From relaxing on forgotten beaches to hiking through ancient cedar forests; this Japan island tour is completely off the beaten track - including visits to islands where Western tourists are extremely rare, and the pace of life has not changed for centuries.



The Ryukyu Islands of Japan spread from Kyushu in a perfect half moon-shaped archipelago down to Taiwan, with Okinawa the crown jewel in this delicate chain of lost gemstones set in a turquoise East China Sea. This incredible adventure takes you to Tokunoshima & Okinoerabu, islands never before visited by a Western tour group, as well as through prehistoric cedar forests cradled within the volcanic mountains of Yakushima.



Discover the joys of a slow pace of life, sample the fiery locally-brewed ‘shochu’; taste the freshest of fresh sushi and swim in phosphorescent waters over perfectly formed coral reefs.



The white sandy beaches and glistening clear waters of the Ryukyu Islands remain an oasis of time and nature amidst the ever-increasing modernisation of their neighbouring Asian countries. With a rich and unique history including the Ryukyu Kingdom ??? from the 15th to the 19th Century, it is where the martial art of Karate first originated before spreading to Japan, and where culture flourished due to it’s positioning as a centre of maritime trade.



There is also an optional ‘mainland’ Japan add-on that includes the stunning temples of Kyoto the ancient capital, as well as the neon jungle of Tokyo, for those whom want to explore this bustling metropolis before flying home.