Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Japan

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Scenery of Kabira Bay, Okinawa, Japan

Scenery of Kabira Bay, Okinawa, Japan

Why visit Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Collectively known as the Southwest Islands, the Nansei-shotō (南西諸島) comprises several chains of semitropical, coral-fringed isles far removed from the concerns of mainland life, where the slow pace and unique cultural heritage of the former Ryūkyū kingdom endures, offering a vibrant contrast to Japan's focus on modernity and technology.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Get 5% off

Take your Japan trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Japan’s Golden Route: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Fuji in 14 Days

14 days / 13 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Savor Uji matcha from the source during a traditional tea ceremony
  2. 2 Meander among peaceful bamboo groves and orange-hued torrii shrines in Kyoto
  3. 3 Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing on a four-day tour of Tokyo, past and present
from $6,820

per person

book this trip see trip details

Explore more trips

  • Spring's Season of Sakura: 10 Days of Japanese Cherry Blossoms
    Japan

    10 days / 9 nights

    Spring's Season of Sakura: 10 Days of Japanese Cherry Blossoms

    FROM $4,963

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • Nozawa Slopes, Nagano Temples, and Tokyo Treasures: Japanese Winter in 10 Days
    Japan

    10 days / 9 nights

    Nozawa Slopes, Nagano Temples, and Tokyo Treasures: Japanese Winter in 10 Days

    FROM $5,370

    per person

    See Trip Details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Discover the best attractions in Okinawa & the Southwest Islands from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Okinawa & the Southwest Islands travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Things to Know

Head off the usual tourist trail on one of the world's best boat journeys between Japan's sub-tropical Amami Islands.

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Okinawa & the Southwest Islands and beyond

View all