17 Days from $18,290 USD / person
Islands of Okinawa and Cuisine of Japan
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 4
International Arrival
Arrival at Narita airport. There you will be met by our representative and then taken to your hotel by your private chauffeur.
3 Nights
Tokyo
Tokyo is modern Japan’s beating heart. Here austere Shinto shrines sit cheek-by-jowl with vibrant shopping centers, and glitzy high-rises tower over beautiful cherry blossom trees. The city offers everything from history and culture to shopping, entertainment and great food. If you are looking for something, chances are you will find it in Tokyo. The city’s food scene is second to none. Tokyo features local and regional Japanese cuisine as well as international cuisines of all flavors. Its chefs have more Michelin stars than any other city but even small, tucked away places are likely to serve delicious food. There are dozens of museums of all stripes. The Tokyo National Museum is spread across multiple buildings and houses the largest collection of national treasures and important cultural items in Japan. The National Museum of Western Art was designed by the famous Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and is a world heritage site. The city is also home to the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. Head up to the deck for stunning, panoramic views of the city.
Hotel options
The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic – Opt 1
Room
Luxe King
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe King
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 4 – 6
Private Transfer from Tokyo Hotel to Haneda Airport (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English)
Board your flight from (Haneda) to Naha (Okinawa) (Duration: 2.5 hrs)
Private Transfer from Naha Airport to Hotel (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).
2 Nights
Naha
Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, is a bustling city that manages to perfectly blend modernity with tradition. Home to over 300,000 people, it is the largest city of Okinawa. From the stores, bars, and restaurants that line Kokusai-dori, the city’s main street, to the ancient Shuri castle and a Shinto shrine, there is plenty to see and do here. Get around the city with ease given the efficient monorail system and public buses. Part of the erstwhile Ryukyu kingdom, Naha has developed into the region’s transportation hub with easy connectivity to the other islands of Okinawa and the rest of the country and also parts of Asia. Explore Tsuboya district, known for its unique ceramic products, especially the Shiisa or lion-dog figurines. With favorable conditions for kiteboarding and scuba diving, Naha sees plenty of adventure-seekers all through the year. A visit to the local market makes for an interesting experience, what with a chance to buy dried sea snake and edible seaweed!
Hotel options
The Busena Terrace – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Ocean Front
Meals
Room Only
Halekulani Okinawa – Opt 2
Room
Premier Ocean Front Room
Meals
Room Only
Style
Beach Resort
Day 6 – 9
Private Transfer from Hotel to Naha Airport (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English)
Board your flight from Naha (Okinawa) to Ishigaki Island (Okinawa) (Duration: 1 hr)
Make your own way from Ishigaki Island airport to your hotel
3 Nights
Ishigaki
Ishigaki island, with its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, appears straight out of a picture postcard. Sharing the same latitude as that of Honolulu and Miami, this second largest island of the Yaeyama group is a diver’s paradise. Head for one of the many secluded beaches, patches of mysterious forests, and winding hiking trails, for an unforgettable holiday. These natural wonders combined with the temperate climate make the island a year-round destination and a favorite with travelers from across the globe. Ishigaki is also the gateway to numerous smaller islands in the region due to its air connectivity. Sample some of the exotic cuisines on offer to understand how this island has evovled to become a melting pot of cultures! Check into one of the many modern hotels on the island or try staying at a ryokan for an authentic Japanese experience.
Hotel options
Nagura Village Cottage – Opt 1
Room
Standard Cottage
Meals
Room Only
Nagura Village Cottage – Opt 2
Room
Standard Cottage
Meals
Room Only
Day 9 – 12
Private Transfer from your hotel to Ishigaki ferry terminals
Make your own way by ferry from Ishigaki to Iriomote Island (1h)
Hotel Shuttle transfer from Iriomote port to Hotel
3 Nights
Iriomote
Iriomote, the second largest island on the Okinawa archipelago, also has the distinction of being the least populated. Accessible only by ferry from Ishigaki, the island is known for its unique landscape with dense jungles, mangroves, and strikingly beautiful coral reefs. If you are lucky enough, you might see the elusive Yamaneko or Iriomote cat, an endangered species, that is one of the many rare species of wildlife that have their home on this island. A popular destination with adventure-seekers, Iriomote offers favorable conditions for activities such as trekking, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. If a laid-back vacation is more your style, the pristine beaches, gushing waterfalls, and soaring trees beckon you.
Hotel options
Jungle Hotel Painu Maya – Opt 1
Room
Standard Twin Room with balcony
Meals
Room Only
Jungle Hotel Painu Maya – Opt 2
Room
Standard Twin Room with balcony
Meals
Room Only
Day 12 – 15
Hotel Shuttle transfer from Iriomote hotel to Ohara ferry terminal
Ferry from Iriomote to Taketomi (40 mins)
Hotel shuttle transfer from Taketomi port to Hotel
3 Nights
Taketomi
Taketomi, situated off the coast of Ishigaki and among the few Okinawan Islands that survived the Second World War, epitomizes island living at its best! This islet beckons you with its crystal clear waters fringed by sandy white beaches. With less than 500 inhabitants, the residents of this island are a close-knit community. Taketomi is renowned for its traditional Ryukyu architecture characterized by the distinctive red terracotta tile roofs on single story homes. Walking and cycling are the best ways of getting around, for tourists and residents alike. However, there was a time when carts pulled by large water buffalo were the primary means of transporting food and supplies. When the tide was low enough, these carts were even used to travel to other islands. Hop onto one of the few water buffalo carts still in use for an experience like no other! Stay at one of the comfortable local guesthouses for a taste of Japanese hospitality.
Hotel options
Hotel Peace Island Taketomi – Opt 1
Room
Standard Twin Room
Meals
Room Only
HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island – Opt 2
Room
Kyangi Villa Twin
Meals
Room Only
Day 15 – 17
Hotel Shuttle transfer from Hotel to Taketomi port
Ferry from Taketomi to Ishigaki (15 mins)
Board your flight from Ishigaki Island (Okinawa) to Osaka (Kansai) via Okinawa (Naha) (Duration 5.5 hrs)
Private Transfer from Kansai Airport to Osaka Hotel (including airport assistance)
2 Nights
Osaka
Osaka is third largest city of Japan and has been the home of traders and merchants. It is also well-known for Japan’s oldest temple, the Shinto Sumiyoshi-taisha, and the majestic 16th century Osaka Castle. A lovely river runs through this colorful city, lending it life and distinct character. Osaka is also renowned for its pulsating nightlife and dazzling neon shopfronts and commercial streets. With mouthwatering cuisine, do try out the city’s delicious dishes, from humble noodle bowls stalls and yakitori stands to high-end sushi restaurants. Osaka’s proximity to Kansai airport and its many excellent hotels makes it a natural choice as a stopover destination.
Hotel options
Hilton Osaka – Opt 1
Room
Executive Floor King
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Patina Osaka – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe Room King City View
Meals
Room Only
Style
International
Private Transfer from Osaka Hotel to Kansai Airport (please note: the chauffeur usually does not speak English).
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
