Example Itinerary
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
This 7-day itinerary is a rare cultural treat as travelers journey to the westernmost island in Japan. See a simple and unique way of life on a largely secluded island. Sail, dive, swim and explore as you immerse yourself in the exotic culture of Okinawa. From the bustling city of Naha to the quiet nature of Yonaguni, this trip has the perfect balance of adventure, culture and relaxation.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.
• Hammer Point: A thrilling dive here offers the opportunity to swim with hammerhead sharks in the East China Sea.
• Underwater Ruins: Dive down at Iseki Point to discover the submerged Yonaguni Monument rock formations, which some believe to be the remains of a real-life Atlantis.
• Wildlife: Critically-endangered Yonaguni wild ponies trot across the countryside on this rural island.
Fly in to Naha, Okinawa’s capital city serenely located on the East China Sea coast. Make the most of the town’s nightlife by hitting up one of the sophisticated clubs in the city center. Dance the night away at Club Cielo where the best music in the city is blasting. Try one of the incredible locally-crafted microbrews at Hielos. Stay at a hotel close to the center so you don’t have to worry about walking too far and can save your energy for dancing.
Preferred Hotel
Spend the day getting to know the unique Naha culture. Pay a visit to the beautiful, expansive Shuri Castle. See the seat where the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom once reigned over the land. The bright red palace with massive gray and white walls is a brilliant sight to see. Shop ‘til you drop at the Kosetsu Ichiba Market. These three covered shopping arcades are the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh deep-fried donuts, leaf-wrapped mochi or quenching fruit drinks. Look for candy-colored fish being sold out of the little stalls. Hear Naha’s local music, Sanshin Music, at Chindami Sanshiten, one of the most highly-regarded sanshin-makers shops in existence. Spend your final evening in the pulsing city at your hotel.
Enjoy a final lunch in Naha before flying to the tropical paradise of Yonaguni. Yonaguni is the westernmost island with inhabitants in Japan. The island lies nearly in between Japan’s mainland and Taiwan. Check into a beachfront resort and spend the rest of the day getting acquainted with your new surroundings and relaxing by the beach.
Wake up and dive! Discover the exotic Yonaguni Stone Monuments at Iseki Point. The area was discovered in the 1980’s by local divers. The Yonaguni Monument is comprised of staircase-esque terraces. The rock formations are considered a natural joint. Keep your eyes peeled for the Stage and the Stadium - terraces named for their real life look-alikes. After a day of losing yourself underwater, return to your hotel and take it easy for the rest of the day.
Take your diving to another level today and explore the depths of the East China Sea. Dive with schooling Hammerhead sharks at Hammer Point. Explore the surrounding corals and you are likely to see more of the frightening but fascinating creatures. There are several vibrant corals and caverns in the area. If you prefer to be above water, give sailing, deep sea-fishing and kayaking a whirl. End the day perfectly with a stunning sunset cruise.
Spend the morning exploring the underwater world with two last dives. That afternoon, explore the island’s topside. Try the area’s artisan liquor, awamori, and visit one of the local factories to learn about how it’s produced. Walk out to Japan’s most western point. Look for the Yonaguni San - one of the world’s largest moths. Peruse the coastline and see what village life is like for the local islanders. As the island is still rather rural, the villagers often leave all their doors and windows open to allow the sea breeze to cool off their living quarters. Look for beautiful indigenous ponies freely roaming the countryside.
Fly back to Naha and enjoy a luxurious last day of pampering. Shop the fashion houses and see the most fashion-forward pieces in Asia. Indulge in a savory local meal along the popular Kokusai Dori Street. Champuru, a stir-fry dish, and Okinawa Soba, a noodle soup, are delicious local choices. Transfer to the airport in time for your flight onward.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
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Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
We are extremely demanding and we don't give 'perfect 10s' but this trip was close.
Catherine and her team...were able to put together a trip with exactly the kind of experiences we were dreaming of.
We will still remember every beautiful and remarkable moment you created for us during the trip for years to come.
