A lesser-known side of the country shifts into sun-drenched focus in its southernmost Okinawa region, home to a trail of 160-plus subtropical islands (only 50 are inhabited) – all far-flung, yet easily accessible with direct flights from several Asian cities, and famously relaxed, surrounded by blue waters and coral reefs.
But Okinawa is not just about beaches, even though it has some of Japan’s finest. Hand in hand with its slow tempo there’s a rich cultural heritage, as its remote location has resulted in a unique mosaic of Japanese and Chinese influences.