7 strange and spectacular Japanese islands

Japan is a blend of eclecticism and natural beauty, and its many islands perfectly embody this unique character. For those heading to the Land of the Rising Sun, these strange and spectacular Japanese islands are not to be missed.

Isolation in Aogashima, Tokyo

Far-flung, mysterious and unmissable, Japan’s Aogashima Island is technically part of the Tokyo prefecture – even though it’s 358 kilometres south of the capital. Notoriously difficult to reach, it’s a volcanic island with a distinctive look; mossy cliffs rise in a circle around the island’s centre, forming a crater that’s all lush, leafy green vegetation, wild flowers and natural saunas. And with only 160 inhabitants, there’s a stillness and sense of isolation unlike anywhere else. How to get to Aogashima Island? Embark on a day trip here by taking a helicopter from Tokyo to neighbouring island Hachijojima and then a short boat ride. Spend the night at Gardenso when returning to Hachijojima.

Ancient forests in Yakushima, Kagoshima

Allegedly the inspiration behind Studio Ghibli’s hit anime Princess Mononoke, Yakushima is perhaps even more magical than its cinematic debut suggests. Centuries-old cedar trees known as yakusugi spread across the island – their towering, gnarled trunks (said to age for over 1,000 years) imbuing the forest with a magical, historical feel. Consequently, the island and its forests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, almost ghostly in the quiet atmosphere they create. Within them, you’ll stumble upon all manners of natural beauty – think tumbling waterfalls, craggy peaks and wild Yaku deer (Yakushima is sometimes also known as Deer Island). Rent your own cottage amidst it all at Wa no Cottage Sen-no-ie. How to get to Yakushima Island? Most visitors to Yakushima pass through the coastal mainland city of Kagoshima, travelling on to the island by a daily car ferry or a high speed boat. You can also fly directly from Osaka or Fukuoka.

Cats in Tashirojima, Miyagi

Tashirojima is paradise for cat lovers; hundreds of felines roam the island, outnumbering humans by six to one. Their thriving population is alleged to have stemmed from a time when the island raised silkworms for textiles and the cats were used to scare mice away, coupled with the Japanese belief that cats are a symbol of luck. Anywhere you go on this island, you’ll be greeted with a gentle purr – stop by the Cat Shrine, dedicated to a feline accidentally killed by a rock displaced by a fisherman, and pay your respect to this iconic cat while stroking one in the meantime. How to get there? There are cat-themed cabins to stay in on the island, or you can grab the ferry back to Sendai and stay at Hotel Vista Sendai.

Quiet on Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa

A kingdom of its own, Yaeyama is the most remote archipelago in Japan. Spread across the isles, you’ll find coral-fringed, sandy shorelines, iridescent sea caves and luminous turquoise waters, primed for scuba diving adventures. The islands’ remoteness has allowed both flora and fauna to flourish – on Iriomote, head into its thick jungle and take a cruise down the river, or experience an ox taxi on Taketomi island. Then walk to the isolated village of Funauki and the sheltered Ida-no-hama bay for a quiet escape into nature. On Ishigaki, stay close to the beach at Alaise De Bale Ishigaki. How to get to the Yaeyama Islands? The islands are about as off-the-beaten-track as you can get in Japan, but regular flights take passengers from mainland Japan and Naha, the capital of Okinawa Island. You can ferry between several of the islands from Ishigaki Island, with trips taking between 30 minutes and an hour.

Rabbits in Ōkunoshima, Hiroshima

On Ōkunoshima (aka Rabbit Island), scores of wild rabbits roam the island’s forests and shores. These days, the islands attract tourists who arrive with rabbit pellets in hand from the ferry, ready to feed groups of hungry but friendly bunnies. Once you’re maxed out on rabbit cuddling, Ōkunoshima is also home to gorgeous stretches of golden sand perfect for a contemplative walk along the beach. How to get to Ōkunoshima Island? Plan a day trip from Hiroshima bunny-free Kurayado Iroha hotel on Miyajima island.

Art in Naoshima, Kagawa

While Tokyo and Kyoto might be the go-to choice for culture, the tiny island of Naoshima and its burgeoning contemporary art scene make it a worthy competitor. Wedged in the Seto Inland Sea, the island began being invested in during the early 90s by a Japanese publishing house that helped bring in celebrated Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, to design many of the island’s buildings and museums. Now, you can expect to stumble upon underground stone mazes, subterranean museums like the Chichu Art Museum and ‘Pumpkin’ by Yayoi Kusama – a giant orange sculpture that’s become a symbol of the island. Keep the minimalism theme going when you stay at Hoshikuzu. How to get to Naoshima Island? Visitors can reach Naoshima by train from Tokyo but it will take around a full day. Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Okayama (3.5-4hrs), then from there take a JR Uno Line train to Uno Station. Uno is the end of the line and then once there simply walk across the road to the ferry terminal, where can take a ferry to Miyanoura Port to Naoshima.

Ghost towns in Hashima Island, Nagasaki

Around 15 kilometres from Nagasaki, you’ll find the completely abandoned Hashima Island (also known as Gunkanjima or Battleship Island). Once a symbol of Japan’s rapid industrialisation, the coal here eventually ran out – forcing mines to close and its residents to leave. Now, crumbling buildings rise and fall across the island while brutalist-style apartment blocks leer over the deserted streets below like decaying giants. It’s an eerie but spectacular sight that’s quickly garnering international attention, having famously featured in James Bond’s Skyfall. How to get to Hashima Island? The island can be reached via ferry from Nagasaki. Spend a few hours among the ghosts before returning to civilisation at the First Cabin Nagasaki capsule hotel.