Brand new from Bradt is Okinawa and Japan's Southwest Islands the sole travel guidebook
dedicated to the archipelago stretching from the southern tip of mainland Japan to Taiwan
whose landscapes include award-winning beaches coral reefs tropical jungles and ancient
forests. This guide contains all the detailed information that travellers need to get the most
out of their visit from accommodation and restaurants to transport and sights. Japan expert Jo
Davey complements this with rich context and entertaining insights to help readers understand
this fascinating region covering culture recipes architectural highlights historical
episodes and traditional folktales. Japan's Southwest Islands are a remote but rewarding and
geographically diverse area that comprises the Satsunan Islands (formed of the Osumi and Amami
islands) and the Ryukyu Islands (consisting of the Okinawa Kerama Miyako and Yaeyama
islands). The capital city of Naha on Okinawa-honto is a bright and busy hub of history art
karate and food. Thanks to its many US military bases and post-war occupation by the US Naha
is a fusion of Japanese and American culture. In contrast the more remote islands preserve
traditional Ryukyuan life with festivals architecture traditional accommodation and religious
sites. Depending where you travel you can dive with manta rays off Iriomote or kayak along its
jungle rivers hike through Yakushima's ancient forest search for star sand on Taketomi pay
tribute to the fallen of World War II at museums and monuments on Okinawa-honto cycle between
Miyako's award-winning beaches take home a chunk of rope from the world's largest tug-of-war
(in Naha) or go whalewatching off the Kerama Islands. Wherever you go the islands' amazing
food is found throughout the archipelago and is known for being the world's healthiest cuisine.
As well as dedicated chapters covering each island group the book also provides a glimpse into
the 'gateway cities' of Kagoshima Tokyo and Osaka with coverage that highlights little-known
areas activities accommodation and restaurants. Throughout extensive practical information
includes transport seasonality itineraries visas and budgeting. Whether you come for culture
or cuisine karate or nature diving or trekking let Bradt's Okinawa and Japan's Southwest
Islands be your guide.
