need to come in order to catch the boat to Yakushima. Great ramen here!
- Yakushima (4 nights @ Yakushima Guest house)
- I'd really add on time to Yakushima if you can - there's so many more hikes I wish I could've done.
- Okinawa (5 nights @Okinawa Sora + Airbnb)
- This was a good amount of time to see most of the main islands things to see, but you can never really spend too much time in paradise right?
Highlights:
Yakushima
- Lots and lots of beautiful green nature.
- Hiking Shirtani Unsuikyo (the cover photo) whilst being heavily rained on was actually magical. Be sure to watch Princess Mononoke before doing this hike.
- Grabbing a bike and biking to the natural outdoor beach hot springs located on the south-east part of Yakushima. It's incredible being in a hot-spring when with ocean waves come creeping inches from your pool -- be sure to make sure the tides are right!
- Biking back from the hot-springs under an unmatched starlit sky and stopping to pee on the side of the road only to find giant sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.
- Stay at Guest House Yakushima. It's nestled in the heart of Yakushima's forest and words can not describe the peace and tranquility there.
Okinawa
- Yumenoya is one of the most unique restaurants that I've ever been to. It touts Okinawas Umibudou Soba - "sea grape" AKA seaweed. We were served by the owner who radiated an aura of happiness - I think you'll be able to see it in the photos.
- The beaches. Holy shit. I couldn't believe the beaches we saw. We stumbled upon a place called Heart Beach which was recommended by our Bnb host. I'll let the pictures do most of the explaining, but wow - easily top 5 beaches I've ever been to.
- Staring at Okinawa's Churaumi whale sharks. You can easily sit there for all day and watch the massive whale sharks and ray circle in a giant tank. Throw in some headphones and find peace watching these giants float.
Lowlights:
- I highly recommend you get a car when visiting these places... and if you're American like me, you'll need an international license (which I didn't have). You'll be fine hitchhiking around both these safe islands, but still... a car would've been tight. *note* I convinced a friend to come a let me use her license!
- Yakushima rains a alot. I was caught in a "Super Typhoon" the intersection of 3 typhoons, which left my phone/camera out of commission -- RIP Iphone 6 + praise the lord my camera came back alive.
